Texas Republican Rep. Jonathan Stickland introduced HB 375 -- another push for Texas concealed carry laws to remove the need for a handgun license.
Although it's a step toward constitutional carry, it's the second year Stickland introduced legislative action. Whether or not this effort is successful, it's important to understand the basics of how everyday concealed carry works in the Lone Star State.
For now, a license to carry is necessary.
How Texas Concealed Carry Handgun Licenses Work
Texas concealed carry handgun licenses (once called concealed handgun licenses and now referred to as licenses to carry) are distributed by the state's Department of Public Safety.
The Texas concealed handgun license application may be filled out online by both Texas residents and out-of-state applicants. It requires a valid driver license or ID. There will be questions about demographics; residence and employment for the past five years; contact information; personal history regarding psychiatric background, drug use, alcohol abuse and criminal activity; and more.
All questions are used in conjunction with background checks to establish eligibility. In addition to eligibility requirements, applicants should read and understand the most recent collection of Texas open and concealed carry laws and selected statutes provided by DPS.
There will be application fees -- $140 for an initial application and $70 for the renewal. There are lowered fees for certain demographics like senior citizens, active military members, veterans and other groups. The lowered Texas license to carry fees can be reviewed online.
Given that this isn't formal legal advice and just a general, informational starting point for safe, legal and practical concealed carry tactics, personal research is a must. There will always be consistent updates to laws, statutes and procedures.
After submitting the application, applicants must provide fingerprints. These must be submitted electronically regardless of whether or not the application is submitted online or if a paper application is submitted.
The online or paper application must be submitted before an appointment for fingerprints is scheduled, per DPS. These appointments are scheduled online through MorphoTrust with the service code 119Q91, but applicants may also schedule an appointment by calling (888) 467-2080 and providing the same service code.
Photos for handgun licenses are pulled from the Texas driver license or ID card, but nonresidents will need to submit a separate form (CHL-6) with two passport-style photos and a copy of their state issued ID.
The applicant must also complete a four to six hour classroom training, pass a written exam and satisfy the Texas license to carry proficiency demonstration. Upon completion, the instructor will provide the student with a signed form (CHL-100) that they then submit to complete the application.
All supporting documents outside the license application (submitted online or completed through the CHL-78A form and its respective additions) will be submitted on the DPS website.
The license should be issued within about 60 days, according to DPS, if all the appropriate forms are submitted and the right eligibility requirements are met.
The initial license is valid for four years and the renewal license is valid for five.
Renewal applications may be submitted online and do not require a continuing education course prior to renewal. If the renewal application is being processed when the current license expires, note that there is no grace period or extension on the current expired license. It would be illegal to carry with an expired license.
Paperwork aside, there are some locations where concealed carry is prohibited in Texas.
Where not to concealed carry in Texas
The good news about concealed carry in Texas is that those with a license may do so anywhere in the state that is not explicitly prohibited by law.
The bad news is there are several provisions that bar carrying handguns in certain locations.
Texas Penal Code SS46.035 bars handguns in locations that generate 51 percent or more of their income from the sale of alcohol. So is out of the question. Under the same code, handguns may not be on the premises of where a high school, collegiate or professional sporting or interscholastic event is.
Handguns may not be on the premises of correctional facilities. and nursing homes may be prohibited with the appropriate signage, unless the licensee has written permission. Similarly, amusement parks as well as churches, synagogues and other places of worship may prohibit handguns under chapter 30.
Governmental entities may prohibit handguns at their meetings if the meeting is in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act via Texas Government Code Chapter 551. Notice, however, must be given effectively through Penal Code Chapter 30.
Texas Penal Code SS46.03 bars handguns in the following areas:
- On the premises of a school
- On the grounds and buildings where a school activity is
- In a school transportation vehicle
- In a polling place on election day or when early voting is occurring
- In a government court or court office (unless with written permission)
- On a racetrack
- In a secured area of an airport
- Within 1,000 feet of a location designated as a place of execution on the day the death sentence will be imposed
A handgun may be carried in their motor vehicle or watercraft as long as it's concealed, there is no criminal activity occurring, the owner is not prohibited from possessing a firearm and the carrier is not a member of a criminal street gang, as per Penal Code Section 71.01 and according to DPS.
That concealment clause is not required of those with a shoulder or belt holster and a valid LTC.
Texas law does not address handguns on public transportation and in public parks.
Private property owners may prohibit firearms on their property under Section SS30.06 of Texas Penal Code. However, any signage posted under SS30.06 and SS30.07 of Texas Penal Code must follow the necessary qualifications and have contrasting letters. The letters must be the appropriate size (at least one inch in height). The sign must also be displayed conspicuously.
SB 11 allows carrying handguns on college campuses, including private and independent institutions. It was later amended to include community colleges.
Sections SS46.02, SS46.03 and SS46.035 contain multiple exceptions and defenses for prosecution, according to DPS. Make sure to brush up on those in order to get the full picture.
Traveling to, through and out of Texas will require the gun owner to research reciprocity agreements.
Texas concealed carry reciprocity
For the sake of clarity, Texas concealed carry reciprocity agreements are classified as reciprocal, unilateral or as "no agreement."
There are 31 states that share reciprocity with Texas. Texas permit holders may carry in the respective state that shares reciprocity with Texas and vice versa.
There are 12 states with unilateral agreements, meaning Texas accepts the other state's license, but not vice versa. The remaining 6 states have no agreement, either due to Constitutional Carry measures (which won't bar the carrier) or otherwise. It's always a safe bet for the gun owner to contact or research the respective state they are traveling to, as well as the states they are traveling through.
These numbers can and will change. They may become inaccurate as laws change and agreements shift. Stay up to date with a .
Texas, with over 937,000 active license holders, will always be a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights. Adherence to and respect for those rights means taking the right steps toward following and improving current legislation, gun safety habits and public knowledge of the firearms industry.
One small step to achieve that last goal could be to comment below with any information unlisted here about how concealed carry in Texas is best practiced. Otherwise, carry on.
FAQs
Who can legally carry a concealed handgun in Texas?
Texas law allows individuals aged 21 and older who are legally allowed to possess firearms to carry a handgun concealed or openly without a license since September 1, 2021. Military members aged 18 to 20 may also carry with conditions. Those with felony convictions or certain disqualifying offenses are prohibited.
Is a License to Carry (LTC) still relevant in Texas?
Although permitless carry is allowed, obtaining an LTC offers benefits including reciprocity with other states, legal protections, and the ability to carry in certain restricted places. Licenses also facilitate firearm purchases and travel with guns across reciprocal states.
What training is required for obtaining an LTC in Texas?
Applicants must complete a state-approved handgun proficiency course with classroom instruction and live-fire qualification, demonstrating knowledge of firearm laws, safe handling, and shooting skills. Military personnel may have exemptions.
Where is carrying concealed prohibited in Texas?
Firearms are prohibited in K–12 schools, polling places during elections, courts, government buildings, airports beyond security checkpoints, bars and businesses deriving more than 51% income from alcohol, and private property that posts valid “no guns” signage. Events or locations may have temporary bans.
What are the requirements for carrying a firearm in a vehicle?
Individuals may carry a handgun in vehicles concealed and loaded without a license; however, non-license holders must comply with specific storage restrictions. Open carry in vehicles is generally lawful for license holders but regulated for others.
Are you required to inform law enforcement you are carrying?
During traffic stops or official encounters, Texas law requires licensed carriers to disclose that they are carrying a handgun and present their LTC upon request. Permitless carriers are not explicitly required by law to notify officers but voluntary disclosure is advised for safety.
How does Texas recognize concealed carry permits from other states?
Texas honors permits from many states with similar licensing standards. Permit holders from reciprocal states can carry in Texas but must adhere to Texas firearm laws while doing so.
What penalties exist for illegal concealed carry in Texas?
Illegal carrying can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, imprisonment, and permanent revocation of firearm rights, especially if possession occurs in restricted locations or by prohibited persons.
What recent legislative changes affect concealed carry in Texas?
2025 legislation expanded constitutional carry rights, legalized possession of certain short-barrel firearms without state registration, and banned gun buyback programs. Proposed bills to reduce carry age or allow guns in polling places have yet to pass.
Is open carry legal without a license in Texas?
Open carry is legal for individuals 21 and older with exceptions in restricted locations. License holders may openly carry handguns in most public places; however, open carry laws vary by locale and location.
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About The Author Jake Smith (@notjakesmith) is a copywriter and photographer based in the pacific northwest. He graduated from the University of Idaho with degrees in public relations and apparel. |