Texas
| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Permit to Purchase? | No | No | None | Must be 18+ to purchase a long gun from a dealer or private seller, 21+ to purchase a handgun from a dealer, 18 to generally own and possess a firearm. |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | None | Federal law only; BATFE Form 4473 and NICS background check required to be completed when purchasing from a FFL dealer, which does not legally constitute "registration". |
| "Assault weapon" law? | No | No | None | Federal law only; with the expiration of the AWB, there are currently no such laws. |
| Owner license required? | No | No | None | Proof of age/identity is required, and a concealed carry permit exempts the buyer from the NICS background check, but no specialized "firearm owner ID" is required to purchase. |
| Carry permits issued? | No | Yes | GC Ch. 411 Subch H, PC 46.15 | Concealed carry of a handgun requires a "shall-issue" permit, and is subject to specific laws governing trespass while armed. Open carry of a handgun is prohibited with some exceptions (hunting, on one's own property). Open carry of a long gun is not specifically prohibited as PC 46.02 (unlawful carry of weapons) only mentions handguns, however it may be construed as "Disorderly Conduct". |
| State Preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | LGC ยง229.001. | FIREARMS; EXPLOSIVES. (a) A municipality may not adopt regulations relating to the transfer, private ownership, keeping, transportation, licensing, or registration of firearms, ammunition, or firearm supplies.
Municipal governments can enact regulations on the discharge of firearms (such as noise, nuisance or public safety ordinances); however, those laws are subject to and cannot preempt State law concerning justified use of a firearm. |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | PC 46.01(9), PC 46.05 | State law prohibits ownership outside of NFA compliance, calling possession while in compliance "a defense to prosecution." |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | Yes | Yes | PC 46.02, PC 46.15 | A person may carry a loaded handgun without a permit while in or heading directly to a motor vehicle or watercraft they own or control. The statute does not specifically state the handgun must be concealed while heading to the vehicle or watercraft, and 46.02, which requires concealment of a handgun while in a motor vehicle or watercraft, is not applicable to a person while the person is traveling, pursuant to 46.15(b)(2). |
| Castle Doctrine? | Yes | Yes | PC 9.32 | A person is presumed justified in using deadly force to protect themselves against an unlawful, forceful intrusion into their dwelling, or to prevent an unlawful, forceful attempt to remove a lawful occupant from the dwelling, or to prevent certain serious felonies such as burglary or arson. There is no duty to retreat from any place where the shooter has a legal right to be. |
| Stand Your Ground Law? | Yes | Yes | TPC 9.32 | A person is allowed to use force to protect themselves from attackers. |
Read more about this topic: Gun Laws In The United States (by State)
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