Texas Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Reciprocity (2026)
Quick answer: Texas (TX) is a constitutional-carry (permitless) state meaning anyone 21+ who can legally possess a handgun may carry concealed without a permit (including non-residents). Texas also honors carry permits from every state that issues them. Going the other way, a Texas permit lets you carry in 38 states (10 that honor it plus 29 permitless states).
📌 Reviewed against official sources: August 14, 2026 · By James Nicholas
Where your Texas permit works (carry out)
With a Texas-issued resident permit you can legally carry in 38 states: 10 honor the permit itself and 28 are permitless-carry states where eligible visitors need no permit at all.
✅ Permitless — no permit needed (28)
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew HampshireNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontWest VirginiaWyoming
✅ Honor your Texas permit (10)
ColoradoDelawareMichiganMinnesotaNevadaNew MexicoNorth CarolinaPennsylvaniaVirginiaWisconsin
Whose permits does Texas honor? (carry in)
Texas recognizes valid concealed-carry permits from every issuing state.
Official basis: Tex. Gov’t Code 411.173(b) as amended by SB 706 (89th Leg., effective Sept 1, 2025): ‘A valid license to carry a handgun issued by any other state is recognized in this state.’ The DPS reciprocity page (last dated 2020) has not been updated to reflect the statute — the statute controls.
Key Texas carry restrictions
- Duty to inform: LTC/permit holders must display both ID and handgun license when an officer asks for ID
- Effective 30.06/30.07 signs and permitless-carry 30.05 notice exclude carry from private property
- Prohibited: 51% alcohol establishments, schools, courthouses, polling places, secured airport areas, correctional/mental health facilities; open carry requires a holster
- Cannot carry while intoxicated
Duty to inform police: Yes (license holders) when asked for ID.
Texas permit basics
License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) Texas DPS; useful for reciprocity, NICS-exempt purchases, and carrying where permitless carriers cannot. Minimum age: 21. Commonly abbreviated as the “Texas LTC.” Even in a permitless state, a permit remains useful for out-of-state reciprocity and other benefits.
Texas carry FAQ
Can you conceal carry in Texas without a permit?
Yes. Texas has had permitless (constitutional) carry since 2021: anyone 21+ who may legally possess a handgun can carry concealed without a permit, including eligible non-residents. Standard restrictions on prohibited places still apply.
What states honor a Texas (TX) carry permit?
A Texas resident permit is honored in 10 states, and 28 more states have permitless carry where no permit is needed — 38 states total. See the full lists on this page or use our interactive reciprocity map.
Does Texas recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
Yes — Texas honors valid carry permits from every issuing state.
Can I carry in Oklahoma with a Texas permit?
Oklahoma has permitless carry, so you can carry there without any permit if you’re 21+ and legally eligible.
Is there a duty to inform police in Texas?
Yes (license holders) when asked for ID.
Official sources
- dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing/faq/eligibili…
- capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/SB00706F.htm
- dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing/reciprocity-a…
- handgunlaw.us/states/texas.pdf
- usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/tx-gun-la…
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on August 14, 2026 — including a dedicated primary-source verification pass against state statutes, attorney general and state police pages. Spot an error or a law change? Tell us and we’ll fix it fast.
Related states & resources
Neighboring states: Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas.
Tools: Interactive Reciprocity Map · Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide · Concealed Carry by State · 2A Legal Glossary · carry gear reviews at Popular EDC.
Not legal advice. Freedom’s Lodge and Brand Avalanche Media are not attorneys; this page is general educational information, verified against the official sources above as of August 14, 2026 and subject to change at any time. Confirm current law with the official state source and/or a licensed attorney before carrying. See our full legal disclaimer and how we verify this data.
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