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.
As of 2021, Texas law no longer requires people to have a license to carry (LTC) to carry a handgun in most public places. Texans can still get a license to carry if they wish. See the Texas State Law Library page for more.
Open Carry Information and Links
- Peace Officer Right to Disarm
- People and Places Restrictions
- Display Restrictions
- Campus Carry
- Firearms on Private Property
- Secure Law Enforcement Facility
The following is allowed by law for handgun owners:
Allowed:
- Public areas of city facilities, like libraries and recreation centers
- Texas State Capitol
- Outside in public (walking down the street)
- Concealed gun anywhere on the body. Concealing a gun is still allowed.
- Handgun in shoulder holster
- Handgun in belt holster
- Places of business with no visible signage prohibiting handgun
Handguns and other weapons are prohibited in these places:
Guns Not Allowed:
- Secured areas of the Airport
- Courthouse
- Polling places on any voting days
- Schools
- Places of business with visible signage prohibiting handguns
- Business permitted by TABC that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcohol
- High school, college, interscholastic, or professional sporting event unless the person is a participant and the event involves use of the weapon
- Correctional facility; civil commitment facility, hospital, nursing facility, or mental hospital
- Amusement park
- A room(s) where an open governmental meeting is occurring
Still have questions? We have answers.
Where is it legal to open carry?
- Anyplace you could previously carry concealed, you may now carry openly.
Where is it not legal to openly carry?
- Any place that is prohibited under the concealed handgun law applies to open carry.
What weapons are not allowed to be carried openly?
- Any weapon prohibited by law (Texas Penal Code, Prohibited Weapons)
Do public schools have to post "no carry" signs or are they just understood "no carry" zones?
- No signage is required. (see Texas Penal Code, Places Weapons Prohibited)
What should citizens do if a business tells them they cannot have their gun exposed but they don't have the prohibited sign posted?
- Any time a License Holder is asked to leave a property by a person with apparent authority to do so, the License Holder should leave the premises.
Is there a limit to the number of firearms you can carry?
- The law does not limit the number of handguns that can be carried.
Have APD officers been trained on the new permitless carry law?
- APD officers have been trained on the new law.
Have 911 call takers been trained on the new permitless carry law?
- 911 call takers have been trained on the new law.
Can private businesses opt out of concealed, open and permitless carry?
- Yes, by having appropriate signage (30.05, 30.06, 30.07)
Can city employees open carry on the job?
- No. City policy does not allow employees to carry a weapon except for police officers.
Does this change the law for open carrying of Long Guns (shotguns and rifles)?
- No
Find more information about Handgun Licensing in Texas from the Texas Department of Public Safety.