Texas allows most adults to carry a handgun without needing a license, but there are still important rules everyone must follow. This is called “permit less carry” or “constitutional carry.” In Texas, anyone who is 21 or older and not prohibited by law can carry a handgun openly or concealed in most public places. “Not prohibited” means you cannot be a convicted felon, cannot have certain violent convictions, and cannot be legally barred from owning a firearm.
If you choose to carry openly, the handgun must be in a holster. If you carry concealed, the handgun must stay hidden from view. Texas does not require training for permit less carry, but many instructors strongly recommend it, so that people understand safety, storage, and the law.
There are places where carrying a handgun is not allowed, even with permit less carry. These include schools, polling places, court buildings, racetracks, airports past security, and bars that make most of their money from alcohol. Businesses can also post signs that legally ban firearms. The most common signs are 30.05, 30.06, and 30.07, which tell you whether concealed or open carry is prohibited. If a business posts these signs, you must follow them.
Police officers may ask to see your handgun to make sure you are carrying legally. You must follow their instructions. If you choose to get a License to Carry (LTC), you still can and it gives more benefits like carrying in more states and faster background checks when buying a gun.
Overall, Texas handgun laws give adults the freedom to carry, but they also expect gun owners to act responsibly, stay aware of restricted areas, and practice safe handling at all times.
Get Texas LTC Certified
Take our online class to complete the classroom portion of the Texas license to carry certification. The class is taken online in the comforts of your home at your pace. The course is Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) approved and saves you from having to sit in an in-person class on a Saturday.
