The first step in obtaining a concealed carry license is to pick up the packet titled “New Mexico Concealed Handgun Carry Act of 2003” from either the Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) or most State Police offices. All of this information, including both the law and the DPS rules can be downloaded from www.dps.nm.org.The fingerprint cards cannot be downloaded and that is why it is necessary to obtain the packet.

     Included in this packet are the application, finger print cards (2 each) and two release forms. The release forms give DPS the right to obtain medical information and any other information including felonies and misdemeanors. The application and release forms require notarization. Also required is a copy (provided by the state of birth) of your birth certificate and a copy of your NM Drivers License. Passports are not acceptable in lieu of a birth certificate.

    You must go through 15 hours of training. As I write this there are 22 approved instructors in NM. By the time you read this I believe there will be more approved instructors. A list of approved instructors and their phone numbers can be downloaded from www.dps.nm.org/did/concealed_instructors.htm.

    Instructor cost and rules differ. Some allow only factor ammunition, some charge for additional handguns, some require drawing a loaded handgun from the holster during training, etc. When you contract with an instructor, the instructor should provide you with his rules, a list of what to bring to the training and directions to the classroom and range where the training will be conducted.

    Upon completion of training the instructor will provide you with a certificate of training that needs to be included in your submission to DPS. DPS instruction for submission of the application need to be exactly followed or the application will be returned as incomplete.

    An added note for those that want to carry a small caliber handgun. When you qualify with a 32 or larger handgun, you can also qualify with a smaller handgun, i.e., 22, 22 Mag, 25 etc., and the smaller gun will be listed on your concealed carry license.

Good luck and safe shooting.

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