Texas carry status overview
Texas is a permitless carry state. Under HB 1927 — the "Texas Firearm Carry Act of 2021" — signed by Governor Greg Abbott and effective September 1, 2021, Texans 21 years of age or older who are legally eligible to possess a handgun may carry it concealed or openly without a License to Carry (LTC).
Texas still offers the LTC, which remains valuable for reciprocity in other states, legal clarity in specific situations, and in locations where posting of 30.06 or 30.07 signs may create ambiguity. An estimated 1.6 million Texans hold an active LTC.
| Permitless carry | Yes — effective September 1, 2021 |
| Governing law | Texas Penal Code § 46.02; Texas Gov. Code Ch. 411 |
| Minimum age (permitless) | 21 years oldActive military (18+) may qualify — verify with TX DPS |
| Open carry of handguns | Yes — permitted without a licenseMay not be carried in a manner calculated to cause alarm (§ 42.01) |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without a license§ 46.02(a-1) — handgun may be plain view or concealed in a motor vehicle or watercraft |
| License available | Yes — Texas License to Carry (LTC) |
Texas License to Carry (LTC)
The Texas License to Carry (LTC) is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS). Even though no license is required to carry in Texas, the LTC is recommended for residents who travel, as it is honored in 36+ states for reciprocity.
| Issuing agency | Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) |
| Application website | dps.texas.gov — Handgun Licensing ↗ |
| Minimum age | 21 (18 for active military) |
| Fee | $40 (initial and renewal) |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Training required | Yes — 4 to 6 hours; written exam and shooting proficiency |
| Background check | Yes — DPS and FBI |
Understanding Texas 30.06 and 30.07 signs
Texas law allows businesses and property owners to prohibit carry through two specific statutory notices:
30.06 sign (Texas Penal Code § 30.06) — Prohibits licensed concealed carry on the premises. A person with an LTC who carries concealed after seeing a valid 30.06 sign commits a Class A misdemeanor (and a third-degree felony if they remain after being asked to leave).
30.07 sign (Texas Penal Code § 30.07) — Prohibits open carry on the premises. A person openly carrying after seeing a valid 30.07 sign commits the same offense.
Both signs must meet specific statutory requirements: they must be in both English and Spanish, displayed in a conspicuous manner, and must include specific statutory language in 1-inch block letters. A sign that does not meet these requirements is not legally effective. Verbal notice from the owner or manager is also legally effective and carries the same consequences.
Permitless carriers: As of 2021, Texas law also allows unlicensed carriers. A property owner can give verbal or written notice to an unlicensed carrier under § 46.15 to restrict carry on their property. The 30.06/30.07 signs specifically reference "license holders." Consult an attorney for nuanced situations.
Vehicle carry in Texas
Texas law (§ 46.02(a-1)) allows a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft that they own or control. The handgun may be plain view or concealed — no license is required and there is no requirement that it be in a locked container or unloaded.
Key limitations: the person must not be engaged in or committing a criminal activity (other than Class C traffic violations), must not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the handgun, and must not be a member of a criminal street gang.
Prohibited locations in Texas
- K–12 school premises and buses (§ 46.03)
- Polling places during elections or early voting
- Courts and court offices
- Racetracks
- Secured areas of airports
- Within 1,000 feet of a designated execution site on execution day
- Premises of a business with 51% alcohol signage (red sign)
- Correctional and detention facilities
- Hospitals and nursing homes (without written authorization)
- Amusement parks (if they post required notice)
- Places of worship (if they post required notice)
- Any government meeting open to public (if notice posted)
- Locations posting a valid 30.06 or 30.07 sign
Frequently asked questions — Texas
Does Texas require a permit to carry a handgun?
No. Under HB 1927, effective September 1, 2021, any Texas resident or visitor 21+ who is legally eligible to possess a handgun may carry it — concealed or openly — without a License to Carry (LTC). You must not be a felon, under domestic violence restraining order, or otherwise legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Is a Texas LTC worth getting if permitless carry is legal?
Yes, for most gun owners. The LTC is honored in 36+ states for reciprocity, making it essential for anyone who travels. It also provides legal certainty in situations involving 30.06/30.07 signs and may be requested by law enforcement. The LTC costs $40 and is valid for 5 years. Apply through TX DPS.
Can I keep a loaded gun in my truck in Texas?
Yes. Texas § 46.02(a-1) allows any person 21+ who is legally eligible to carry a handgun in their motor vehicle or watercraft, in plain view or concealed, without a license. The firearm does not need to be locked, unloaded, or stored in a specific way — it simply must be in a vehicle you own or control.
What do the 30.06 and 30.07 signs actually mean?
A 30.06 sign prohibits licensed concealed carry. A 30.07 sign prohibits open carry. Businesses can post one, both, or neither. Only signs meeting the exact statutory language and size requirements are legally effective. Signs that say "No Weapons" without the specific statutory language may not legally prohibit carry under Texas law, though you may still be asked to leave. When in doubt, respect the property owner's intent.
Can I carry in a bar or place that serves alcohol in Texas?
It depends. Establishments that derive 51% or more of their income from alcohol sales must post a red "51% sign" and carry is prohibited in those locations. Restaurants that serve alcohol but derive less than 51% from alcohol sales generally permit carry unless they post a 30.06 or 30.07 sign. When in doubt, ask or leave your firearm secured in your vehicle.
Does Texas honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Texas honors valid concealed carry licenses from all other states — Texas is a universal recognition state, meaning it honors any valid out-of-state permit. Non-residents visiting Texas with a valid permit from their home state may carry concealed in Texas.