Is a New Mexico Non-Resident Permit Valid in Alabama?

Why

• New Mexico does not issue carry permits to non-residents (residents only (domiciled 90+ days), except members of the us armed forces permanently stationed in nm and their dependents (nmsa 29-19-4(a)(2)). new residents holding a license from a reciprocity state must transfer to a nm license within 90 days).

Attorney General: 'The state of Alabama recognizes any concealed carry permit issued by another state' (Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a)); no resident-only condition stated.

Carry rules in Alabama

Alabama's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.

• No proactive duty to inform found on any official Alabama source; answer truthfully and present a permit if an officer asks during a lawful stop.
• Alabama sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Alabama allows permitless concealed carry from age 19 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Since Jan 1, 2023 a loaded handgun may be carried in a vehicle without a permit by anyone who may carry permitless (Act 2022-133 removed the vehicle-carry permit requirement).

Off-limits places in Alabama

• Police, sheriff and highway patrol stations
• Prisons, jails and other detention facilities
• Psychiatric and mental-health inpatient facilities
• Courthouses and court-related buildings
• Professional and school athletic events (without a permit)
• Secured facilities with guarded, restricted access

Frequently asked questions

Is a New Mexico non-resident permit valid in Alabama?

New Mexico has no non-resident permit program (residents only (domiciled 90+ days), except members of the US armed forces permanently stationed in NM and their dependents (NMSA 29-19-4(A)(2)). New residents holding a license from a reciprocity state must transfer to a NM license within 90 days). Travelers who want multi-state coverage usually pair their home-state permit with a widely honored non-resident permit from another state.

Do I have to tell police in Alabama that I am carrying?

No proactive duty to inform found on any official Alabama source; answer truthfully and present a permit if an officer asks during a lawful stop.

Does Alabama limit magazine capacity?

Alabama sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Alabama without any permit?

Alabama allows permitless concealed carry from age 19 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does New Mexico issue non-resident carry permits?

No. New Mexico issues carry permits to residents only (residents only (domiciled 90+ days), except members of the US armed forces permanently stationed in NM and their dependents (NMSA 29-19-4(A)(2)). New residents holding a license from a reciprocity state must transfer to a NM license within 90 days). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.