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) |
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Yesterday, Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, ...
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Thanks to your constant contact with lawmakers, the prioritization of key bills by House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R-Houston), and the support ...
Friday, May 28, 2021
On Friday afternoon, the Texas Senate concurred with House amendments and gave final approval to two pro-Second Amendment bills strongly supported ...
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
While passage of HB 1927, NRA-backed constitutional carry legislation, dominated the news yesterday, another important NRA-supported measure received final ...
Monday, May 24, 2021
NRA-backed constitutional carry bill passes in Texas and heads to Gov. Abbott's desk for his excepted signature.
Friday, May 21, 2021
Bill author, Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler), and Senate sponsor, Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown), announced this afternoon that the House and Senate conferees have ...
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
With twelve days left in session, House and Senate conferees have not issued a conference report resolving their differences on House ...
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Earlier today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed five pro-Second Amendment Senate conferees on House Bill 1927, constitutional carry legislation ...
Thursday, May 13, 2021
The Texas House has sent House Bill 1927, constitutional carry legislation sponsored by Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler), to a conference ...
Monday, May 10, 2021
Many of you have asked for an update on HB 1927, constitutional carry legislation. Here are links to ...