Last Updated: Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Texas Gun Laws
Gun Laws Overview
RIFLES & SHOTGUNS | HANDGUNS | |
---|---|---|
Permit to Purchase | No | No |
Registration of Firearms | No | No |
Licensing of Owners | No | No |
Permit to Carry | No | No |
The list and map below are included as a tool to assist you in validating your information. We have made every effort to report the information correctly, however reciprocity and recognition agreements are subject to frequent change. The information is not intended as legal advice or a restatement of law and does not include: restrictions that may be placed on non-resident permits, individuals under the age of 21, qualifying permit classes, and/or any other factor which may limit reciprocity and/or recognition. For any particular situation, a licensed local attorney must be consulted for an accurate interpretation. YOU MUST ABIDE WITH ALL LAWS: STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL. Texas only honors licenses or permits of individuals who are 21 years of age or over. |
STATE STATUS | |
---|---|
Castle Doctrine | Enacted |
No-Net Loss | No Legislation |
Right to Carry Confidentiality | Provisions Enacted |
Right to Carry in Restaurants | Partial Ban |
Right To Carry Laws | No Permit Required |
Right To Carry Reciprocity and Recognition | Conditional Recognition |
Right to Keep & Bear Arms State Constitutional Provisions | With Provisions |
Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms
Antiques and Replicas
Antique or curio guns manufactured before 1899 and replicas thereof which do not use rim fire or center fire ammunition are not included in the definition of “firearm” as it is used in Texas Penal Code Title 10, Chapter 46, which governs weapons. |
Carry
A person commits an offense of unlawfully carrying a weapon if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun on or about his or her person unless the person is on one's own premise or premises under the person's control or inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control. MORE |
Machine Guns
It is unlawful to possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell a machine gun, explosive weapon, short-barreled firearm, or silencer. Federal registration of such an item under the National Firearms Act is a defense to this prohibition. |
Miscellaneous
A violation of the state’s firearms laws that occurs within 300 feet of a school or on premises where a school function is taking place shall result in an increased punishment. MORE |
Purchase
A Texas resident, if not otherwise precluded by law, may purchase rifles and shotguns, ammunition, reloading components, or firearms accessories in contiguous states. MORE |
Possession
No state license is required to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun. There are restrictions on possession by a person: convicted of a felony or a Class A misdemeanor involving the person’s family or household; or subject to certain orders issued under the Family Code or Code of Criminal Procedure. |
Preemption
Tex. Local Gov't Code § 229.001 (2002) |
Monday, June 2, 2025
As Texas House Bill 3053 heads to Governor Abbott’s desk, it is serving as a broader reminder to all states ...
Thursday, May 29, 2025
This week, the Texas House and Senate passed several important pro-Second Amendment bills. These bills had previously passed ...
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Today, Senate Bill 706, recognizing all valid out-of-state carry permits, passed the Texas House and now heads to ...
Monday, May 19, 2025
Tomorrow, Senate Bill 706—legislation to give universal recognition to every out-of-state handgun license— is set for its second reading on ...
Friday, May 16, 2025
Today, the Texas House State Affairs Committee passed Senate Bill 1065, legislation that protects the rights of License ...
Friday, May 16, 2025
On Tuesday May 13, the Texas House passed two pro-gun bills, House Bill 1403 and House Bill 1794. ...
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Yesterday, the Texas House passed House Bill 3053, legislation that prohibits local governments from organizing or participating in ...
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Yesterday, the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee passed Senate Bill 1362, legislation that defends the rights of Texans against firearm ...
Friday, May 9, 2025
Next week, the House is scheduled to take up three important pro-gun bills on the House floor. With ...
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Over the past week, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs advanced two ...