Can you carry a handgun without a license during a disaster in Texas?

Changes made to Texas law in 2021 no longer require a person to have a License to Carry (LTC) to carry a handgun, if they qualify to carry one under both state and federal law. The Carry of Firearms page of our Gun Laws guide has more information on who can carry a firearm in Texas.

Before these changes, Texas law made an exception for people to carry a handgun without a license in certain situations during a declared disaster. This law is still in Subsections (k) and (l) of Section 46.15 of the Texas Penal Code.

Related FAQs & Guides

FAQs

• Do I need a license to carry a handgun in Texas?
• Can I carry a gun while wearing a mask?
• Can I carry a gun in my car?

Guides

• Gun Laws
• COVID-19 and Texas Law
• Weather Emergencies