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Can I carry a gun in Texas?

Can I Carry a Gun in Texas?

The Lone Star State is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong gun rights. As a resident or visitor to Texas, you may wonder about the state’s laws regarding firearms. Can you carry a gun in Texas? The answer is yes, but there are some rules and regulations you should be aware of.

Background Check Requirements

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Before diving into the details, it’s essential to understand that Texas law requires a background check for private and commercial sales of firearms. This means that if you’re buying a gun from a licensed dealer or a private individual, the seller must conduct a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Types of Concealed Carry Permits

Texas issues two types of concealed carry permits:

  • Concealed Handgun License (CHL): This permit allows you to carry a concealed handgun, but it does not allow you to carry a long gun (such as a rifle or shotgun).
  • Concealed Handgun License – Long Gun (CHL-LG): This permit allows you to carry both a concealed handgun and a long gun.

Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a concealed carry permit in Texas, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old (18 years old for active military or honorably discharged veterans)
  • Be a resident of Texas
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
  • Pass a background check
  • Complete a firearms training course
  • Not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor crime of violence within the past 10 years
  • Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent

Concealed Carry Laws

Once you have a concealed carry permit, you must follow certain laws and regulations:

  • Carry laws: You can carry a concealed handgun in most areas of the state, but you must follow specific rules:

    • No open carry: You cannot carry a handgun openly, except for certain circumstances such as during a lawful hunt or in a motor vehicle.
    • No discharge: You cannot discharge a firearm in a public place or in a residential area.
    • No reckless behavior: You cannot engage in reckless behavior with a firearm.
  • Place restrictions: There are certain places where you cannot carry a concealed handgun, including:

    • Schools: You cannot carry a handgun in or on school property, except for certain school security personnel.
    • Bars: You cannot carry a handgun in a bar or restaurant that serves only intoxicating beverages.
    • Government buildings: You cannot carry a handgun in government buildings, except for certain law enforcement personnel.
  • Transportation laws: You can transport a handgun in a vehicle, but you must follow specific rules:

    • Transportation containers: You must keep the handgun in a container or compartment designed to carry a firearm.
    • Secure the handgun: You must ensure the handgun is secure and cannot be accessed while transporting it.

Permit-Free Carry

As of January 1, 2021, Texas has a permit-free carry law, which allows licensed firearms dealers to sell firearms without a background check for out-of-state residents. However, this law does not apply to concealed carry permits or long gun permits.

Long Gun Permits

Long gun permits, also known as CHL-LG permits, allow you to carry a long gun in addition to a concealed handgun. You can obtain a long gun permit by:

  • Completing a firearms training course: You must complete a training course that covers the safe handling and use of long guns.
  • Passing a background check: You must pass a background check through the NICS.
  • Paying the permit fee: You must pay the permit fee, which is currently $40.

Fines and Penalties

If you violate any of the concealed carry laws or regulations in Texas, you can face fines and penalties, including:

  • Misdemeanor charges: You can be charged with a misdemeanor if you violate any of the concealed carry laws.
  • Felony charges: You can be charged with a felony if you engage in reckless behavior with a firearm or if you commit a crime while carrying a concealed handgun.
  • Permit suspension or revocation: You can have your concealed carry permit suspended or revoked if you violate any of the laws or regulations.

Conclusion

Carrying a gun in Texas is legal, but it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations regarding concealed carry permits, long gun permits, and permit-free carry. Make sure you follow the rules and guidelines to avoid fines and penalties. Remember to always prioritize gun safety and responsible gun ownership.

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