FAQ
Texas Permitless/Constitutional Carry Frequently asked questions

What is Permitless Carry?

Permitless carry, often also called constitutional carry, refers to the ability to carry a handgun without a license or permit. HB 1927 is the bill in Texas that has been signed by Gov. Abbott. It went into effect on September 1st, 2021.

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Is Permitless Carry and Constitutional Carry the Same Thing?

Yes and no. They are two different terms that both refer to the same concept of carrying a gun without a license. However, constitutional carry refers to the general idea that every person that is not prohibited by law from legally owning a handgun should be free to carry it openly or concealed in public without a license or permit. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Texas, which is why many will refer to Texas as a permitless carry state. Texas has placed eligibility requirements, carry method requires, location restrictions and other rules that must be followed.

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How Does Permitless Carry Effect the Texas License to Carry?

Contrary to what many believe, the License to Carry does not go away with the new laws going into effect. In fact, the license to carry is being given additional legal protections and advantages for those that obtain one.

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The primary advantages include:

1. Ability to carry in 37 other states that recognize the LTC.

2. No background checks when purchasing firearms.

3. Protections when carrying past no gun signs.

4. Ability to carry in more locations.

5. Carry on college campuses

6. Carry in School Zones

7. Law Enforcement Interactions

 

Should I still Get a Texas LTC?

Yes, you absolutely should. Not only does the LTC class cover Texas gun law that everyone should know, it also gives you multiple legal protections and advantages. Obtaining a license to carry is not difficult and should be completed by everyone in order to benefit from what it provides. To start the process to getting your Texas LTC click here.  Texas Tactical Defense offers both the Texas LTC online course and the in person classroom option.

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What are the Benefits of a Texas LTC?

1. Carry In 37 Other States

The Texas License to Carry is recognized by 37 states in the United States. If traveling to one of those 37 states, you can carry your handgun. 

 

For a complete list of states that recognize the Texas LTC, please click here.

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Under permitless carry, you can only carry in states that have also passed permitless carry.

Please Note: Some premitless states may still require residents from outside states to have a Concealed Carry license from their state, as their premitless gun laws pertain to their residents only. Before traveling, it would be wise to check with the state you are traveling too.

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2. No Background Checks When Purchasing A Gun

With a License to Carry, background checks are waived when purchasing guns. Having to go through a background check can cause delays and extra unnecessary time at the gun store. With an LTC, the gun buying process and experience is much smoother and easier.

 

3. Carry In More Locations

Under a License to Carry, there are fewer prohibited locations for carrying a gun. This includes being able to potentially carry in hospitals, college sporting events, amusement parks and more.

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With the new permitless carry law (HB 1927), any sign that indicates guns are not allowed, such as the popular picture of a pistol with the red line through it, becomes a legal sign. With an LTC, you can still carry a handgun at locations with these signs posted. With permitless carry, carrying past ANY no gun sign becomes a crime.

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4. Protections When Carrying Past No Gun Signs

With an LTC, you must be given the opportunity to leave private property that has no guns signs posted on private property. If carrying without an LTC, you can be fined/cited/arrested for simply being on the private property that has the no guns signs posted.

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There are also additional protections at some prohibited locations, such as bars or other places that serve alcohol. Without property signage posted there are protections in place for LTC holders, but none under permitless carry. 

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5. Carry On College Campuses

Texas allows for concealed carry in college campus buildings and places on campus where college sporting events are taking place with an LTC.

 

6. School Zones

With federal gun free school zone laws, no firearms can be brought into a school zone at all. There is one exception to this, if you have an LTC. As an LTC holder, you can have your handgun on you while on the school campus. This means when going to pickup your child at school, you do not have to leave your firearm at home. Without the LTC, no firearm can be brought within 1000 feet of a school.

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7. Law Enforcement Interactions

With a physical LTC card in hand, you can immediately show that you are legally in possession of your firearm to law enforcement if stopped.

Under permitless carry, you would need to prove to law enforcement that you legally possess the gun. Having an LTC makes for a much quicker and smoother interaction with police.

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8. Knowledge Of Texas Laws and Regulations

It is your responsibility to know the Texas laws and regulations having to do with carrying a gun in Texas. This includes where you can and cannot carry (prohibited locations), no gun signs, self defense laws and much more. The Texas LTC class goes in depth into the gun laws of Texas.

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Whether you decide to get an LTC or not, the information gained from the LTC class is critical for everyone to have.

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9. "Oopsies" At Airports

It is a defense to prosecution that upon possessing a handgun at the screening checkpoint for the secured area with a valid LTC, immediately exits the secure area when notified to do so.

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What are the Eligibility Requirements for Permitless Carry?

It is fairly easy to determine eligibility for permitless carry. If you meet the below criteria, then you should be able to carry a handgun now that new law passed and has gone into effect.

1. 21 years of age or older

2. Ability to legally possess and purchase handguns under state and federal law

3. Must not have a misdemeanor conviction  from one of the following four offenses:

   1. Terroristic Threat

   2. Deadly Conduct

   3. Assault with Bodily Injury

   4. Disorderly Conduct with a Firearm

 

When Did it Go Into Effect?

Texas HB 1927, the new permitless carry law, went into effect on September 1st, 2021.

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Should I take a gun safety and training course?

If your not proficient in firearms, then yes.  Texas Tacatical Defense offers both individual or group training classes.  Click here for more info.

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Where can i go if I have more questions on getting a Texas LTC permit?

You can click here, which will take you to our Texas LTC FAQ page.

 

Please Note: Even though Texas permitless carry does not require a license to open or conceal carry a handgun in public, it is still every persons responsibility to know the law. Ignorance of the law is not a defense for breaking the law. It is very easy to go from legally carrying your handgun to committing a felony if you do not know Texas laws specific to carrying a gun.