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 |
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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. |
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| 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
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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Preemption
Tex. Local Gov't Code § 229.001 (2002) |
Monday, January 26, 2015
State Rep. Chris Paddie filed a measure Friday that would create two sales tax holidays for the purchase ...
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association announces its support for Senate Joint Resolution 22 and House Joint Resolution ...
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Today, the Texas Legislature began its 2015 session. The NRA will continue this year to fight any attack ...
Friday, January 9, 2015
Today, state Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) pre-filed Senate Joint Resolution 22, proposing an amendment to the Texas constitution that ...
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
No summary available
Thursday, December 4, 2014
If you think it's a half-baked idea to legally protect kids' rights to play with their food, think ...
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
It's among the most controversial bills prefiled in the upcoming state legislative session, the possibility of allowing open ...
Friday, November 14, 2014
Dan Reynolds, a former Marine, was at home in Harris County, Texas when he heard the sound of ...
Thursday, September 11, 2014
A new effort to allow students to carry firearms on Baylor University’s campus will be proposed Thursday night, ...
Monday, August 11, 2014
The state agency charged with regulating the sale, distribution and possession of alcoholic beverages in Texas is proposing ...












