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, April 5, 2019
On Monday, the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee will hear NRA-backed House Bill 1231 by Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Van).
Monday, April 1, 2019
This morning, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously voted out a committee substitute for Senate Bill 19, an NRA-backed ...
Monday, March 25, 2019
Senate Bill 19, an NRA-backed measure sponsored by State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), protects the rights of tenants of residential units ...
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Gun control measures loom in the background as session truly starts cranking this month
Friday, March 1, 2019
On Wednesday, March 6, the Texas House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee will consider House Bill 1177,
Monday, February 25, 2019
On Wednesday, February 27, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety will consider House Bill 302,
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Over the holiday weekend, a conservative "taxpayer watchdog" group sent out an email to its contact list which gave the impression that NRA-ILA supports "red ...
Monday, February 4, 2019
The Texas Legislature convened in Austin last month for its 86th Regular Session and the number of gun control ...
Thursday, January 31, 2019
A proposed law would allow Texans to carry guns in churches and other places of worship. State senator ...
Thursday, January 10, 2019
On behalf of our more than 5 million members across the country, the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action ...