Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice. I’m just your friendly neighborhood FFL in Texas trying to break this stuff down in plain English. Always consult a licensed attorney or official state resources if you have legal questions about firearm ownership or use.
Welcome to Texas, Y’all!
If you’ve spent more than five minutes in the Lone Star State, you’ve probably noticed—we like our brisket slow, our boots dusty, and yes, our guns legal (mostly). Whether you’re new to Texas, new to firearms, or just trying to make sure your cousin Billy isn’t giving you bad advice at the cookout, this guide’s for you.
Let’s unpack Texas gun laws without the legal mumbo jumbo.
1. Can I Carry a Gun in Texas?
Short answer: Yes.
As of September 1, 2021, Texas law allows most adults 21 and older to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a License to Carry (LTC). This is known as Permitless Carry or Constitutional Carry.
Here’s the fine print:
- You must not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm (think felony convictions, certain protective orders, etc.).
- The gun must be holstered (yes, even if it’s open carry).
- You still can’t carry just anywhere (more on that next).
2. Where Can’t You Carry?
Texas may be gun-friendly, but even here there are places you can’t legally carry your firearm, even with a permit. Here are some of the biggies:
- Schools (K-12, college campuses have special rules)
- Polling places on election day
- Courthouses or court offices
- Secured areas of airports
- Businesses with posted “30.06” or “30.07” signs (LTC restrictions apply)
- Bars that make 51% or more of their revenue from alcohol sales (look for the red “51%” sign)
- Private property if the owner says “no guns”
3. Do I Need a License at All?
Technically, no. But an LTC still has some perks, including:
- Reciprocity when traveling to other states that recognize Texas LTCs.
- Skipping background checks when buying from licensed dealers (like us at Blackbox Ballistics).
- Legal protections if you ever have to defend yourself with your firearm.
- Expanded carry locations—some places require you to have an LTC to carry legally.
How to Get a Texas LTC:
- Take a DPS-approved course either online or in-person. These typically include:
- Texas firearm laws
- Non-violent dispute resolution
- Proper storage and use of firearms
- Pass a written test and a shooting proficiency test.
- Apply online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.
- Submit fingerprints for a background check.
- Pay the fee and wait for your license to arrive by mail.
You can find local instructors or online providers with a quick search, or check the Texas DPS website for official resources.
4. What About Long Guns?
Rifles, shotguns, and yes, even AR-15s are legal to own and carry in Texas without a license. You can openly carry long guns in public, but use common sense—nothing ruins a good day like causing a panic at the grocery store because you walked in with a rifle slung over your shoulder.
5. Buying a Firearm in Texas
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid government-issued ID with your current Texas address.
- Federal background check (unless you have a valid Texas LTC).
If you’re buying from a private seller, state law doesn’t require a background check—but you cannot knowingly sell to someone who is prohibited from owning a firearm.
6. Can I Carry in My Car?
Yup! You can legally carry a loaded handgun in your vehicle as long as it’s:
- Concealed (like in the glove box or center console), or
- In a holster if it’s visible.
Long guns? No problem—just make sure they’re stored safely and not brandished around.
7. Self-Defense: The “Castle Doctrine” and “Stand Your Ground”
Texas law says you can defend yourself with deadly force in certain situations, like if someone’s breaking into your home, vehicle, or place of business. You don’t have to retreat if you’re somewhere you’re legally allowed to be.
But remember—you’re responsible for every round you fire. Using deadly force is a last resort, not a license to escalate a bad situation.
8. NFA Items (Suppressors, SBRs, etc.)
You can legally own National Firearms Act (NFA) items like:
- Suppressors (aka “silencers”)
- Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
- Machine guns (if registered before May 19, 1986)
BUT you must:
- Go through the ATF paperwork, pay the tax stamp fee, and
- Wait (sometimes months) for approval.
Texas has passed some state-level “Second Amendment Sanctuary” laws, but federal law still applies. So, if you’re interested in NFA items, do it the legal way.
9. TL;DR Recap
- Permitless carry is legal for adults 21+ (with some restrictions).
- Private property owners and businesses can still say “no guns allowed.”
- LTC offers additional benefits and protections.
- Long guns are legal to carry openly, but don’t be that guy.
- You can carry in your car with some basic rules.
- Self-defense laws give you the right to protect yourself, but know the risks.
- NFA items require federal approval—state laws don’t cancel that.
A Quick Word on Safety
At the end of the day, gun ownership is about responsibility. Whether you carry every day or you’re just keeping a home defense firearm in the safe, safety should always come first.
- Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
- Never point it at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
- Know your target—and what’s beyond it.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started, invest in quality training, practice regularly, and never hesitate to ask questions. That’s why we’re here at Blackbox Ballistics—to help make gun ownership less weird and a whole lot safer.