Texas Concealed Carry: Laws and Reciprocity

Texas does issue nonresident permits. Unlike other states, it does not appear that there is any condition of employment clause that forbids an out of state resident from applying for TX concealed carry permit.

“The department by rule shall establish a procedure for a person who meets the eligibility requirements of this subchapter other than the residency requirement […] to obtain a license under this subchapter if the person is a legal resident of another state or if the person relocates to this state with the intent to establish residency in this state.“

Relevant Code(s):

Section 411.173

The Texas Department of Public Safety has 60 days to process a completed application, and either issue or deny based upon the findings. Additionally, if the department is unable to issue or deny an application for a Texas concealed carry within the allotted time, they must inform the applicant in writing as to the reason and estimated time of completion.

“The department shall, not later than the 60th day after the date of the receipt by the director’s designee of the completed application […] issue the license […] notify the applicant in writing that the application was denied.“

Relevant Code(s):

Section 411.177

Applicants for a Texas permit to carry will pay a fee of $40. This fee is nonrefundable and used for the processing of applications and issuance of a concealed carry permit. However, this cost does not cover any competency training that is required by the state.

“a nonrefundable application and license fee of $40 paid to the department“

Relevant Code(s):

Section 411.174

Texas requires proof of competency for the issuance of a concealed carry permit. This training must consist of both classroom instruction and live fire exercises.

Classroom instruction on firearm proficiency must be at least 4 hours and not more than 6 hours in duration. While online training is acceptable, a course taught exclusively online is not sufficient, due to the range exercises and instruction that must be performed.

Upon completion of classroom training, range instruction of not less than 1 hour and not more than 2 hours must be completed.  In addition to the culminating demonstration of skills, applicants must complete a written examination as well.

“One part of the course must be classroom instruction and the other part must be range instruction and an actual demonstration by the applicant of the applicant’s ability to safely and proficiently use a handgun. […] A qualified handgun instructor or approved online course provider may administer the classroom instruction part of the handgun proficiency course. The classroom instruction part of the course must include not less than four hours and not more than six hours of instruction […] only a qualified handgun instructor may administer the proficiency examination to obtain a license […] complete not less than one hour but not more than two hours of the range instruction part of the handgun proficiency course before allowing a physical demonstration of handgun proficiency“

Relevant Code(s):

Section 411.188

It is illegal for a person, even with a Texas concealed carry, to bring a firearm into a church or any other place of worship. It is the duty of the church, synagogue, or other place of worship to place appropriate signage declaring the building prohibits firearms.

“A license holder commits an offense if the license holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or carried in a shoulder or belt holster, on or about the license holder’s person: […] on the premises of a church, synagogue, or other established place of religious worship“

Relevant Code(s):

Section 411.204

Section 46.035

Nothing in Texas state code expressly forbids the carrying of a handgun, whether openly or concealed into a financial institution. Therefore, it is legal for those with a valid Texas handgun permit to carry in a bank.

However, patrons are still subject to sections 30.06 and 30.07 with regard to posted signage forbidding the carrying of firearms on premises, whether openly or concealed, respectively.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 30.06

Section 30.07

Those with a Texas concealed carry license are prohibited from open or concealed carry in a hospital. While it is the duty of the establishment to post signage prohibiting the carrying of firearms on the premises, Texas code specifically declares that hospitals are areas where firearms are forbidden.

However, it is the responsibility of the hospital or medical facility to place appropriate signs to inform patrons. Additionally, TX code only references hospitals and nursing facilities. Therefore, other medical buildings may allow concealed carry, but it is your duty to abide by any posted signage.

“A license holder commits an offense if the license holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or carried in a shoulder or belt holster, on or about the license holder’s person: […] on the premises of a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, or on the premises of a nursing facility licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, unless the license holder has written authorization of the hospital or nursing facility administration“

Relevant Code(s):

Section 411.204

Section 46.035