Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task armed Americans must undertake. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in Texas below.

Getting a Permit to Carry

As of Sept. 1, 2021, permitless concealed and open carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a handgun. The new law applies to both open carry in a holster and concealed carry, where no part of the firearm is visible. Texas law is quite specific in that openly carried handguns must be kept in a holster. Texas LTCs are issued to both residents and non-residents who are at least 21 years of age (18 if a member or veteran of the U.S. military).

A four- to six-hour training course is required for a concealed carry permit, as well as passing both a written exam and a shooting proficiency demonstration. You may carry a small chemical dispenser of pepper spray sold commercially for personal protection, a stun gun or a Taser. All are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.

A permit is not required when buying a handgun and there is no firearms registration in Texas. No background check is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases or magazine capacity restrictions.

Where Can One Carry Concealed?

In terms of locations where a concealed handgun may be carried, anyone that qualifies for permitless carry may carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle. However, it is an offense if it is in plain view, unless it is in a holster and you are either 21 years old or have a Texas LTC or a permit that Texas honors and provided you are not engaging in a criminal activity (other than a traffic violation).  Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas without a permit.

Other areas where concealed carry is allowed include:

  • State/national parks
  • State/national forests
  • Wildlife management area
  • Places of worship, unless posted

Where Is Concealed Carry Off-Limits?

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permitholders, include:

  • Prohibited locations posted with Texas Penal Code § 30.06 or §46.03 signs;
  • On the physical premises* of an elementary or secondary school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, without authorization;
  • Premises* where a professional sporting event is taking place;
  • Premises* of a racetrack;
  • Premises* of any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless authorized by the court;
  • Polling places on election day or while early voting is in progress;
  • Premises* of a correctional facility;
  • Premises* of a civil commitment facility;
  • Within 1,000 feet of any premises* of a place of execution on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; or
  • On the premises* of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises* consumption (posted with a red sign with “51%” in large red letters superimposed over a warning that says possession of a concealed weapon on the premises* is a felony.

These locations are off-limits to permitless carry:

  • Prohibited locations posted with Texas Penal Code § 30.05 or §46.03 signs;
  • On the physical premises* of an elementary or secondary school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, without authorization;
  • Within 1,000 feet of a school (outside of school buildings);
  • On the premises* located of an institution of higher education, any grounds or building on which a school-sponsored activity is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of an institution of higher education;
  • Premises* where a high school, collegiate or interscholastic event is taking place;
  • Premises* where a professional sporting event is taking place;
  • Polling places on election day or while early voting is in progress;
  • Premises* of any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless authorized by the court;
  • Premises* of a racetrack;
  • Secured area of an airport;
  • On the premises* of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises* consumption (posted with a red sign with “51%” in large red letters superimposed over a warning that says possession of a concealed weapon on the premises* is a felony);
  • On premises* where the possession of any concealed weapon is illegal;
  • Premises* of a correctional facility;
  • Premises* of a civil commitment facility;
  • Within 1,000 feet of any premises* of a place of execution on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;
  • Premises* of a hospital;
  • Premises* of a mental hospital or nursing home;
  • Premises* of a permanent amusement park;
  • In the room of an open meeting of a governmental entity; and
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.

Note: “Premises” means a building or a portion of a building. The term does not include any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area.

Reciprocity

Since Texas has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm under federal and Texas state law may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.

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