Can I carry concealed in Texas without a permit?

Yes. Texas is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in Texas without first obtaining the LTC.

Should I still get a Texas LTC if I can carry permitless?

Yes. The LTC remains available in Texas and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside Texas's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to Texas's permitless-carry law. A Texas LTC lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.

Does permitless carry in Texas work in other states?

No. Permitless carry is a Texas-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.

Texas Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)

Who can carry concealed in Texas without a permit, the minimum age, and why the LTC still matters for reciprocity when you travel.

Permitless carry in Texas

Minimum age (permitless): 21
Carry regime: constitutional
Residency: Residents and non-residents

Texas has permitless (constitutional) carry since September 1, 2021 (HB 1927). A person 21 or older who is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun without a License to Carry (Penal Code § 46.02); residency is not required.

official source · verified 2026-07-09

The Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) still matters

The LTC remains available in Texas even though a permit is not required to carry concealed within the state. It is worth obtaining anyway: most states that grant reciprocity honor a valid out-of-state permit, not another state's permitless-carry law. Holding the LTC is typically what lets a Texas resident carry concealed while traveling to a state that recognizes it.

Texaspermit overview & reciprocity summary →Full Texas LTC requirements →Where a Texas LTC is honored →

Texas constitutional carry FAQ

Can I carry concealed in Texas without a permit?: Yes. Texas is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in Texas without first obtaining the LTC.
Should I still get a Texas LTC if I can carry permitless?: Yes. The LTC remains available in Texas and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside Texas's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to Texas's permitless-carry law. A Texas LTC lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.
Does permitless carry in Texas work in other states?: No. Permitless carry is a Texas-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.