Texas Gun Laws
Last reviewed: May 3, 2026
Constitutional Carry
Yes, starting Sept 1, 2021
Open Carry
Legal with License to Carry.
Permit honored in
36 states
Texas honors
49 states
Texas Gun Laws
Open Carry
Legal with License to Carry.
Open carry is not permitted for anyone, just those who have obtained the license to carry.
Duty to Notify Law Enforcement
Required by law to notify the officer upon official contact or when ID requested
State Parks
Concealed Carry is legal in accordance with state laws that regulate the right to carry
Restaurants Serving Alcohol
Not allowed where 51% of income is derived from the sale/service of alcoholic beverages.
You may not carry into a premise that has a liquor license and derives 51 percent or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
Firearms at Colleges
Concealed guns allowed by law, but schools limit locations/who carries
Firearms at K-12 Schools
Permittees allowed to have handgun in vehicle.
Church Carry
Churches act like any other private property and may restrict
on a church by church basis
on a church by church basis
Hotels
No legal restriction - Reference article on page 67
Secure Storage Requirements
There are legal consequences if one fails to secure their firearm and that leads to a minor gaining unauthorized access.
Magazine Capacity Limitations
No restrictions
Suppressor Ownership
Ownership & Hunting Legal.
Vehicle Possession Without Recognized Permit
Loaded handguns allowed if concealed
Firearm Law Uniformity
Firearm laws are uniform throughout state.
Permit Training Requirements
You must take a training course proving competency with a handgun that is taught by a state certified instructor.
Non-Resident Permits
Non-Residents may apply for a permit.
Constitutional Carry
Yes, starting Sept 1, 2021
Duty to Retreat
No Duty to Retreat
Places Off Limits
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. On the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting or interscholastic event is taking place. On the premises of a correctional facility. On the premises of a hospital or nursing home (unless licensee has written authorization). In an amusement park. At any meeting of a governmental entity. link and link also specifically prohibit handguns or weapons under other circumstances and from other locations other than those listed above. For example: It is against Texas law to carry a concealed handgun if the person has the handgun in plain view; or if the person is engaged in a criminal activity (other than a Class C traffic offense); or if prohibited from possessing a firearm, or is a member of a criminal street gang. Some other areas where weapons are prohibited include the premises of polling places on the day of an election or during early voting, the premises of any government court, the premises of a racetrack, in a secured area of an airport or within 1,000 feet of premises designated as a place of execution on the day a sentence of death is set to be imposed.
State Contact / Source
Texas Dept. of Public Safety
PO Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773
512-424-7293
www.txdps.state.tx.ut
PO Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773
512-424-7293
www.txdps.state.tx.ut
Permit Issuing Authority
Texas Department of Public Safety
Length of Permit Validity
You must renew your permit every 4 years.
Permit Application Process
Submit an application online to the Texas Department of Public Safety. More detailed info here: link
Texas Permit Reciprocity
Reciprocity shown is for a standard resident permit. Non-resident and enhanced permit holders may have different reciprocity. Always verify before carrying. Use our full permit reciprocity map for all permit types →
Your Texas resident permit is honored in 36 states
AK
AL
AR
AZ
CO
DE
FL
GA
IA
ID
IN
KS
KY
LA
MI
MN
MO
MS
MT
NC
ND
NE
NM
NV
OH
OK
PA
SC
SD
TN
UT
VA
VT
WI
WV
WY
Texas honors resident permits from 49 states
AK
AL
AR
AZ
CA
CO
CT
DC
DE
FL
GA
HI
IA
ID
IL
IN
KS
KY
LA
MA
MD
ME
MI
MN
MO
MS
MT
NC
ND
NE
NH
NJ
NM
NV
NY
OH
OK
OR
PA
RI
SC
SD
TN
UT
VA
WA
WI
WV
WY
Disclaimer:
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website from publicly available sources; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not a government agency is not affiliated with a government agency and is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.
Legal Summaries for all 50 states are available free on our site and mobile app.
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website from publicly available sources; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not a government agency is not affiliated with a government agency and is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.
Legal Summaries for all 50 states are available free on our site and mobile app.