Texas Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permitless / Constitutional Carry Castle Doctrine Constitutional Carry Stand Your Ground

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Texas Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permitless / Constitutional Carry
Permit Required	No - permitless carry
Permit Cost	N/A (No permit required)
Permit Validity	N/A
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✓ Yes
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Texas

Open carry is legal in Texas for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Texas

Texas is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Texas enacted constitutional carry in September 2021. LTC (License to Carry) still available for reciprocity in other states. Open carry of holstered handguns now requires no permit.

Where You Cannot Carry in Texas

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Texas. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Polling Places
Prisons
Airports Past Security
Race Tracks
Hospitals Without Permission
Amusement Parks With Signs
Bars Primary Alcohol Sales

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Optional Texas CCW Permit

Texas enacted constitutional carry in September 2021. LTC (License to Carry) still available for reciprocity in other states. Open carry of holstered handguns now requires no permit.

Even though Texas does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Texas but require a permit from your home state.

Apply for Optional Texas Permit

CCW Reciprocity for Texas

States that honor your Texas permit (29)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SC SD TN UT VA WV WY

Texas honors permits from (32)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MI MS MO MT NE NH NM ND OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Texas Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Texas gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Texas Gun Laws

When did Texas pass constitutional carry?

Texas signed HB1927 on June 16, 2021, with permitless carry going into effect September 1, 2021.

Can I carry in a Texas bar without a permit?

Under Texas law, you may not carry in a business that derives 51%+ of its income from alcohol sales (marked with a '51% sign'). Restaurants serving alcohol are generally OK.

Does Texas have stand your ground?

Yes. Texas has one of the strongest castle doctrine and stand your ground laws in the country, including the right to defend your vehicle and workplace.

Do I need an LTC to open carry in Texas?

No. Constitutional carry allows permitless open carry of holstered handguns. The LTC is now optional and useful mainly for reciprocity.

Shooting Ranges in Texas

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Neighboring State Gun Laws