Eligibility

You must meet the following qualifiers in order to be eligible to take the conceal carry course:  

1. Is a citizen of the United States; 

2. Is a resident of New Mexico or 

3. A member of the armed forces whose permanent duty station is located in New Mexico or is a dependent of such a member; 

4. Is twenty-one years of age or older; 

5. Is not a fugitive from justice; 

6. Has not been convicted of a felony in New Mexico or any other state or pursuant to the laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction; 

7. Is not currently under indictment for a felony criminal offense in New Mexico or any other state or pursuant to the laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction; 

8. Is not otherwise prohibited by federal law or the law of any other jurisdiction from purchasing or possessing a firearm; 

9. Has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution; 

10. Is not addicted to alcohol or controlled substances; and 

11. Has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course approved by the department for the Category and the Largest Caliber of handgun that the applicant wants to be licensed to carry as a concealed handgun.  

(These facts will be noted on the certificate of completion you’ll receive for successfully completing this course). 

The Department will deny any application of any applicant who has:  

1. Received a conditional discharge, a diversion or a deferment or has been convicted of, pled guilty to, or has entered a plea of “nolo contendere” (accepting a conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered but does not admit guilt) to a misdemeanor offense involving a crime of violence within ten years immediately preceding the application; 

2. Been convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs within five years immediately preceding the application for a concealed handgun license; 

3. Been convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving the possession or abuse of a controlled substance within ten years immediately preceding the application; or 

4. Been convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving assault, battery or battery against a household member.  

**Conviction Definition:  a formal declaration hat someone is guilty of a criminal offense, made by the verdict of a jury OR the decision of a judge in a court of law.  Includes: • Guilty Plea • No contest • Nolo Contendere • Conditional plea of guilty Or any other plea that would result in an adjudication of guild in any court of competent jurisdiction.  A conviction includes a deferred sentence and a conditional discharge prior to satisfaction of the conditions and after satisfaction of conditions where required by the act.