Texas concealed carry laws, backed by the statute
At a glance
- Carry rule
- Permitless at 21
- Minimum age
- 21
- Non-resident permit valid here?
- Yes
- Statute
- Tex. Gov't Code § 411.173(b) (as amended by SB 706, eff. Sept. 1, 2025)
Carrying in Texas
Texas lets adults 21 and older carry concealed without a permit.
That rule stops at the Texas line. If you travel, the law of the next state applies.
The optional License to Carry expands reciprocity and can take up to 60 days to process.
Source: Tex. Gov't Code § 411.173(b) (as amended by SB 706, eff. Sept. 1, 2025). Texas Legislature. Reviewed Q3 2026.
Does a non-resident permit work in Texas?
A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.
Yes. Texas recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Tex. Gov't Code § 411.173(b) (as amended by SB 706, eff. Sept. 1, 2025). The state's own rules about where and how you carry still apply to you.
Getting Texas's own permit
Texas does not require a permit at home. An optional permit is still useful, because other states may honor it when you travel.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit to carry in Texas?
- No. Texas allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 21 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.
- Does Texas honor out-of-state permits?
- Yes. Texas recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Tex. Gov't Code § 411.173(b) (as amended by SB 706, eff. Sept. 1, 2025).
- Where can I check Texas's official rules?
- Check Texas Legislature. The controlling law is Tex. Gov't Code § 411.173(b) (as amended by SB 706, eff. Sept. 1, 2025).
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Check your state's rules →Sources and verification
- TX: Tex. Gov't Code § 411.173(b) (as amended by SB 706, eff. Sept. 1, 2025). Texas Legislature.
Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.