legal resident of Texas or another state and have the intention to establish residency in Texas
must have been more than 5 years after release from prison or parole/supervision if convicted of DWI or felony
must be current on child support payments
must complete safety training by a licensed Texas Handgun Instructor
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Does Texas Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?
Yes, Texas has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.
Only for concealed carry licenses
Owning a firearm in Texas
Does Texas have a Gun Free Zone law?
Yes, Texas has a defined list of gun free zones:
any business who has opted out of allowing concealed or open carry on their premises and has posted the relevant notice on the premises
in public and private K-12 schools, where a school-sponsored activity is taking place, or transportation vehicles belonging to schools without written authorization but individuals with concealed carry licenses can keep firearms or ammunition locked in their car on school grounds as long as it is not visible
in public colleges or universities open carry is generally prohibited while licensed concealed carry is allowed unless the college/university exercises its discretion to ban concealed firearms in specific locations (i.e. dorms)
private universities and colleges can opt to prohibit carrying concealed firearms but only after discussions with students, faculty and staff.
polling places on election day or during early voting
racetrack premises
secured area of an airport
within 1000 feet of a location designed as a place of execution on a day a sentence of death is to be imposed and the person was notified ahead of time
at a business with an alcoholic license where 51 percent or more of its income is derived from alcohol sales for on-premises consumption
at a correctional facility
at a civil commitment facility
at a hospital unless the individual has written authorization
at a mental hospital unless the individual has written authorization
at an amusement park
anywhere an open government meeting is held provided the entity gave notice
Does Texas Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?
You are only required to take a firearm safety course under certain circumstances in Texas.