This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
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New Mexico CHL Requirements
How to get a New Mexico New Mexico Concealed Handgun License (CHL): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $56 — Approximately $56 for a new civilian concealed handgun license, plus fingerprint/background-check costs (confirm current amount with NM DPS).
- Minimum age
- 21
- Training
- Required — A DPS-approved firearms safety training course covering deadly-force law, safe handling and storage, weapon care and maintenance, and marksmanship (with live fire) is required; a refresher is required at the two-year mark of the four-year license (NMSA §29-19-4).
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 4 years, then renewal
- Residency
- New Mexico residents only
- Non-resident permit
- Not available
Applications are processed by New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Records Bureau.
Steps to get a New Mexico CHL
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old and a New Mexico resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. A DPS-approved firearms safety training course covering deadly-force law, safe handling and storage, weapon care and maintenance, and marksmanship (with live fire) is required; a refresher is required at the two-year mark of the four-year license (NMSA §29-19-4).
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Records Bureau. File your New Mexico Concealed Handgun License (CHL) application with New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Records Bureau. See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CHL application fee of $56. Approximately $56 for a new civilian concealed handgun license, plus fingerprint/background-check costs (confirm current amount with NM DPS).
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHL is valid for 4 years, after which it must be renewed.
Last verified 2026-07-10 against New Mexico DPS — Concealed Carry Licenses.
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New Mexico CHL FAQ
- What are the requirements for a New Mexico CHL?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of New Mexico, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Records Bureau.
- Is training required for a New Mexico CHL?
- Yes. New Mexico requires firearms training to obtain the CHL. A DPS-approved firearms safety training course covering deadly-force law, safe handling and storage, weapon care and maintenance, and marksmanship (with live fire) is required; a refresher is required at the two-year mark of the four-year license (NMSA §29-19-4).
- How long does it take to get a New Mexico CHL?
- New Mexico has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHL — check with New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Law Enforcement Records Bureau for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a New Mexico CHL?
- No. New Mexico generally limits the CHL to residents.
- How much does the New Mexico CHL cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $56. Approximately $56 for a new civilian concealed handgun license, plus fingerprint/background-check costs (confirm current amount with NM DPS). The permit is valid for 4 years before renewal.
Sources
- New Mexico DPS — Concealed Carry Licenses (2026-07-10)