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, August 12, 2024
On August 8, the State Fair of Texas announced that it is changing its weapons policy to prohibit attendees from ...
Monday, July 1, 2024
On Saturday, June 15th, NRA-ILA Texas Grassroots hosted an NRA 2A Day at one of Texas’s model NRA ...
Monday, May 20, 2024
Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America elected former U.S. Congressman Bob Barr ...
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Today, the National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is honored to announce its full endorsement of President ...
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Last month, your NRA-ILA Grassroots Team was in Dallas, Texas with the Young Republican National Convention.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
The Texas Legislature passed three NRA-supported measures during the 2023 Regular Session and Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed ...
Monday, June 12, 2023
Over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed important legislation protecting the privacy rights of lawful firearms purchasers ...
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The Texas Legislature adjourned from the 2023 Regular Session on Memorial Day and was immediately called back into special session on ...
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Yesterday, the House Committee on Community Safety reported out House Bill 2744, legislation which restricts the Second Amendment rights of young adults aged ...
Monday, May 8, 2023
Today, the House Committee on Community Safety reported out House Bill 2744, legislation which restricts the Second Amendment rights of young adults aged ...