You can legally wear a handgun in Texas without a license to carry. But there are rules
In Texas, you can carry a handgun without a license anywhere without a visible sign that prohibits it.
The Firearm Carry Act, implemented in 2021, says that “Texas law no longer requires people to have a license to carry (LTC) in order to carry a handgun in most public places,” according to the Texas government. This legislation only applies to those who were not previously banned from carrying a firearm of any sort.
The Lone Star State has allowed the right to bear arms since its birth in 1845. Currently, Texas does not require residents to obtain a license to carry a handgun. Also, according to the Texas State Law Library, “Texas law does not specifically put restrictions on who can carry a long gun such as a rifle or shotgun.”
These larger firearms can be openly carried as long as you are not carrying in a “manner calculated to alarm,” according to Texas law.
Here is all you need to know about carrying a handgun in Texas.
Carrying a handgun in Texas rules
Openly carrying a gun means others can see the firearm in a visible holster. Conceal carrying applies to those who are hiding their gun from plain view while carrying it. You can either openly carry or conceal carry any firearm in Texas that is not prohibited.
You can still get your license to carry in Texas (as young as 18 years old), although you don’t really need it. All it does now is act as an alternative to background checks (National Instant Criminal Background Check System, NICS) for those who wish to purchase firearms. And it may also allow you to conceal carry in other reciprocity states.
For those who don’t have their LTC, you must check these boxes to begin carrying a firearm, according to Texas Penal Code section 46. If you have any confusion, it is smart to ask an attorney if you are eligible.
Be at least 21 years old.
No prior felony convictions.
No recent convictions for certain types of misdemeanors.
Not be subject to an unexpired protective order.
Not be restricted from possessing a firearm under federal law.
Cannot be intoxicated.
If you do carry a gun, be mindful of where you are allowed to bring it. According to the same Texas Penal Code, handguns must be in a holster if visible to someone else. However, handguns absolutely cannot be carried, even in a holster, in the following places:
Secured areas of the airport
Courthouse
Polling places on any voting days
Schools
Places of business with visible signage prohibiting handguns
Businesses permitted by TABC that derive 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcohol
High school, college, interscholastic, or professional sporting event unless the person is a participant and the event involves use of the weapon
Correctional facility; civil commitment facility, hospital, nursing facility, or mental hospital
Amusement park
A room(s) where an open governmental meeting is occurring
This story was originally published July 16, 2024 at 3:15 PM.