Does Texas have constitutional carry?

Yes. Texas is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — eligible adults may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The LTC remains available and is still worth holding for reciprocity in states that don't recognize permitless carry.

How much does a Texas LTC cost?

The LTC application fee in Texas is $40. Standard first-time/renewal LTC fee is $40; reduced fees apply for seniors, military, and other categories.

Does Texas honor out-of-state concealed-carry permits?

Texas honors concealed-carry permits from 50 other states, subject to the qualifiers (resident-only or permit-class restrictions) noted on each reciprocity pair. See the full inbound list on the "who Texas honors" page.

Where is a Texas LTC honored?

A Texas LTC is honored by 36 other states. See the full outbound reciprocity list for exactly which states and any resident-only or class restrictions.

How long is a Texas LTC valid?

A Texas LTC is valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

TexasConcealed Carry Permit & Reciprocity

Texas is a permitless (constitutional) carry state — most adults 21+ who can lawfully possess a handgun may carry without a permit (HB 1927, 2021). The License to Carry (LTC) remains available and is still worth holding because many other states honor a Texas LTC but not permitless carry. As of September 1, 2025 (SB 706), Texas recognizes handgun permits from all other U.S. states.

Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)

Issuing authority: Texas Department of Public Safety
Carry regime: constitutional
Minimum age: 21
Fee: $40
Training: Required (4 hrs)
Validity: 5 years

Full Texas permit requirements →

Carry practicalities

Permitless carry

Allowed — minimum age 21

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

Open carry

Permitless

Open carry of a handgun is legal in Texas without a license for those 21 or older who may lawfully carry, but the handgun must be carried in a holster (Penal Code § 46.02(a-5)). Intentionally displaying a handgun in public other than in a holster remains an offense.

official source · verified 2026-07-09

Duty to inform

Not required

Texas imposes no duty to inform on permitless carriers. The 'display of license on demand' rule (Gov't Code § 411.205) applies only to License to Carry (LTC) holders, and HB 1927 repealed the criminal penalty for an LTC holder's failure to display; a person carrying without a license has no statutory duty to notify an officer.

official source · verified 2026-07-09

Off-limits locations

K-12 schools and school buses
colleges and universities (non-permitted areas)
polling places on election day and during early voting
government courts and court offices
correctional facilities
secured (past-security) areas of airports
racetracks
bars deriving 51%+ of revenue from on-premises alcohol (posted 51% sign)
high-school, collegiate or professional sporting events
hospitals, nursing homes and amusement parks that post the required notice
premises posted with a valid § 30.06 (concealed) or § 30.07 (open) notice

Curated key categories, not exhaustive. Off-limits places are enumerated in Penal Code §§ 46.03 and 46.035; property owners may prohibit carry by posting statutory § 30.06 / § 30.07 signage. Federal facilities are additionally off-limits.

official source · verified 2026-07-09

Texas reciprocity summary

Texas honors 50 states' permits · honored by 36 states

Where a Texas permit is honored →Whose permits Texas honors →

Last verified 2026-07-08 against Texas DPS — Handgun Licensing (License to Carry).

Verify Texas rules on the official page →

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Get notified when your state's reciprocity changes.

Texas FAQ

Does Texas have constitutional carry?: Yes. Texas is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — eligible adults may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The LTC remains available and is still worth holding for reciprocity in states that don't recognize permitless carry.
How much does a Texas LTC cost?: The LTC application fee in Texas is $40. Standard first-time/renewal LTC fee is $40; reduced fees apply for seniors, military, and other categories.
Does Texas honor out-of-state concealed-carry permits?: Texas honors concealed-carry permits from 50 other states, subject to the qualifiers (resident-only or permit-class restrictions) noted on each reciprocity pair. See the full inbound list on the "who Texas honors" page.
Where is a Texas LTC honored?: A Texas LTC is honored by 36 other states. See the full outbound reciprocity list for exactly which states and any resident-only or class restrictions.
How long is a Texas LTC valid?: A Texas LTC is valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

Sources

Texas DPS — Handgun Licensing (License to Carry) (2026-07-08)