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) |
Friday, August 12, 2005
At the recent Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Grapevine, TX, Marion Hammer presented ...
Thursday, July 21, 2005
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved a Texas Parks and Wildlife proposal that will add about ...
Friday, July 1, 2005
Texas dove hunters stand to see increased opportunity for taking white-winged doves this September, but waterfowlers face a ...
Monday, June 20, 2005
Fairfax, VA – Texas Governor Rick Perry has signed nine National Rifle Association (NRA) supported bills seeking ...
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Thanks to your phone calls and emails, the Texas Legislature adjourned sine die on May 30, after having ...
Friday, May 27, 2005
This week, the Senate approved HB 823 by Representative Terry Keel (R-Austin) and Senator Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen), an ...
Thursday, May 26, 2005
This week, the Senate approved HB 823 by Representative Terry Keel (R-Austin) and Senator Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen), an ...
Friday, May 20, 2005
This week, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee reported out the following NRA-backed bills: HB 823 by Representative Terry ...
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Some West Texas farmers complaining of damage by crop-eating deer may get the authority to eliminate their problem ...
Friday, May 13, 2005
This week, the Texas Senate gave final approval to HB 685, by Representative Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) and ...