Is a South Carolina Resident Permit Valid in New Mexico?

Why

• New Mexico's official reciprocity list includes South Carolina.

DPS defines reciprocity as permission for 'an out of state license issued to a person who is not a New Mexico resident' to be used while visiting or passing through — the holder need not reside in the issuing state, but NM affords no reciprocity to any out-of-state license held by a New Mexico resident (10.8.2.29(H) NMAC). Several states that honor NM licenses (AL, AK, ID, MN, MT, TN, UT, WV, WI) are NOT honored by NM.

Carry rules in New Mexico

Crossing into New Mexico swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.

• No proactive duty; a licensee carrying in public must display the license upon demand by a peace officer (10.8.2.16(D) NMAC). Consuming alcohol while carrying is prohibited (10.8.2.16(B)).
• New Mexico sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• New Mexico is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit New Mexico recognizes.
• Anyone not otherwise prohibited may carry a loaded concealed firearm in a private vehicle (including motorcycles and bicycles) without a license, per the DPS FAQ.

Off-limits places in New Mexico

New Mexico bans carry in 6 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• Schools and preschools (limited private-vehicle exception)
• University premises

See all 6 places you can't carry in New Mexico →

South Carolina vs New Mexico: what changes at the state line

Crossing from South Carolina into New Mexico changes 2 rules: permitless carry (Yes (18+) → No); out-of-state permits honored (2 states → 20 states).

Going the other way, a New Mexico resident permit in South Carolina: permit not recognized — but permitless carry applies.

Driving on from New Mexico

How a South Carolina resident permit fares in the states bordering New Mexico:

• Arizona — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Colorado — Not recognized
• Oklahoma — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Texas — Recognized — and permitless carry applies

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does New Mexico honor a South Carolina non-resident permit?

Recognized — carry with your permit. The answer is the same as for the resident permit on this page.

Can a New Mexico resident permit holder carry in South Carolina?

Permit not recognized — but permitless carry applies. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on South Carolina's law, not New Mexico's.

Where does New Mexico publish its official reciprocity list?

New Mexico publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.