New Mexico Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

At what age can someone legally possess and transport a firearm in New Mexico without any special permission or licensing?

1. 18 years old

2. 21 years old

3. 16 years old

4. There is no minimum age for possession and transport

The correct answer is: 18 years old

In New Mexico, the law permits individuals who are 18 years old to legally possess and transport a firearm without needing special permission or licensing. This age limit aligns with both state and federal regulations that recognize 18 as the minimum age for legal ownership of firearms. While individuals younger than 18 may use firearms under certain conditions, such as when accompanied by an adult, the baseline age for unsupervised possession and transport is indeed 18. The other options reflect misinterpretations of the law. For instance, 21 is typically associated with the legal age for purchasing handguns under federal law, but it does not apply to possession and transport, which is different. The notion that individuals as young as 16 or without any minimum age restrictions could possess firearms contradicts established legal standards in New Mexico.