Summary 

• Permit required? No for most people 21+ who can legally possess a handgun (permitless/constitutional carry); an LTC is still available and useful. 

• Minimum age: Generally 21 for permitless public carry; Texas DPS will not deny LTC applications solely because the applicant is 18–20 (per DPS eligibility FAQ).

• Duty to inform:  No general duty to proactively inform; LTC holders must display their LTC when an officer/magistrate demands ID while carrying. 

• Where you can carry: Most public places unless prohibited by law (e.g.,schools, polling places, courts, secured airport areas, certain alcohol businesses, correctional facilities) or validly restricted by private-property notice/signage. 

• Out-of-state permits: Texas recognizes a valid handgun license issued byany other state (effective Sept 1, 2025 per SB 706). 

Texas operates as a permitless/constitutional carry state for most adults 21 and older who are not prohibited from possessing firearms. At the same time, Texas is a shall-issue state for its License to Carry (LTC): eligible applicants apply through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and, once requirements are met, the license is issued through a statewide process (not county-by-county discretion).

An LTC remains valuable even with permitless carry. It can help with interstate travel/recognition, and it can matter for certain Texas-specific exceptions and compliance scenarios (for example, understanding how different trespass notices apply, and navigating places with heightened restrictions). For young adults, DPS states it will no longer deny LTC applications solely because applicants are 18–20. 

For residents and visitors, the biggest practical issues are location restrictions (schools, courts, polling places, secured airport areas, certain alcohol-focused businesses, etc.) and private property rules. When transporting in vehicles, staying in hotels, or moving through shared spaces, prioritize secure storage (locked container/safe; keep access controlled). For added privacy and to reduce digital-tracking risk for key fobs/phones while traveling, some carriers also use Faraday-protected SLNT bags alongside a locked case, especially in hotels or when leaving items in a vehicle. 

Useful Links

• Texas Handgun License (Texas.gov overview)

• Texas Parks & Wildlife – State Park Rules (weapons in parks)