This guide provides information on Texas and federal gun laws including: background checks, open carry, concealed carry, handgun licenses, restrictions for felons, and local regulation of firearms and shooting ranges.
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As of 2021, Texas law no longer requires people to have a license to carry (LTC) in order to carry a handgun in most public places. See our Carry of Firearms page for more info on this new law. However, Texans are still able to get a license to carry after the new law takes effect.
People with a handgun license may be able to take their guns to some places where unlicensed people can't. For example, there are different rules for unlicensed carry and licensed carry near schools and at colleges. Also, businesses and other private property owners can usually choose whether to prohibit unlicensed carry, open carry by license holders, concealed carry by license holders, or some combination of those options.
Additionally, Texans may need a Texas LTC if they want to carry their handgun in another state that requires a handgun license and has a reciprocity agreement with Texas.
House Bill 1927 l removed the requirement to have a license to carry in order to carry a handgun in Texas. The changes in the law went into effect in 2021.
This section discusses licenses to carry handguns. These licenses are regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
These administrative rules on licenses to carry handguns are issued by the Department of Public Safety . The rules address eligibility and application procedures, handgun instructor licenses, and approved online course providers.
This page from the Texas Department of Public Safety compiles relevant laws and regulations related to handgun licenses.
This FAQ from the Texas Department of Public Safety discusses many aspects of the LTC licensing process including eligibility, training requirements, and relevant laws.
This page from the Texas Department of Public Safety explains some perks of getting a license to carry a handgun in Texas.
