How to sell a gun in New Mexico

A comprehensive guide

How to sell a gun in New Mexico

To legally sell a firearm in New Mexico, it's essential to be well-versed in both state and federal laws to guarantee a lawful and seamless sale. This knowledge is vital whether you've been a firearm owner for years or have newly acquired a gun through inheritance. Understanding your legal responsibilities and available options is key to ensuring a compliant transaction.

Options for selling a gun in New Mexico

There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of New Mexico.

WeBuyGuns team
  • Role

    Sell to WeBuyGuns.com

    Description
    WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward, secure and legally compliant way to sell your gun in New Mexico. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
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    Read our reviews
    Our Process
    Our process
  • Sell to a local dealer

    Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.
  • Sell through a private transaction

    Direct sales to individuals are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of New Mexico and federally.
State law considerations

State laws for selling a gun in New Mexico

New Mexico is among states with some of the least restrictive firearms laws in the country but has enacted some restrictive legislation in recent years. New Mexico is a Shall-Issue state for the concealed carry of handguns, and permits the open carry of loaded firearms without a permit. New Mexico also has state preemption of firearms laws (NMSA 29-19-10), so local governments may not restrict the possession or use of firearms.

General resources:

New Mexico ID Requirements

Identification requirements

New Mexico does not require any permit to purchase a long gun or handgun however background checks are required for all firearm sales per N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-7.1and thus require identification.

New Mexico Waiting Periods

Waiting periods

There are currently no mandated waiting periods in New Mexico, recently introduced legislation aims to create a 7 day waiting period. House Bill 129, cleared the New Mexico House on February 2nd and is headed to the state Senate.

Age Requirements in New Mexico

Age requirements

New Mexico generally prohibits any person under age 19 from knowingly possessing or transporting a handgun. There is no minimum age to possess rifles and shotguns in New Mexico. As of January 25, 2023, Senate Bill 116 is being considered to raise the legal age for possession or purchase of an automatic or semi-automatic gun to 21.

Background Checks in New Mexico

Background checks in private sales

On July 1, 2019, N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-7.1 “Unlawful Sale of a Firearm Without a Background Check” became effective. Generally, this law requires a federal instant background check on all firearm sales, including those conducted between private parties. Selling a firearm without conducting a background check is now considered a misdemeanor in New Mexico.

Ineligible Persons in New Mexico

Ineligible persons

In New Mexico, a person cannot possess any firearm if they:

  • Are a felon
  • Are a person subject to an order of protection
  • A person convicted of battery against a household member, criminal damage to property of a household member, a first offense of stalking, or federal firearm offenses
Federal law considerations

New Mexico residents must follow federal laws for private transactions

Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.

ATF

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How it works

Selling your gun - our process

The first step is to start an offer.

Once your email is validated, you can submit a firearm or multiple firearms in your collection by answering a few brief questions and uploading photos. Within 24-36 business hours, we’ll send you an official offer for each item. You’ll have two weeks to decide if you’d like to move forward. If you accept, WeBuyGuns.com will provide pre-paid shipping labels so you can safely send us your collection. Once received, we’ll confirm delivery and issue payment via paper check or ACH—your choice. The entire process typically takes about a week, from submission to payment.

1
Tell us about your gun

Fill out a short form and upload a few photos to help us identify your firearms and their condition. We will be in touch with you throughout the entire process.

Group 2 2
We verify the make, model and condition

We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.

3
We make you an offer

We will present you with an offer for sale. If you accept the offer, we will provide you with a shipping label and we pay for shipping!

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's

Is this legal in New Mexico and can WeBuyGuns.com purchase my firearm?
Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
Does WeBuyGuns.com purchase firearm estates or gun collections?
Yes. We are happy to work with you on a collection or estate. Please contact us directly rather than trying to upload multiple items through the offer form. .
How long are offers good for?
Offers are valid for 14 days.
Can I sell multiple firearms?
Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, it's best to contact us directly (just to save you a lot of time).
How do I get paid?
We will either send you a check, or we will issue the funds via a secure ACH direct deposit. During the offer approval process, you will tell us which method of payment you prefer.

Comprehensive guides for selling a firearm in every state

Understand the process of selling a firearm in your state with our in-depth guides. We break down local, state and federal regulations while providing the resources you need for a smooth, legal transaction.

Valuation guides by manufacturer

Curious about your firearm’s value or what current market pricing is? Our manufacturer specific valuation guides provide insights into pricing, demand and key factors that affect value—helping you sell with confidence.

Disclaimer:

The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.