Open Carry in Texas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Texas permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit as of 2023.
How Texas treats Open Carry
Texas allows open carry of handguns and rifles without a license as of September 2023. Previously, Texas required a License to Carry (LTC) for handguns, but this requirement was eliminated. Long guns have been openly carried without a permit for longer. Private property owners and businesses retain the right to prohibit firearms on their premises, and federal restrictions still apply to certain locations.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Texas.