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

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).

California DOJ: 'CCW licenses/permits issued in other states are not valid in California' (Pen. Code §§ 25400-25700). No out-of-state permit of any kind is honored.

Carry rules in California

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter California, these rules replace the ones you know from New Mexico.

• No statewide statutory duty to proactively inform an officer; individual issuing authorities may attach notification conditions to the license.
• California limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
• California is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit California recognizes.
• Without a California CCW license, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and in a locked container or the trunk (Pen. Code § 25610); CCW licensees may carry loaded and concealed.

Off-limits places in California

• K-12 schools, school zones and college/university campuses
• Government buildings, courthouses and jails
• Hospitals and other medical facilities
• Bars and establishments serving alcohol for on-site consumption
• Parks, playgrounds, stadiums, casinos and public transit
• Airports and passenger terminals

Frequently asked questions

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

No such permit is issued. New Mexico restricts its carry permits to 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), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that California does recognize.

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

No statewide statutory duty to proactively inform an officer; individual issuing authorities may attach notification conditions to the license.

Does California limit magazine capacity?

California limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.

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.