Non-Resident permit · NM → AZ
Is a New Mexico Non-Resident Permit Valid in Arizona?
New Mexico does not sell permits to out-of-state applicants (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). For carry in Arizona, what matters is a permit you can actually hold — your resident permit, or a non-resident permit from a state that issues them.
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).
A.R.S. § 13-3112(Q): Arizona recognizes any other state's permit if it is valid in the issuing state and the holder is legally present and not prohibited — no resident-only condition, so non-resident permits qualify. But out-of-state permit holders under 21 may not carry concealed in Arizona (§ 13-3112(S)).
The permit (New Mexico)
- Permit
- New Mexico Concealed Handgun License
- Issued by
- New Mexico Department of Public Safety (Concealed Carry Unit)
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- No — 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.
The destination (Arizona)
- Recognition policy
- Honors permits from all states
- Permitless carry
- Yes (21+)
- Duty to inform
- No (present permit on demand)
- Magazine limit
- No state limit
Carry rules in Arizona
Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Arizona, these rules replace the ones you know from New Mexico.
- No proactive duty, but if an officer asks whether you are carrying a concealed deadly weapon you must answer accurately (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(1)(b)); permit holders must present the permit for inspection on request (§ 13-3112(A), civil penalty up to $300).
- Arizona sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- Arizona allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
- Anyone 21+ who may lawfully possess may carry a loaded handgun, concealed, in a vehicle without a permit; under-21s are limited to visible-holster or cased transport.
Off-limits places in Arizona
- School grounds (K-12)
- Polling places on election day
- Nuclear and hydroelectric generating stations
- Correctional facilities
- Any public establishment or event after a request to remove or check the weapon
Frequently asked questions
- Is a New Mexico non-resident permit valid in Arizona?
- New Mexico does not sell permits to out-of-state applicants (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). For carry in Arizona, what matters is a permit you can actually hold — your resident permit, or a non-resident permit from a state that issues them.
- Do I have to tell police in Arizona that I am carrying?
- No proactive duty, but if an officer asks whether you are carrying a concealed deadly weapon you must answer accurately (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(1)(b)); permit holders must present the permit for inspection on request (§ 13-3112(A), civil penalty up to $300).
- Does Arizona limit magazine capacity?
- Arizona sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- Can I carry in Arizona without any permit?
- Arizona allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 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.
Official sources
- Arizona DPS — Concealed Weapons and Permits (reciprocity, non-resident applications, age) — accessed 2026-08-08
- A.R.S. § 13-3112 (Arizona Legislature) — permit issuance and out-of-state permit recognition — accessed 2026-08-08
- A.R.S. § 13-3102 (Arizona Legislature) — misconduct involving weapons; permitless carry, duty to answer, prohibited places — accessed 2026-08-08
- NM Department of Public Safety — Concealed Carry Licenses (reciprocity table by state, prohibited places, vehicle carry FAQ) — accessed 2026-08-08
- NM DPS — Concealed Handgun Carry Act booklet with NMSA 29-19 and 10.8.2 NMAC (updated, effective 12/9/2025) — accessed 2026-08-08