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Texas

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Updated: 2019-06-25
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Carry allowed with my Texas permit?
No
Yes
Yes, With Restrictions
Yes, Permitless Carry
Yes, Selected State
1.4M
Permits Issued
44
STATES HONORED
28.7M
STATE POPULATION
37
RECIPROCATING STATES
4.88%
PERMIT PERCENTAGE
21
MINIMUM AGE TO CC

Summary of Texas Gun Laws

Texas is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety. 

There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. 

Open carry is only legal with a Texas License to Carry (LTC) or a concealed carry license/permit from a state with reciprocity, provided the handgun is in a shoulder or belt holster. The minimum age is 21 years old or 18 years old for active-duty military.

Concealed carry is legal with a Texas LTC or a concealed carry license/permit from a state with reciprocity, and are issued to both residents and non-residents. They require a four- to six-hour training course as well as passing both a written exam and a shooting proficiency demonstration. Some areas are off-limits, including racetracks and secure areas of airports. In terms of reciprocity, Texas honors permits from states that meet specific criteria.

Texas is a Castle Doctrine and “stand your ground” state. Texas law presumes you acted reasonably and justifiably if you use deadly force to protect yourself against an unlawful, forceful intrusion into your occupied habitation (structures that are detached from where you sleep at night are not considered to be your habitation), vehicle or place of business or employment; or to prevent an unlawful, forceful attempt to remove a lawful occupant from the occupied habitation, vehicle or place of business or employment; or to prevent certain serious felonies such as burglary or arson. There is no duty to retreat if faced with a situation where you have to use force or deadly force to protect yourself or another.

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Texas Gun Laws at a Glance

Open Carry/ Concealed Carry Basics

Constitutional Carry?

Does Texas allow constitutional carry?

No.
Open Carry Permitted?

Is open carry permitted in Texas?

Yes, with a LTC provided the handgun is in a shoulder or belt holster. [Tex. Penal Code § 46.035]

 
Gun Permit Licensure?

If Texas requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?

Shall issue.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?

What is the minimum age in Texas to get a concealed carry permit?

21.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?

Can you conceal carry weapons other than handguns in Texas with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?

No.
Tasers or Stun Guns?

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Texas?

Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Non-Resident Permitting?

Does Texas issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?

Yes. The process is the same as for residents.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?

Does Texas allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No, however the information is available to to any criminal justice agency.

Carry Locations

Carry in Vehicle?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle in Texas?

Yes. Without a LTC, anyone not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm may transport a handgun so long as it is concealed. With a LTC provided the handgun is concealed or is carried in a shoulder or belt holster. [Tex. Pen. Code § 46.02(a-1)]

 
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Texas?

Yes.
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Texas?

Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit.
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?

Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Texas?

Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, unless posted.

 
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?

Does Texas have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

A public or private employer may not prohibit an employee who holds a license to carry a handgun or who otherwise lawfully possesses a firearm, or who lawfully possesses ammunition from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition the employee is authorized by law to possess in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage or other parking area the employer provides for employees except in locations prohibited by state or federal law. This includes school districts or open-enrollment charter schools per Texas Education Code ​​​§ 37.0815 and institutions of higher education per Gov. Code § 411.2032 provided that the firearm or ammunition is not in plain view. There are exceptions including oil and gas refineries.

[Texas Labor code § 52.061]

Additional Related State Laws

Must Notify Officer You're Carrying?

Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Texas?

Yes. [Tex. Gov't Code § 411.205] If a license holder is carrying a handgun on or about their person when an officer demands that the license holder display identification, the license holder shall display both the license holder’s driver’s license or identification certificate issued by the department and the license holder’s handgun license.

 
Magazine Limits for Handguns?

Does Texas have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No.
Ammunition Restrictions?

Does Texas have ammunition restrictions?

Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Texas? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

Yes. A license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a concealed handgun on property of another without effective consent  and received oral or written notice that entry on the property by a license holder with a concealed handgun was forbidden. As of September 1, 2019, Tex. Pen. Code §§ 30.06 & 30.07 will provide a legal defense for License To Carry holders who unknowingly enter establishments with 30.06 or 30.07 signs, as long they promptly leave when verbally informed of the policy.  

  • “Written communication” means:
    • A card or other document on which is written language identical to the following:  “Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun;"  or
    • A sign posted on the property that:
      • Includes the language described in both English and Spanish;
      • Appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least 1" in height;  and
      • Is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public.

An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $200, except that the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of the offense that, after entering the property, the license holder was personally given the notice by oral communication and subsequently failed to depart.

It is an exception to the application of this section that the property on which the license holder carries a handgun is owned or leased by a governmental entity and is not a premises or other place on which the license holder is prohibited from carrying the handgun under Section 46.03 or 46.035.

Texas Penal Code § 30.07 mirrors § 30.06 for openly carried handguns.

Texas Gov't Code § 411.209 A state agency or a political subdivision of the state may not provide notice by a communication described by Penal Code30.06, or by any sign expressly referring to that law or to a license to carry a handgun, that a license holder carrying a handgun under the authority of this subchapter is prohibited from entering or remaining on a premises or other place owned or leased by the governmental entity unless license holders are prohibited from carrying a handgun on the premises or other place by Section46.03 or 46.035.

[Tex. Pen. Code § 30.06]
Preemption?

Does Texas have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except local municipalities may:

  • Regulate the discharge of firearms within their limits, other than at a sport shooting range;
  • Regulate the carrying of a firearm or air gun by a person other than a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Texas law at:
    • A public park;
    • A public meeting of a municipality, county, or other governmental body;
    • A political rally, parade or official political meeting; and
    • A non-firearms-related school, college, or professional athletic event.   [Tex. Local Gov't Code § 229.001]

In addition, in any county building that houses a justice court, county court, county court at law, or district court, or in any office used by these courts, any person who possesses a firearm without the court’s written authorization, or without complying with any written regulation of the court, is subject to criminal liability.

Based on an Attorney General opinion, counties may prohibit concealed handgun license holders from carrying concealed handguns in county parks and rapid transit authorities may prohibit concealed handgun licensees from carrying handguns while on public transportation. 

[ex. Local Gov’t Code § 291.010(c)]
Red Flag Law?

Does Texas have a red flag law?

No.
Carry while using alcohol or prescription medication in Texas?

Does Texas have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication?

Not while intoxicated, per Tex. Pen. Code § 46.035

As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

Handgun Purchase & Possession

Do firearms need to be registered in Texas?

No.
Is a permit required to purchase a gun in Texas?

No.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Texas?

No. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a firearm in Texas?

No.
State Constitutional Provision
Every citizen shall have the right to keep and bear arms in the lawful defense of himself or the State; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms, with a view to prevent crime."
ARTICLE 1, § 23

Texas Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

Which states' permits does Texas honor?

Alabama (at least 21 years old)
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware (at least 21 years old)
Florida (handguns only)
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana (at least 21 years old)
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland (at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri (at least 21 years old)
Montana (at least 21 years old)
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
New York
New York City
North Carolina
North Dakota (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (issued/renewed on or after 3/23/15)
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island (issued by the RI Attorney General only)
South Carolina
South Dakota (at least 21 years old)
Tennessee
Utah (at least 21 years old)
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia (at least 21 years old)
Wyoming

Texas honors permits from specific states provided the permit holder is at least 21 years old.

Other States' Reciprocity With Texas

Which states honor permits from Texas?

Alabama
Delaware
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Louisiana
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Texas

Colorado (resident permits only and least 21 years old)
Florida (resident permits only)
Michigan (resident permits only)
Pennsylvania (resident permits only)
South Carolina (resident permits only )

Permitless Carry States

Anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed in permitless carry states without a permit/license. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.

Arizona (if at least 21 years old)
Alaska (if at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (if at least 21 years old)
Kansas (if at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (if at least 21 years old)
Maine (if at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (if at least 21 years old)
Missouri (if at least 19 years old)
New Hampshire (if at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (if at least 18 years old)
Vermont (if at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (if at least 21 years old)

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Texas Concealed Carry Permit Information

Requirements:

An applicant must:

  • Be a legal resident of Texas for 6 months or have relocated with the intent to establish residency in the state;
  • Be at least 21 years of age, 18 if a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard or discharged under honorable conditions;
  • Have not been convicted of a felony;
  • Have not been charged with the commission of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense, or of an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, or equivalent offense, or of a felony under an information or indictment;
  • Not be a fugitive from justice for a felony or a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense;
  • Not be chemically dependent;
  • Be capable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun;
  • Not, in the 5 years preceding the date of application, have been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense or of an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, or equivalent offense;
  • Be fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun;
  • Not have been finally determined to be delinquent in making a child support payment administered or collected by the attorney general;
  • Not have been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, the tax collector of a political subdivision of the state or any agency or subdivision of the state;
  • Not be currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, other than a restraining order solely affecting property interests;
  • Not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application, have been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony; 
  • Not have made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in an application submitted pursuant to Section 411.174; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.
Fees:

$40 for standard initial licenses and renewals.

$25 for initial licenses and renewals for honorably discharged military vets.
Valid For:

5 years
Processing Time:

60 days
Application:
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:

Out-of-state residents must supply a color copy, front and back, of a state driver’s license or ID card and a proficiency certificate not greater than 2 years old from a course approved by the Texas Dept. of Public Safety. Applications may be submitted online or via mail. 
Name/Address Changes:

You can make name and address changes online.
Lost/Stolen Permits:
You can submit a request for a new license online. You will be issued a new license number for security reasons.

Texas Concealed Carry Permit Application Process

How to Apply for a Texas Concealed Carry Permit

Step 1:

Download the application form or submit an online application.
Step 2:

Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. All fingerprints must be submitted through L-1 Enrollment Services. There is a fee of $9.95 for fingerprinting.
Step 3:

Complete classroom training. Pass the written exam and pass a shooting proficiency demonstration.

 
Step 4:

Submit the Certificate of Training to the Dept. of Public Safety to complete the application.
If you are making the application by mail, send your application to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Concealed Handgun – MSC 0245
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0001
Step 5:

You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

Firearms Training Requirements in Texas

A handgun proficiency course must include 4-6 hours of classroom or online instruction in:

  • Laws that relate to weapons and to the use of deadly force;
  • Handgun use and safety, including use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly carried handguns;
  • Non-violent dispute resolution; and
  • Proper storage practices for handguns, including storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child.
  • The range instruction part of the course must include an actual demonstration by the applicant of the applicant’s ability to safely and proficiently use the applicable category of handgun. An applicant may not be certified unless he or she demonstrates, at a minimum, the degree of proficiency that is required to effectively operate a handgun.

    • The shooting test requires 50 rounds of ammunition fired at three distances:

      • 3 yards – 20 rounds fired
      • 7 yards – 20 rounds fired
      • 15 yards – 10 rounds fired

The proficiency examination must also include a written (or online portal) test concerning the subjects listed above, as well as the physical demonstration of proficiency in the use and safety procedures of one or more handguns and in handgun safety procedures.

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Texas Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process

How to Renew a Texas Concealed Carry Permit

Step 1:

You will usually be notified about 6 months before your license expires to renew it. Handgun license renewals can be submitted 6 months prior to the expiration date of the license. Renewals can be made up to 12 months after the expiration date of license. Renewal applications made after 12 months from the expiry date will be treated as a new application.
Step 2:

Download the application form or submit an online renewal application.
Step 3:

Complete the application and pay the fee.
Step 4:

You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.

Per Tex. Govt Code §411.199, qualified RLEOs may obtain a sworn statement from the head of the law enforcement agency employing the applicant. The head of a law enforcement agency may not refuse to issue a statement under this subsection. An applicant described by this subsection may submit the application at any time after retirement. The RLEO shall submit the sworn statement and retirement credentials along with an application to carry under LEOSA. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) establishes annual firearm qualification standards. Any certified TCOLE firearms instructor can qualify applicants. 

Under §§ 411.1991 through 411.201, the following LEOs may apply for a license under LEOSA: 

  • Peace officers employed by a law enforcement agency;
  • Members of the Texas military forces, excluding Texas State Guard members who are serving in the Texas Legislature;
  • Reserve law enforcement officers with at least 15 years with one or more state or local law enforcement agencies;
  • County jailers who hold a county jailer license; 
  • Correctional officer of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;
  • Active and retired judicial officers; and
  • United States attorneys, assistant United States attorneys, and attorneys elected or employed to represent the state in the prosecution of felony cases.

Qualified Retired Federal or Out-of-State Officer Firearms Certificate Form
Instructions for Online Applications to Carry a Handgun under LEOSA

Texas Location Restrictions

Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Texas?
  • Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted.
  • Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes, only if concealed. 
  • Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
  • Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes.
  • Carry on the campuses of public colleges and universities? Yes, with a permit except in posted areas. Private or independent institutions of higher education may  regulate or prohibit the concealed carrying of firearms on their campuses, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by the institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle owned by the institution. Public colleges and universities are authorized to establish reasonable rules, regulations, or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on the campus or premises of the institution so long as they do no not generally prohibit or have the effect of generally prohibiting license holders from carrying concealed handguns on the campus of the institution.
  • Carry in places of worship? There is no State statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Texas?

Places off-limits even with a permit/license
  • If given effective notice under Section 30.06 or 30.07 and posted with approved signage:
    • On any portion of a premises located on the campus of an institution of higher education in this state on which the carrying of a concealed handgun is prohibited;
    • On the grounds or building where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting or interscholastic event is taking place (as of September 1, 2019, handguns can be stored in locked, privately owned or leased motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area provided by the district or charter school provided that the handgun, firearm, or ammunition is not in plain view);
    • On the premises of a hospital or nursing home;
    • In a permanent amusement park;
    • On the premises of a church, synagogue or other place of worship; and
    • At any meeting of a governmental entity;
  • 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 (these businesses must be posted);
  • On the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court;
  • On the premises of a correctional facility;
  • Within 1,000 feet of any premises the location of which is designated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a place of execution on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed;
  • On the premises of public or private employers, other than the parking lot, if posted;
  • Anywhere if you are intoxicated;
  • Anywhere if the handgun is un-holstered and in plain view;
  • Anywhere if you are a member of a criminal street gang;
  • Anywhere while engaged in unlawful activity;
  • Polling places on day of election;
  • Premises of a racetrack;
  • Secured area of airport; and
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

Tex Pen Code 46.035

FAQ: Texas Concealed Carry Questions

What are the knife laws in Texas?

Anyone under the age of 18 can carry a knife less than 5.5 inches in length nearly anywhere. An adult can carry any knife over 5.5 inches anywhere other than the same locations that are off-limits to firearms. Knives with knuckles and tomahawks are not legal to carry in Texas, although, as of September 1, 2019, knives with knuckles will be legal due to the passage of HB 446.

Related Information & Links for Texas Gun Laws

Texas Gun Laws Updates:

Date Details
2019-06-25

Updated knife info in FAQ based on the Governor's signing of HB446
2019-06-18

Added

2019-06-18

Added gun storage in vehicles in school parking lots info to the Where Can't I Carry section per the passage of HB 1143

2019-05-24

Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table

2019-05-03

Added permit renewal and name/address change info
2019-04-19

Links checked
2019-04-02

Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA)
2019-03-13

Updated school carry info in Where Can I and Where Can't I Carry sections
2019-02-22

Added info and link to vehicle carry in At A Glance table
2019-02-15

Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology
2019-02-09

Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table
2019-02-06

Added red flag law info to At A Glance table
2019-02-01

Added info to

2019-01-25

Added church info to location restrictions section
2019-01-24

Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication
2019-01-10

Mag limit added to At A Glance table
2018-12-13

Added preemption info to At A Glance table
2018-11-30

Added parking lot info to At A Glance table
2018-11-29

Clarified duty to inform
2018-10-22

Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for Texas

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Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States: 2018.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.

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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