Firearms regulation in Mexico

by admin · Published November 26, 2022 · Updated September 28, 2023

The Mexican Constitution states that the citizens of Mexico have the right to keep a weapon at home for security and self-defense, except in cases specified by the Federal Law against firearms and explosives.

The Federal Law defines the cases, conditions, requirements, and places in which Mexicans have the right to own weapons.

The action of the law does not apply to citizens of Mexico only. Permanent residents of Mexico also have the right to obtain a permit to own firearms, but to get a permit without being a Mexican citizen is difficult.

For temporary residents of Mexico, the law is not very clear, but most likely the same rules are applied as rules for permanent residents. In order to legally own firearms in Mexico, it is necessary to realize certain requirements.

Tourists can only obtain a permit to temporarily import firearms into Mexico (bring firearms with them) if they have a confirmed invitation from a hunting or shooting club in Mexico (for example, to a competition event).

The following documents must be presented:

• Identity Card (original and copy) and Resident Card (only for residents)
• For men – a National Card of release from the military service
• A certified copy of the birth certificate
• Electricity bill as confirmation of your address of residence in Mexico
• CURP (equivalent identification code or social insurance number)

The applicant must provide a “Letter of Honesty Living” (“Modo Honesto de Vivir”) signed by the employer. If the applicant is an individual entrepreneur, such a letter must be signed by the president of the municipality.

• The applicant must provide the original document if there is no criminal case.
• The applicant must provide evidence of no drug and psychoactive substance addiction.

Explain the necessity of firearms owning

The law specifies that the applicant must justify the need to carry firearms due to the nature of his activities or due to special circumstances of the place of residence. Or other solid reasons to justify such a need.

After consideration of all the documents in the Ministries of the National Economy of Mexico, within 50 days, make a decision on the issuance or refusal to issue a license to the government.

The standard license allows the possession and use of weapons for self-defense only and just within the home area. This license does not give the right to carry a weapon freely.

In case you need the right to carry a firegun, you must obtain another license but must give a solid reason for such a need. Such type of licenses is not available to ordinary citizens.

For transportation of any kind of weapon, including hunting weapons or weapons for personal use, it is necessary to obtain a corresponding permit. The items must be disassembled and packaged properly.

If you want to get a license to own a gun, you need to submit confirmation of active membership in the hunting or shooting club. The document must have an expiration date for membership.

Firearms regulationHunting in Mexico