Texas Gun Laws
Constitutional carry. No magazine limit. Castle doctrine and stand your ground.
Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.
Texas allows constitutional carry for adults 21+. The state has both castle doctrine and stand your ground protections. No magazine limits, assault weapon bans, or waiting periods exist.
Key facts
- Concealed Carry: Constitutional carry — no permit required for adults 21+ (Tex. Penal Code § 46.02)
- Open Carry: Permitted without a permit for adults 21+ (Tex. Penal Code § 46.02)
- Permit to Purchase: Not required
- Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
- Magazine Limit: No limit
- Waiting Period: None
- Universal Background Check: Not required for private sales
- Red Flag Law (ERPO): No state ERPO law
- Castle Doctrine: Yes (Tex. Penal Code § 9.32(b))
- Stand Your Ground: Yes (Tex. Penal Code § 9.32(c))
- Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Honors licenses from 45 states (33 reciprocal, 12 one-way); visitors 21+ can carry concealed here without one anyway (Texas DPS — State Reciprocity)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to carry in Texas?
No. Texas is a constitutional carry state. Adults 21 and older may carry concealed or openly without a permit. A 2022 federal ruling (FPC v. McCraw) bars Texas from prosecuting 18–20-year-olds under the 21+ carry restriction, and DPS now issues LTCs to them.
Does Texas require background checks for private sales?
No. Private firearm sales in Texas do not require a background check.
Does Texas have a waiting period?
No. Texas does not impose a waiting period for firearm purchases.
Does Texas have a red flag law?
No. Texas has not enacted an extreme risk protection order law.
Does Texas recognize concealed carry permits from other states?
The Texas Department of Public Safety recognizes License to Carry (LTC) permits from 45 states — 33 by reciprocal agreement and 12 by one-way recognition. In practice this rarely matters for visitors, though — Texas is a constitutional carry state, so any adult 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed here without any permit at all.
Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.