Texas Guide

Last Updated: 02/26/2026

Note: This guide summarizes statewide requirements. Some specific locations (such as federal property, schools, airports, or tribal lands) may have additional restrictions. Always verify the latest laws with state agencies or legal counsel before purchasing or carrying. This information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Buying a Gun:

  • Minimum age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun (exceptions for private sales see below)
  • Dealer sales background check: Required
  • Waiting period: None
  • Private sales: No background check required

Concealed Carry:

  • Permit required? No, Texas has permitless carry for those 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm. A License to Carry (LTC) is available and provides certain benefits.
  • Training required? Not required for permitless carry. However, training is required for obtaining a License to Carry (LTC).
  • Out-of-state permit recognition: Yes, Texas recognizes permits from states with which it has reciprocity agreements.

Special Notes:

  • Texas has statewide preemption of firearm laws
  • No red flag laws.
  • No assault weapon or magazine capacity restrictions.
  • No firearm registration requirements.

How to Buy a Gun in Texas

Prerequisites

  • Age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun (those 18-20 may purchase handguns through private sales).
  • Residency: Federal law requires all handgun purchases to occur in your state of residency. Buyers must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. State residency is not required for long gun purchases from FFL dealers in Texas.
  • ID requirements: Valid and current government-issued ID. Further proof of residency may be required.
  • Prohibited-person highlights: Felons, domestic violence misdemeanors or restraining orders, unlawful drug users, fugitives, those adjudicated mentally defective or committed, and other federally prohibited categories.

Dealer Purchase Steps

  1. Visit a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer.
  2. Present valid ID, proof of residency, and complete the ATF Form 4473.
  3. Dealer conducts a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  4. If approved, complete the purchase.

Private Sales / Gun Shows

  • No background check is required for private, in-state sales between non-licensed individuals.
  • At gun shows, only sales by non-licensed attendees are treated as private sales; licensed dealers must run a background check.
  • Federal prohibited-person rules still apply at gun shows and for private sales.

Special Categories / Exceptions

  • Long guns vs handguns vs NFA items: No special restrictions for long guns or handguns. NFA items (e.g., suppressors) are legal with the appropriate federal paperwork.
  • Non-resident purchases allowed only for long gun purchases and the purchaser must comply with federal law and the laws of their home state.

Waiting Period & Timing

  • Waiting period (days): Texas has no waiting period for firearm purchases.
  • Notes / exceptions: Immediate purchase upon background check approval.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • While 18-20 year olds may purchase handguns privately, Federal law restricts handgun ammo to those 21 and older.
  • Confirm dealer requirements for proof of residency.
  • Ensure all information on the ATF Form 4473 is accurate to avoid delays.
  • If NICS is delayed, dealers may be required to hold the firearm per federal rules.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.
  • Marijuana users of any kind are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. The ATF and many courts treat a medical marijuana card as presumptive evidence of unlawful use. Marijuana use while possessing a firearm is a felony, though recent court rulings are challenging this, and the Supreme Court has taken up a relevant case with a ruling likely in June or July of 2026.

How to Carry Concealed in Texas

System Type

  • Permitless carry. Legal per statute for individuals 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm.
  • License to Carry is an available option and provides certain benefits like state reciprocity.

Prerequisites

  • Age: 21 years or older per statute, however, in the wake of a 2022 ruling (found here), the Texas DPS has stated that it will no longer deny LTC’s to 18-20 year olds based solely on their age (noted here on the DSP website).
  • Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Separate LTC’s exist for Texas residents and non-residents, with the Texas resident LTC requiring 6 months of residency.
  • Training: Not required for permitless carry. However, completion of a Handgun Proficiency Course (HPC) is required for obtaining a License to Carry (LTC).
  • Disqualifying factors: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, adjudicated mental incompetence, and any condition that makes the applicant prohibited under federal law (e.g., involuntary commitment or unlawful controlled substance use). This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Application Steps

  1. Complete the online application through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.
  2. Submit fingerprints and proof of residency.
  3. Submit an LTC-104 certificate displaying completion of your HPC.
  4. Complete a background check.
  5. Pay any associated and required fees.

Training Requirements

  • Hours: 4 to 6 depending on course.
  • Proficiencies required: The Texas HPC requires both a written test and a live fire range proficiency test.
  • Instructor certification: Required for the course provider.

Processing Time

  • No more than 60 days, with up to 180 days if further documentation and clarification is required and requested.

License validity period

  • LTCs are valid for 4 years
  • LTC renewals are valid for 5 years.

Restrictions / Prohibited Places

  • Schools (K–12), on school grounds, and school-sanctioned events. Exceptions exist for teachers which are not detailed here.
  • Polling places on Election Day.
  • Courts, jails, and correctional facilities.
  • Posted private property (“no guns” signs carry legal force).
  • Bars, restaurants, or establishments that derive 51% or more of revenue from alcohol sales.
  • Secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law.
  • Do not carry while intoxicated; carrying while intoxicated is illegal and punishable by law.
  • This is not exhaustive, consult official resources linked below.

Reciprocity

  • Out-of-state permits recognized: Yes, from states with which Texas has reciprocity agreements.
  • State permits recognized elsewhere? Yes, Texas LTC is recognized in many states.

Denial & Appeal Process

  • Applicants can appeal denials directly through the Texas DPS.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • Permitless carry only for 21+. 18–20 may open carry but not concealed.
  • Even with permit, private property postings override carry rights
  • Carrying in prohibited places can result in serious penalties.
  • Carrying while intoxicated can result in serious penalties.
  • Ensure your LTC is renewed before expiration to avoid legal issues.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.

Associated Fees

  • License to Carry (LTC): $40 – covers application and background check. Does not cover fingerprinting.
  • License to Carry Renewal: $40, required every five years.
  • Other Fees / Notes: Fingerprinting costs ~$15. Online written classes and testing are in the $25-65 range. Live Fire Proficiency Exams are in the $55-100 range.

Trans-Specific Considerations

Important notes for trans Texans – While Arm the Doll sisn’t a guide to navigating changing your legal name/gender marker in any state, we believe additional context is warranted here.

As of August 20, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety has been directed by Attorney General Ken Paxton to track anyone who requests gender marker changes. DPS employees are instructed to forward names, driver’s license/ID numbers, and scanned court orders to an internal email address. This tracking includes people who simply asked questions about the process, not just those who submitted formal requests.

According to KUT News reporting from August 2025 (found here), over 110 names have been collected on this list. The Attorney General’s office has refused to explain the purpose of this database or how the information will be used, despite multiple requests from media outlets and advocacy organizations.

The current political regime in Texas should be considered hostile to trans Texans, and extreme caution should be observed. Exercise extreme caution, know your rights, and obey all laws.

Constitutional Carry as Trans: Avoiding Advanced Licenses

After careful consideration of the options available to trans people in potentially hostile constitutional carry states, Arm the Dolls strongly recommends relying on constitutional carry and avoiding optional permit applications.

In constitutional carry states, obtaining a concealed carry permit is optional for residents who wish to carry within the state. However, some states have documented practices of tracking trans people who interact with government identification and permitting systems, and this surveillance creates unacceptable privacy and safety risks both now and in the future.

In August 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety was directed by Attorney General Ken Paxton to track anyone who requests gender marker changes on state identification. DPS employees were instructed to forward names, driver’s license/ID numbers, and scanned court orders to an internal email address. This tracking includes people who simply asked questions about the process, not just those who submitted formal requests. As of August 2025, over 110 names have been collected on this list. The Attorney General’s office has refused to explain the purpose of this database or how the information will be used.

When you apply for an optional permit in a constitutional carry state, you voluntarily submit:

  • Personal identifying information (name, address, date of birth).
  • Documentation that may reveal your trans status (name change court orders, mismatched gender markers, etc.).

This information enters state databases controlled by agencies that may be led by officials hostile to trans people. In some states, these agencies have demonstrated a willingness to track and collect information about trans individuals for undisclosed purposes.

Constitutional carry allows trans people to exercise Second Amendment rights while avoiding unnecessary risk. By declining optional permits, you prevent creating records that connect your firearm ownership to your trans status, even if state agencies already have other documentation about you. There’s no reason to voluntarily add another data point to files that could be weaponized against you.

While advanced licenses provide benefits, you should be clear about whether those are benefits you require and will utilize. Interstate reciprocity and other benefits may be important, but they must be weighed against the potential weaponization of your data by a hostile administration. If your personal use case does not require the advantages of an advanced license and you can otherwise carry lawfully, we strongly recommend you rely on constitutional carry.

Name or Changes in Progress

  • Firearm Purchases: Your ID must be current and valid at the time of purchase. If your name change is finalized but your ID has not yet been updated, you may face delays or denial. If possible, complete your ID update before attempting to purchase.
  • LTC Applications: LTC Processing times in Texas are typically under 60 days, but could take up to 180 days if further documentation is required and requested. As such it is possible that someone could undergo a name change while their application is under review. If you submit an application and your legal name changes during processing, notify your issuing authority immediately. Failure to update your information could result in application denial or a permit issued under an incorrect name, which may create legal complications when carrying.
  • Form 4473 Accuracy: The ATF Form 4473 must reflect your current legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. The form also asks for sex information; at present, using the gender marker on your current government-issued ID is the standard practice. Using identifying information that does not match your ID could constitute providing false information and may result in denial or legal consequences.
  • Practical Implications: It is important if at all possible to complete all legal name and gender marker changes and obtain updated government ID before beginning the firearms purchase or permit application process. This avoids potential complications with background checks and application processing.

Updating an Existing LTC Permit After Name Change

  • Where to update: Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety – Handgun Licensing Division to update your LTC after a name change.
  • Required documentation: Legal documentation proving your name change; be prepared to provide proof of your name change (court order, updated birth certificate, or other official documentation), your updated Texas driver’s license or state ID showing your new name, and your current LTC.
  • Update process: Form LTC-70 (found here) is the state-provided official path for amending all information on your LTC permit. This includes name changes, but also things such as adding firearms to the permit, and changing your address. This form may be filed electronically (found here) or mailed directly. Supporting court documents for online submission are typically provided after the initial change request, upon request, through web portal (found here).
  • Processing fee: $25
  • Processing time: Varies, but could take up to several weeks.
  • Important notes: 
    • As Texas does not currently allow for gender marker changes on government-issued IDs or birth certificates, there is no process for changing your gender marker on your LTC.
    • Texas law provides a 30-day window for updating your LTC after a name change. Texas law also allows for a 30-day suspension of an LTC if the license holder fails to keep their legal name current. Ensure you update your name promptly after any legal name change.
    • Your CCW permit should reflect your current legal name before you carry concealed. A mismatch between your ID and permit could create complications during a law enforcement encounter.

Notes:

  • There are ongoing regulatory developments regarding sex designation requirements on Form 4473. We are monitoring this situation and will update this guide as more information becomes available.

Texas-Specific Considerations

  • Local ordinance preemption: Yes, local governments cannot impose firearm regulations stricter than state law.
  • Assault weapons / magazine limits: No statewide assault-weapon ban or magazine cap beyond any established federal restrictions.
  • ERPO / Red flag laws: Not in effect in Texas.
  • Registration requirements: None.
  • Safe storage laws: Not required by state law.
  • Transportation rules: Loaded or unloaded firearms may be carried in a vehicle. They may be in the passenger compartment. Handguns in plain view must be in a holster unless the person is at least 21 or licensed to carry. No trunk-only requirement. Federal law may impose restrictions near schools.

Official Links & Documents

State Statutes / Codes

State Police / Firearms Division

Permit Applications / Forms

Attorney General Opinions / Court Decisions

Other Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can non-residents buy a gun in this state?
Non-residents may purchase long guns in the state if they comply with federal law and their home state laws. Handgun purchases are generally restricted to state residents, with limited exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel.

Are private sales required to do background checks?
No, private sales do not require background checks in Texas.

How long is the waiting period?
There is no waiting period for firearm purchases in Texas.

What is the minimum age to buy a handgun?
The minimum age to purchase a handgun is 21 years.

Do I need a permit to carry concealed?
No, Texas allows permitless carry for individuals 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm.

Where am I prohibited from carrying even with a permit?
You are prohibited from carrying, even with a permit, at schools (K–12), on school grounds, and school-sanctioned events; polling places on Election Day; courts, jails, and correctional facilities; posted private property (“no guns” signs carry legal force); bars, restaurants, or establishments that derive 51% or more of revenue from alcohol sales (unless not consuming alcohol while carrying); secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law. This is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Are ghost guns or unserialized guns legal?
Texas does not have its own ghost-gun ban, but federal rules (and recent judicial rulings) now regulate kits/parts — check ATF/FDLE guidance.

Are out-of-state permits recognized here?
Yes, Texas recognizes concealed carry permits from states with which it has reciprocity agreements.

How long does the permit process typically take?
The typical processing time for a License to Carry (LTC) is 60 days or less.

What happens if my concealed carry permit is denied?
You can appeal the denial through the Texas Department of Public Safety.