State Laws · TX
Texas Gun Laws
Effective as of September 1, 2021 (HB 1927, Firearm Carry Act of 2021). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
Texas is a constitutional carry state. Under the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 (HB 1927), individuals aged 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a handgun — concealed or openly in a holster — without obtaining a License to Carry (LTC). The LTC remains available and is recommended for interstate reciprocity and access to certain locations where unlicensed carry is restricted.
Key statute: Texas Penal Code § 46.02 — Unlawful Carrying Weapons. As amended by HB 1927, this section no longer criminalizes the carrying of a handgun by a person aged 21 or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Who Cannot Carry
A person is prohibited from carrying a handgun without a license if, within the preceding five years, they were convicted of: assault causing bodily injury (Penal Code § 22.01), deadly conduct (§ 22.05), terroristic threat (§ 22.07), or disorderly conduct involving a firearm (§ 42.01). Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing any firearm under both Texas Penal Code § 46.04 and federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)).
Prohibited Locations
Even with constitutional carry, handguns are prohibited in: schools and school events (Penal Code § 46.03), polling places on election day, courts and court offices, racetracks, secured areas of airports, bars and establishments deriving 51% or more of revenue from on-premises alcohol sales (identified by the red "51%" sign), correctional facilities, hospitals and nursing homes (unless authorized), amusement parks, places of religious worship (unless authorized by the organization), and government meetings. Private businesses may prohibit carry by posting notice under Penal Code §§ 30.05, 30.06, and 30.07.
Purchase Requirements
No state permit is required to purchase a firearm. All purchases from licensed dealers require a federal NICS background check via ATF Form 4473. Private sales between Texas residents do not require a background check under state law. Buyers must be 21 to purchase a handgun from an FFL (18 for long guns). There is no waiting period and no state firearms registry.
Citations
Texas Penal Code Chapter 46; Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H; HB 1927 (87th Legislature, 2021).
Look up statutes at Texas Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Texas statutes
Texas Legislature →This link goes to Texas's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.