Owning a firearm in Mexico carries precise obligations to SEDENA (Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense), and a mistake can turn into a fine or a criminal case. Mexican gun law is strict and differs sharply from US rules. Castro Defense provides firearms law advice and defense to people across Mexico, including foreign residents: registration, permits, licenses and defense in firearms-related proceedings under the Federal Firearms and Explosives Law (Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos, LFAFE). We do not sell firearms. The whole process with us is online, except for steps the law requires in person.
Fees: because a favorable result in these matters does not usually bring you a direct financial benefit, we charge a periodic payment plus a final payment, set case by case. The terms are set out in writing in the contract you review before signing. We do not promise results.
Matters we handle
Registration and regularization
- Every firearm must be declared to SEDENA for entry in the Federal Registry of Firearms and Explosives Control, and a registration certificate is issued for each (arts. 7 and 15).
- Anyone who acquires a firearm must declare it within 30 calendar days (art. 17).
- Possessing firearms that are undeclared, kept in an unauthorized place or unregistered is punishable by a fine (art. 77).
- When declaring possession, the owner must name a person responsible for the firearm’s final disposal in case of death or absence (art. 7, amended May 29, 2025).
Permits and licenses
- Keeping a firearm at home. If you want to buy a firearm legally for home protection, see our SEDENA firearm permit service.
- Carrying. Requires a specific license (art. 24); a home-possession permit does not replace it.
- Sport shooting and hunting. SEDENA may authorize members of accredited clubs or associations to keep, transport and carry certain firearms within authorized ranges or hunting grounds (art. 10).
- Collections. Require a SEDENA permit, and new acquisitions must be authorized and registered (arts. 21 and 22).
Defense in firearms-related proceedings
- Carrying a permitted firearm without a license is punishable by three to eight years in prison (art. 81).
- Carrying or possessing, without a license or permit, a firearm reserved for the exclusive use of the armed forces carries penalties that depend on the type of weapon (arts. 83 and 83 Ter).
- The Constitution requires mandatory pretrial detention for offenses involving firearms and explosives reserved for the Army, Navy and Air Force (art. 19).
If you are detained or summoned over a firearms matter, you have the right to remain silent and to be assisted by defense counsel from the outset (National Code of Criminal Procedure, art. 113). Learn about your rights on our legal defense page. If an arrest, a police search or an arrest warrant is under way, message us on WhatsApp or call +52 442 191 9461: we reply to urgent matters within 1 to 4 hours.
How does it work online?
- Case evaluation form. Tell us your situation: which firearm, what documents you have and what you need.
- Document review. A lawyer reviews your case and explains your options and risks. Response time: 48 calendar hours, or 1 to 4 hours in urgent matters.
- Contract and power of attorney as a PDF. You sign with your e.firma (the advanced electronic signature issued by Mexico’s tax authority, SAT) or another electronic signature.
- Case updates. We report each step. Channel: channel and frequency of updates.
Some steps require your presence: SEDENA applications are filed in person, purchases at the DCAM (SEDENA’s arms sales directorate) are in person, and so are criminal hearings. We will tell you from the start.
How to know you are dealing with real lawyers
Attorneys who handle these matters: names and cédula profesional numbers. Verify any professional license in the National Registry of Professionals of Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education. Your data is handled under our privacy notice.
Tell us about your case
Castro Defense provides an advisory and paperwork service. It does not sell, store or transport firearms or ammunition. Purchases take place only at SEDENA’s DCAM, and approval depends solely on Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense.
This content is for information only and is not legal advice for a specific case. The outcome of any proceeding depends on the facts, the evidence and the authority’s decision; Castro Defense does not guarantee results.
Official sources
- Federal Firearms and Explosives Law (Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos), arts. 7, 10, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 77, 81, 83 and 83 Ter. Chamber of Deputies, as amended May 29, 2025 (Spanish).
- Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, art. 19. Chamber of Deputies (Spanish).
- National Code of Criminal Procedure, art. 113. Chamber of Deputies (Spanish).
- Arms sales (DCAM). Ministry of National Defense (Spanish).
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I have an unregistered gun at home in Mexico?
The law requires every firearm to be declared to Mexico's Ministry of National Defense for entry in the Federal Registry of Firearms and Explosives Control (Federal Firearms and Explosives Law, art. 7). Possessing a firearm that has not been declared or registered is punishable by a fine (art. 77). Review your situation with a lawyer before taking any step.
Can I carry the gun registered for my home outside the house?
No. Carrying firearms requires a specific license (art. 24), and carrying a permitted firearm without a license is punishable by three to eight years in prison (art. 81).
What happens to a firearm when its owner dies?
Since the amendment published on May 29, 2025, when declaring possession of a firearm the owner must name a person responsible for handling its final disposal with the Federal Registry within 30 business days of the owner's death or special declaration of absence (art. 7).
Is pretrial detention automatic in firearms cases?
Mexico's Constitution requires mandatory pretrial detention, among others, for offenses involving firearms and explosives reserved for the exclusive use of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and for crimes committed with violent means such as weapons and explosives (art. 19). That is why defense counsel should step in immediately.
Does Castro Defense sell firearms?
No. Castro Defense provides advisory, paperwork and legal defense services. It does not sell, store or transport firearms or ammunition; purchases take place only at SEDENA's DCAM.