The great state of Texas is a “Shall Issue” state where an applicant must be 18 to obtain a firearm, but you must be 18 to purchase a handgun. Texas doesn’t regulate the possession of firearms, no matter your age. You can possess a firearm as long you’re not a felon.
Both non-residents and residents are able to obtain a conceal carry permit with just 4-6 hours of training, provided through a certified course. Open carry is legal if the handgun is in a belt or shoulder holster.
Texas Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - On September 1st, 2021 Texas passed a law which permitted open or concealed carrying without a permit for those individuals 21 years or older and who are legally allowed to own a handgun. However, there are certain restrictions for individuals who will not be able to carry under this law:
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Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - On September 1st, 2021, Texas passed a law which allowed for any individual at least 21 and older, who may legally possess a handgun to open carry without a permit so long as the handgun is holstered. You are not allowed to carry or display your handgun in plain view unless carried in a holster. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - As of September 1st, 2021 any individual may concealed carry within their vehicle without a license (so long as they're legally allowed to own a firearm). However, you cannot openly carry in your vehicle unless the firearm is in a holster or you have the Texas LTC (or a permit that Texas recognizes from a reciprocal state). |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Texas allows for the concealed carry of a firearm without a permit in their state parks for individuals 21 years or older and who is legally allowed to own a firearm. However, it's important to know that certain river bed areas are off-limits. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ ❌ Yes/No - Texas allows for concealed or open carry within restaurants that sell less than 51% of their revenue from alcohol sales without a permit. However, it's important to note that carrying into an establishment that makes more than 51% of their sales from alcohol is strictly prohibited and constitutes a felony. Right at the moment, only Texas LTC holders have a defense in the case of effective notice not being provided by an establishment. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ✅ Yes - No Weapons signs are given the force of law. There are 4 specific signs within Texas which must be respected:
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Must Notify Officer? | ✅ Yes - Under Texas law you do have the duty to inform a LEO upon first interaction that you're carrying a concealed firearm. You must have your valid ID upon interacting with the officer if you're carrying. |
Texas CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Texas
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Texas
Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in Texas. During their time in Texas, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
Texas: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- 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
- *In a permanent amusement park
- *On the premises of a church, synagogue, or other place of worship
- *At any meeting of a governmental entity
- It is an offense to carry a handgun if the person is intoxicated
- It is an offense to carry a handgun un-holstered and in plain view
- Members of criminal street gangs are prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun
- It is an offense to carry a concealed handgun if a person is involved in criminal activity
- Polling places on day of election
- Premises of a Racetrack
- Secured area of airport
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Texas: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, on September 1st, 2021, Texas passed a law which allowed for any individual at least 21 and older, who may legally possess a handgun to open carry without a permit so long as the handgun is holstered. You are not allowed to carry or display your handgun in plain view unless carried in a holster.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, as of September 1st, 2021 any individual may concealed carry within their vehicle without a license (so long as they're legally allowed to own a firearm). However, you cannot openly carry in your vehicle unless the firearm is in a holster or you have the Texas LTC (or a permit that Texas recognizes from a reciprocal state).
Carry In State Parks
Yes, it is legal to carry in the following areas:
- State Parks: YES
- State/National Forests: YES
- State Game Management Units: YES
- Road Side Rest Areas: YES
Carry In Restaurants
Yes/No, Texas allows for concealed or open carry within restaurants that sell less than 51% of their revenue from alcohol sales without a permit. However, it's important to note that carrying into an establishment that makes more than 51% of their sales from alcohol is strictly prohibited and constitutes a felony. Right at the moment, only Texas LTC holders have a defense in the case of effective notice not being provided by an establishment.
Constitutional Carry
Yes, on September 1st, 2021 Texas passed a law which permitted open or concealed carrying without a permit for those individuals 21 years or older and who are legally allowed to own a handgun.
However, there are certain restrictions for individuals who will not be able to carry under this law:
- If you've been convicted a felony you cannot possess a firearm
- If you've been convicted of assault involving a family or household member (class A misdemeanor)
- If you've been the subject of a protective order until the order expires
- If you've been convicted of Deadly Conduct, Terroristic Threat, Displaying a Firearm, Discharging a Firearm
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Yes, No Weapons signs are given the force of law.
There are 4 specific signs within Texas which must be respected:
- 30.05 - this indicates locations where permit-less carry is prohibited (which is to be posted by the property owner).
- 30.06 - this indicates where Texas LTC permit holders cannot conceal carry.
- 30.07 - this indicates where Texas LTC permit holders cannot open carry, along with the 51% rule (see restaurant carry above).
- 46.03 - this is a general indication of no firearms allowed whatsoever on the property location.
Must Notify Officer
Yes, under Texas law you do have the duty to inform a LEO upon first interaction that you're carrying a concealed firearm. You must have your valid ID upon interacting with the officer if you're carrying.
Sec. 411.205 Requirement to Display License
Additional Resources
Texas Concealed Carry Laws
Texas Open Carry Laws
Texas Gun Permit Laws
