Gun laws in Texas

Gun laws in Texas regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the U.S. state of Texas.

Texas is often perceived to have some of the most permissive gun laws in the United States.^[1] Since September 1, 2021, a permit is not required for a person, both residents and non-residents, 21 and over to carry a handgun either openly or concealed in most places in Texas, granted they do not have any prior felony convictions.^[2] This legislative change has raised concerns about public safety and has been met with resistance from gun safety advocates, especially in light of mass shootings in the state.^[3][4] Prior to this date, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a License to Carry a Handgun to an eligible person on a shall issue basis. Texas has state preemption of gun laws, so local governments can not further restrict or regulate the possession or use of firearms. Texas does not restrict NFA weapons that are legally possessed under federal law. The state does not require background checks for private sales of firearms, as there is currently no federal requirement of background checks for sales between unlicensed individuals.^[5]

Black powder pistols and long arms are not considered to be firearms in the state of Texas, as they are federally classified as antique firearms, and thus may be freely carried either open or concealed without permit or prejudice.