New Mexico

Secure Storage
Laws in New Mexico

New Mexico has made strides in shoring up its gun safety legislation in recent years, and it has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include a child access prevention law, which took effect in New Mexico in 2023.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in New Mexico

New Mexico state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms to prevent children and teens under the age of 18 from accessing them. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Gun owners in New Mexico are required to securely store their firearm(s) in their homes and other locations where minors might access them. To avoid potential criminal liability under state law, gun owners should store firearms:

  • In a locked container; or
  • In a secure location; or
  • Locked with a safety device that renders the firearm inoperable.

Gun owners in New Mexico may be subject to criminal penalties if they keep or store a firearm in a manner that negligently disregards a minor’s ability to access the firearm, a minor under age 18 does access the firearm, and that minor displays or brandishes it in a threatening manner or causes injury or death to themselves or others.

By the Numbers

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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

New Mexico Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in New Mexico in English or Spanish.