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) |
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
At 10:30 a.m., (or upon final adjournment of the House floor session) in room E2.030 of the Capitol Extension, the House ...
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Thursday, April 8, is shaping-up to be a busy day in Austin on legislation affecting your Second Amendment rights!
Friday, April 2, 2021
On Thursday, by a 6-3 vote, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety voted out House Bill ...
Monday, March 29, 2021
Your NRA-ILA invites you to attend a statewide, virtual town hall meeting TONIGHT at 7:00 pm. We will recap last week's public hearing in ...
Saturday, March 20, 2021
On Thursday, March 25, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety will hear House Bill 1238, by ...
Sunday, March 14, 2021
On Thursday, March 18, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety will hold a hearing at the ...
Monday, March 8, 2021
Last week, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), and Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown), filed House Bill 2558, and Senate Bill 19, NRA-backed bills that discourage banks, payment processors, insurers, and other financial services ...
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
These NRA-backed proposals would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a handgun without a state-issued License To Carry (LTC). The ...
Friday, February 26, 2021
On Wednesday, we reported to you on House Bill 2249 and Senate Bill 18, NRA-backed bills which establish that firearms and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers and retailers ...
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
COVID-19 and uncivil disorder have illustrated that in times of crisis or uncertainty, Americans buy guns. Last year, as concerned citizens across ...