Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Texas operates under a shall-issue policy for concealed weapons licenses, managed by the Department of Public Safety. Here’s what you need to know:
- Private Handgun Sales : No permit, background check, or firearms registration is required for private handgun purchases.
- Permitless Carry : Effective Sept. 1, 2021, Texas allows permitless concealed and open carry for individuals aged 21 and older who can legally possess a handgun. Open carry requires the handgun to be holstered.
- Licensing Requirements : Texas issues License to Carry (LTC) permits to residents and non-residents aged 21 and above (or 18 for military members/veterans). Applicants must complete a four to six-hour training course, pass a written exam, and demonstrate shooting proficiency.
- Restricted Areas : Certain places like racetracks and secure airport areas prohibit carry.
- Under 21 Carry : Following a court ruling, those aged 18 to 20 can obtain an LTC to carry handguns outside their homes as of Jan. 10, 2023.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Texas law supports both Castle Doctrine and “stand your ground” principles:
- Castle Doctrine : No duty to retreat from any place where one has the legal right to be, when using force or deadly force to defend oneself or others.
- Defense of Person : Deadly force is justified if the actor reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to prevent certain felonies or threats.
- Defense of Property : Use of force, including deadly force, is justified to protect one’s property under specific circumstances.
- Presumption of Reasonableness : Texas law presumes that using deadly force in defense of habitation, vehicle, or business against unlawful intrusion or felony is reasonable.
- Using Force : Justified when necessary to protect against unlawful force, with a presumption of reasonableness under certain conditions.
For specific legal references, consult the Texas Penal Code (§§ 9.31, 9.32, 9.33, 9.41, 9.42 & 9.43).
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Texas? Yes. As of Sept. 1, 2021, permitless open carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a handgun, provided the handgun is carried in a holster. According to Texas Penal Code § 46.02(a-5), it is illegal to carry a handgun and intentionally display it in plain view of another person in a public place, unless the handgun is partially or wholly visible (openly carried) but is carried in a holster.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Texas requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? Texas is a shall-issue state.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Texas to get a concealed carry license? The minimum age to carry is 18 years old. On Jan. 10, 2023, the Office of General Counsel sent a memo to DPS offices directing them to no longer enforce the state law that bars adults under 21 from carrying handguns in public.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Texas with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? No. A Texas LTC does not apply to weapons other than handguns.
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 license.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Texas? Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of small chemical dispensers of pepper spray sold commercially for personal protection. [Tex. Pen. Code § 46.05(a)(3)]
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does Texas have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? No. Texas has no limit for handgun magazine capacity.
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does Texas have ammunition restrictions? Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited. [Tex. Penal Code § 46.05(a)(2)]
Permitless Carry?
Does Texas allow permitless carry? Yes. As of Sept. 1, 2021, permitless concealed and open carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old who is not prohibited from lawfully possessing a handgun under federal law or Texas state law.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
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 valid concealed carry license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition they are authorized to possess in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle in a parking area the employer provides for employees, except where 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. [Tex. Labor Code § 52.061]
CARRY IN VEHICLE?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Texas?
Yes, without a license as of Sept. 1, 2021. However, it is an offense if the handgun 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, provided you are not engaging in criminal activity (other than a traffic violation). There are exemptions for peace officers, military, and other security and governmental professionals. [Texas Penal Code §§ 46.02(a-1) and 46.15]
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Texas?
Yes, without a license for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a handgun.
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, without a license for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a handgun. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Texas. Except no firearms are allowed on or across the land of the Lower Colorado River Authority [Tex. Parks & Wild. Code § 62.081], on or over the water of Murvaul Lake in Panola County [Texas Parks and Wild. Code § 283.022], or in specific game sanctuaries listed under Texas Parks and Wild. Code.
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Texas?
Carry is prohibited in businesses that sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption, whose alcohol sales constitute more than 50% of gross receipts, and display a red sign with “51%” in large red letters superimposed over a warning that possession of a concealed weapon on the premises is a felony. As of Sept. 1, 2021, only permit holders have a legal defense if effective notice is not given by the business. You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol (those that make less than 51% of their profits from alcohol) without a license. [Texas Penal Code § 46.03(p)]
CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Texas?
As of September 1, 2021, unless prohibited by state or federal law, a hotel may not adopt a policy prohibiting a hotel guest from:
- Carrying or storing a firearm or firearm ammunition in the guest’s hotel room or in the guest’s vehicle located on the hotel property.
- Carrying a firearm or firearm ammunition directly en route to or from the hotel, guest’s hotel room, or the guest’s vehicle.
A hotel may adopt a policy requiring a hotel guest carrying a firearm or ammunition in a common area on the hotel property to carry a handgun in a concealed manner or carry a firearm or ammunition in a case or bag. [Tex. Pen. Code §§ 30.05, 30.06, and 30.07]
DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry License?
- Is my Texas driver’s license linked to my Texas carry license?
- Yes. Texas does show if the registered driver of the car has a license to carry (LTC). So when pulled over, the license plate trace shows that data. If the DL is run independently of a license plate it will also show that you have a LTC.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Texas?
- Yes. As of Sept. 1, 2021, signage is complicated in Texas, and anyone carrying a firearm will need to understand the differences between the definitions of each sign. The Firearm Carry Act of 2021 creates two additional weapons signs: Texas Penal Code § 30.05 signs will indicate locations where just permitless carry of firearms is prohibited. It will be up to private individuals and businesses to decide what their policies will be moving forward regarding permitless carriers. Texas Penal Code § 30.06 signs that indicate locations where concealed carry permit holders cannot carry; Texas Penal Code § 30.07 signs that indicate locations where open carry for permit holders is prohibited; and 51% signs that indicate the establishment sells alcohol by the drink and receives more than 51% of its income from alcohol sales. Only concealed carry permit holders have a legal defense if effective notice has not been provided. [Texas Penal Code § 46.15(p)] Texas Penal Code § 46.03(o) signs will state “Pursuant to Section 46.03, Penal Code (places weapons prohibited), a person may not carry a firearm or other weapon on this property.” If this sign is posted in a conspicuous location, no firearms are allowed. Regardless of which sign is posted, once a person receives effective consent (either verbal or written notice) that entry on the property is prohibited, he or she must promptly leave or risk being charged with a misdemeanor. [Texas Penal Code § 30.05]
Red Flag Law?
- Does Texas have a red flag law?
- No. Texas does not have a red flag law.
Brandishing?
- Does Texas state law define brandishing?
- No definition of brandishing was found in Texas law. However, a person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally or knowingly displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm. [Tex. Pen. Code § 42.01]
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?
- Does Texas issue concealed carry licenses 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 any criminal justice agency.
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 state has preemption of firearms laws in Texas, 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. 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. [Tex. Local Gov’t Code § 229.001(b)(6)][Tex. Local Gov’t Code § 291.010(c)]
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
- Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Texas?
- You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Texas when an officer demands that you display identification, you must display both your driver’s license or identification and your handgun license. [Tex. Gov’t Code § 411.205]
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
- Does Texas have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
- As of Sept. 1, 2021, carry is prohibited if you are intoxicated anywhere other than: On your own property or property under your control or on private property with the consent of the owner; or Inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle or watercraft: That is owned by you or under your control; or That is owned by you or under your control; or With the consent of the owner or operator of the vehicle or watercraft. [Texas Penal Code § 46.02(a-6)] “Intoxicated” is defined as: Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body; or Having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. [Texas Penal Code § 49.01(2)] 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 judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Texas? No. Texas has no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in Texas? No. Texas does not require handgun registration.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Texas? You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Texas.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A LICENSE?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? Yes. A license is not required on premises under your control, including real property and recreational vehicles used as living quarters.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Texas? No. Permits are not required for handgun purchases in Texas. A Texas LTC serves as an alternative to background checks for up to 5 years.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Texas? No. Private firearms transfers in Texas are not subject to a background check requirement, though federal and state restrictions still apply.
TEXAS LICENSE EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my Texas concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm? Yes.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
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.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
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.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Residency Changes: Moving to Texas and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Texas issues resident and non-resident licenses, so you can apply for your license at any time. In order to apply for a resident license, you need to be a legal resident of Texas for six months or have relocated with the intent to establish residency in the state. Moving from Texas and have a Texas resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Texas license remains valid? If a person with a Texas license to carry establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided he or she submits the above referenced name/address change form.
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;
- A federal judge ruled that 18 to 20 year olds must be allowed to carry a handgun outside the home in Texas. He allowed this to be done by letting them get a Texas license to carry and Texas DPS will now issue a Texas LTC to anyone that is at least 18 years old, or 18 and either: — A member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard or discharged under honorable conditions; or — As of September 1, 2021, be protected under certain court orders related to family violence;
- Meet training requirements;
- 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. *Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Texas.
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
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses: 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.
Lost/Stolen Licenses: You can submit a request for a new license.
You will be issued a new license number for security reasons.
Step 1: Submit an online application. You will need the following:
- Valid driver license or identification card
- Current demographic, address, contact, and employment information
- Residential and employment information for the last five years (new users only)
- Information regarding any psychiatric, drug, alcohol, or criminal history
- Valid email address
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 Department of Public Safety to complete the application.
Step 5: You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
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. However, active duty and honorably discharged members of the military, may not be required to complete the range instruction portion of a handgun proficiency course.
- 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.
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 the license. Renewal applications made after 12 months from the expiry date will be treated as a new application.
Step 2: 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.
Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Firearms are prohibited in 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). You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol (those that make less than 51% of their profits from alcohol), unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license?
Yes.
Carry in roadside rest areas?
Yes.
Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs?
Yes.
Carry in places of worship?
Yes, unless they have posted signs prohibiting firearms.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license
As of September 1, 2021, 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* 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.
Anyone under the age of 18 can open or concealed carry a knife with a blade that is less than 5.5 inches in length nearly anywhere. An adult can open or concealed carry any knife with a blade longer than 5.5 inches in length anywhere other than the same locations that are off-limits to firearms, which includes schools.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Texas, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
There is no known statute in Texas making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Texas?
Yes, with a Texas LTC or a concealed carry license/permit from a state that Texas honors.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Texas?
Yes, with a Texas LTC or a concealed carry license/permit from a state that Texas honors.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Texas?
Yes. No person may intentionally interfere with another person lawfully engaged in the process of hunting or catching wildlife.
[ Tex. Parks & Wildlife Code § 62.0125 ]
