Article 10 of the Mexican Constitution states that citizens of the United Mexican States have the right to keep weapons in their homes for their safety and self-defense, except as specified in the Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives (Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos).
Article 26 of the Federal Law defines the cases, rules, requirements and places in which residents of Mexico — individuals have the right to own weapons.
The law does NOT only apply to Mexican citizens. Permanent residents of Mexico additionally have the right to obtain a permit to own a firearm. But in practice, obtaining a permit without being a Mexican citizen is extremely difficult.
Guests of the country are able to purchase a permit for the temporary import of weapons into Mexico, however, only when invited by a hunting or shooting club in Mexico (for example, import for the duration of a competition). For temporary residents of Mexico, the language of the law is vague, and it is clear that their ownership rights fall somewhere between the rights of permanent residents and travelers.
To legally own a firearm in Mexico, you must meet certain criteria.
Get a license
The license can be prepared at the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), at the General Directorate for the Control of Firearms and Explosives, at Avenida Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra No. 596, Colonia Irrigación, alcaldia Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de Mexico. License price — 2450 MXN.
Confirm your status in Mexico
The following documents should be provided:
- ID card (original and copy) and resident card (residents only)
- men — national exemption card from military service
- certified copy of birth certificate
- electricity bill, which is usually proof of your residential address in the country
- CUPR
Have an «honest lifestyle»
The applicant must submit a letter of honesty (modo honesto de vivir), signed by the employer. If the applicant is himself an employer, the letter must be signed by the president of the municipality of residence or the mayor in Mexico City.
Be able to handle weapons
Persons interested in obtaining a license to own a firearm, you should submit an original medical certificate confirming the absence of physical impediments, and in addition, an original medical and psychological examination accompanied by the results of the studies performed.
No criminal record
The applicant is required to submit an original document confirming no criminal record. The document must be obtained from the National Security Commission in Mexico City.
Don't use drugs
In addition, the applicant must provide a certificate of absence of dependence on narcotic, energy or psychotropic drugs, attaching the results of laboratory tests.
Justify the need to carry a weapon
The law states that the applicant must justify the need to carry a firearm due to the nature of the activity, due to the special circumstances of the place of residence, or for any other reason.
After reviewing all the documents, the Mexican Ministry of National Defense makes a decision within 50 days to issue or refuse a license to own firearms.
A standard license allows you to own and use a firearm for self-defense only within the confines of your home. This license does not imply the free carrying of weapons. If you want to have the right to carry weapons, you must purchase another license, justifying this. Such licenses are not available to ordinary citizens.
To transport any type of weapon, including hunting or for target practice, you must purchase the appropriate permit. Weapons must be disassembled and packaged properly.
If you wish to obtain a license to own a shotgun, you must provide proof of active membership in a hunting or shooting club. The document must have a membership expiration date.
Where to buy
In Mexico, firearms can be purchased at the only government-owned store. It's called La Dirección de Comercializacion de Armamento y MunicionesDCAMand is located in Mexico City.
How many and what kind of weapons is it possible to have?
- Home protection (Article 9 of the Federal Law): 1 unit
- Hunting or target shooting (Article 10): 10 units with an appropriate license issued on the basis of active membership in a hunting or shooting club
- Collecting (Articles 21, 22): without restrictions, subject to appropriate license.
The types and calibers of firearms are specified in each of the relevant articles of the Federal Law for each type of license. At the same time, collectors can own types of weapons that are prohibited for ordinary citizens or members of hunting clubs to own.