How to Get an FFL in New Mexico in 5 Easy Steps

Getting your Federal Firearms License (FFL) in New Mexico is an important step for anyone looking to enter the firearms industry. You need to get a New Mexico FFL in order to buy (for commercial purposes), manufacture, and/or import guns or ammunition in the state of New Mexico. While there may be state and local requirements, this license is federal, meaning the base requirements get set for all 50 states on a national level. Below we’ll explain what an FFL is in greater detail, as well as how to go about acquiring one in New Mexico specifically. 

Getting a New Mexico FFL: An Introduction

An FFL, short for Federal Firearms License, is a license that allows individuals and companies to engage in the business of manufacturing and selling firearms and ammunition. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) administers these licenses.^[1]ATF. “ATF.” September 16, 2024. 

As you read through this article, you’ll learn how to get an FFL in New Mexico, the costs of an FFL, the federal, state, and local FFL requirements, and which FFL you will need depending on your business model. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Meet All of the FFL Requirements

If you want your FFL application to be successful, there are a series of requirements you must first meet. These requirements are three-tiered. They start at the federal level (i.e., are consistent across all 50 states). However, each state can impose its own requirements/licensing on top of the federal requirements. Local municipalities can also add their own restrictions through things like banning certain weapons or restricting retail zoning. Below, we will cover each level of requirements, so you know if you are eligible to apply for an FFL in New Mexico. 

Let’s start with the federal requirements. These include things like: 

• You must be 21 years old
• You must not have been convicted of a felony or any crimes related to controlled substances
• And more.

You also need a valid location from which you will conduct your firearms business, such as a gun shop or similar place.

While the federal government issues Federal Firearms Licenses, the ATF will not approve applications that do not comply with state requirements. Thus, you must meet state requirements to obtain this federal license. 

Each state in the United States has a certain level of freedom to implement laws and licensing requirements beyond the federal standard. This autonomy allows states to cater to their unique cultures and populations, as well as providing a way of ensuring that all local taxes get collected as required. 

The state-level requirements tend to fall into one of two categories: licensing and registration. Here are New Mexico’s requirements:

State Licensing Requirements

With the second highest rate of gun ownership among US states and easily accessible gun laws, New Mexico is often referred to as one of the most “gun-friendly” states in the country. 

As such, New Mexico has not implemented any extra documentation or licensing requirements beyond the federal ones. Note: You will need to consider additional requirements if your business operates in more than one state or relocates.

State Registration Requirements

If you’re looking to open a firearms business or have an existing one that plans to operate out of New Mexico, you must register your business with the state. This is essential to be eligible for a FFL. 

To register your business in the state of New Mexico, check this official list of requirements for business registration.

In most parts of New Mexico, you will find very friendly local or zoning requirements (though if you were going to run into a hitch in the process, this is most commonly where you’d find it). 

Commonly, a home-based FFL faces the biggest challenges. This is more about the fact that residential neighborhoods are not zoned for retail than it is about anything else. It’s important when applying for a home-based FFL in New Mexico that you properly explain the nature of your business – namely, that a home-based FFL operates very differently than a heavy foot traffic-based business.

Step 2: Select the Type of FFL You Need

If you’re thinking of starting a business that requires an FFL, the first step is determining the type of FFL you’ll need to apply for. There are currently 11 types of FFLs, each with different restrictions. The type you select will depend on what kind of business you plan to run and where it’s located. Researching which class best fits your needs can help ensure that you submit the correct application materials and get approved quickly. Furthermore, understanding your obligations as a holder of the license can keep your business operating within the limits of legal regulations.

Depending on your goals, you will need to pick an FFL that fits your business model as a gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer. Here is the full list of all 11 FFLs and their descriptions. 

Step 3: Complete an Online FFL Course

Taking an FFL course catered specifically to the laws and market in New Mexico is a great idea if you’re looking to get into the firearms industry. Not only will it teach you all of the steps to go through in order to apply for and receive your FFL license, but it also provides invaluable education on state laws, regulations, and best practices around firearms. 

While not technically a requirement, learning how to run a safe operation and stay compliant with local requirements will give you peace of mind and an edge over the competition who didn’t take a course. That’s why a course is highly recommended for any serious businessman or woman seeking to enter this booming industry.

Step 4: Apply for Your New Mexico FFL

Applying for an FFL in New Mexico requires a bit of paperwork, but the process is quite straightforward. Individuals who are interested in obtaining a Federal Firearms License must submit a completed ATF application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will also require you to provide things like:

• Your fingerprints to conduct a criminal background check.
• A photograph to create your FFL license.
• A completed Application for a Federal Firearms License.
• Proof of business location and registration.

Once all the paperwork has been submitted, along with fingerprints and a photograph, the ATF will conduct an interview so that founders can discuss the specifics of their proposed business (more on this next). Approved applications from New Mexico will receive their license within 60 days. 

Step 5: Have an Interview with a Representative From Your Regional ATF Office

The process of getting your Federal Firearm License (FFL) can feel daunting. Once the paperwork is all taken care of, you need to schedule an interview with a representative from the regional Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) office. They will send an Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) to chat with you.

This interview is a formal conversation where you will be asked questions related to your application to receive your FFL. You should also prepare to explain the laws about operating a firearm business, why you want to acquire an FFL, and what type of business you intend to open using your FFL. It’s important during the interview process that you are truthful and concise in answering any questions that may be posed. A successful interview with a representative from the local ATF office will solidify your chance of receiving your desired FFL.

FFL License Costs in New Mexico 

The ATF regulates FFL license costs as they do the FFL requirements. The cost of an FFL can vary drastically depending on the business model you choose. Refer to this list of all 11 FFLs with their price and the cost of renewal, shared by ATF. 

Getting a Federal Firearms License in New Mexico: Closing Thoughts

If you want to be in the firearms industry, then New Mexico is a great place to be. New Mexico is one of the most gun-friendly states in the country. That will make your business venture easier, but it also may mean that the competition is bigger. Taking steps to prepare (like reading this article) and compete in the market (like taking a course) will make your new business venture that much more successful.

Your next step after getting an FFL is to find a payment processor so you can accept payments for your business. Unfortunately, you might find this part challenging. The firearms industry is considered high-risk, making it more difficult to secure a merchant account. Fortunately, PaymentCloud is a gun-friendly credit card processor ready to take care of all your business’s needs with white glove service. Reach out today to see what we can do for you!

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