Texas Gun Laws: What You Need to Know

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’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Texas gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Lone Star State below.

Can You Carry a Gun in Texas?

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 Concealed Carry Permit

Texas Licenses to Carry (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, either in-person or online, is required for a concealed carry permit, as well as passing both a written exam and a shooting proficiency demonstration.

The cost of the initial Texas LTC and renewal is $40, plus the cost of fingerprinting and training. Initial licenses and renewals for honorably discharged military vets are $25.

*While HB 1927 originally set 21 as the minimum age, Andrews v. McCraw has effectively lowered the age to 18 for lawful carrying. This is not yet broadly codified in Texas law.

Stand Your Ground

Per Texas Penal Code § 9.31, a person who has a right to be present at the location where the force is used, who has not provoked the person against whom the force is used and who is not engaged in criminal activity at the time the force is used is not required to retreat before using force.

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

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.

Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons

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.

Where Can One Carry Concealed in Texas?

Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Texas gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.

Areas where concealed carry is allowed include:

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

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
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law

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
• 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

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.

Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Texas?

Aanyone who 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.

In most cases, handguns can be kept in the private vehicles of concealed carry license holders in school parking lots, provided that any firearms and ammunition are not in plain view. Note that there are gray areas, such as when a school activity is taking place in a parking lot (e.g., band practice).

Are Teachers in Texas Allowed to Carry Guns?

The Protection of Texas Children Act of 2013 allows school districts to arm school employees and created an additional category of a certified peace officer, known as a “school marshal,” who can conceal carry a handgun. Under what’s known as the Guardian Plan, Texas school administrators are allowed to carry handguns on their persons or keep them locked in a safe. Schools receive stipends under the plan to cover ammunition for practice and annual tactical training. The plan is just one of three ways Texas public schools can arm staff. Others include forming police forces and establishing school marshals. Districts may also contract with security firms and law enforcement to patrol campuses.

Ready to Learn More About Texas Concealed Carry Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Texas’ concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Texas gun laws page now…

Additionally, continued firearms training is crucial to protecting your family. Find a gun range in Texas through our “Find a Shooting Range” resource — made possible by our partnership with the NSSF and WhereToShoot.org.

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, and laws are constantly changing. As such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.