I'm visiting Texas from another state, and I have a license to carry in my home state. Can I carry my gun in Texas?

Texas has reciprocity agreements with certain other states for concealed carry licenses, meaning that a concealed carry license issued in that particular state will also be recognized in Texas. The terms of these agreements can vary from state to state, and not all states have reciprocity agreements with Texas. Some states have unilateral agreements with Texas, which usually means that Texas will recognize that state's concealed carry license but a Texas License to Carry may not be recognized in that state. 

To see if your state has an agreement with Texas, be sure to review the Texas Department of Public Safety's list of states with current reciprocity agreements. Find your state on the list and read through the corresponding agreement. 

The Texas legislature passed House Bill 1927 in the spring of 2021, which eliminates the requirement to have an LTC in Texas. HB 1927 was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on June 16th, 2021, and went into effect on September 1st, 2021. This bill does not include language addressing the reciprocity agreements in place for certain out-of-state visitors who wish to carry a handgun in Texas. 

Please note that anyone carrying a firearm in Texas is still subject to other laws and restrictions on carrying a firearm in Texas. The library has a "Carry of Firearms in Texas" page on our Gun Laws research guide that provides more information on both state and federal law. If you plan on visiting Texas, you may want to review these laws before you visit.