CCW for LEO / Military in NM

The State of New Mexico has some benefits for military members and law enforcement officers when it comes to concealed carry licensing.  There are no application fees, the fingerprint fees are lowered, and training may or may not be required depending on how many years between service and the application date. 

Required Documents:

• For active duty military, have a copy of your orders bringing you to NM and your military ID card
• For retired military, have a copy of your DD214 member 4 copy and it must be an honorable discharge.
• For Law Enforcement Officers, have an agency ID, Law Enforcement Certification Number, and letter of good standing
• For Retired LEO, Law Enforcement Certification Number, Letter of Good Standing, and MUST have completed a minimum of 15 years as a certified LEO unless retired due to job related disability. 

Providing these documents with your application will waive any application fees.  That means you will not pay $100 for the application fees if you are current or former military or law enforcement.

Fingerprint Fees

Fingerprints are still required.  Do NOT pay the $44!  Use the same online fingerprint procedures for digital fingerprints, but use the code “DPS CCW LAW ENF APP” which only costs you $8.30 and change.  Military and Law Enforcement can use this code.  Complete the online application for fingerprints BEFORE you go get your prints done. You can do so HERE.

Certification of Completed training:

• For retired and former military members, if you have been out of the military for over 20 years, you will need to complete the full 15-hours initial course.  Many instructors including me will offer a military discount if you need the training.
• For retired and former Law Enforcement, if you have been out of law enforcement for over 10 years, you will need to complete the full 15-hour initial course. Same holds true, many instructors including me offer a discount for law enforcement if you need the training.
• Otherwise, both LEO (active or out less than 10 years) and military (active or out less than 20 years) are not required to complete the training.
  • For military members, if you do NOT have a NM driver’s license, you will need 2 passport photos.  If you have a current NM driver’s license, they already have your photo on file.
  • You still need to fill out the application and other forms required for the application.  Once you have all of that together, I recommend taking the whole package to:
    • Department of Public Safety office, Concealed Carry Unit
      6301 Indian School Rd NE Ste. 310  – (commonly known as the Darth Vader bldg. – 3^rd floor)
      Albuquerque, NM 87110
      Office hours: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
      (505) 841-8053
  • I suggest a hand delivery because if you have something wrong, misplaced, or missing, they will immediately identify it to you and let you know what you need to do to correct it. You can mail it in if you want, but if you are in or close to ABQ, I recommend having them check it over in person.  If you can’t hand deliver it, I suggest you call them and ask them about any questions you may have. 

Questions about Military or Law Enforcement Concealed Carry applicants, call the Conceal Carry unit office.