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Texas Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)

Permitted: In Texas, someone who is not engaged in criminal activity and not prohibited may carry a handgun in their own motor vehicle without a permit — concealed, or openly in a holster if they are 21 or older.

PermittedVerified May 31, 2026
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Official source: guides.sll.texas.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Transporting Firearms in states bordering Texas

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

  • ArkansasPermitted

    No license is needed to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in Arkansas if you are 18 or older and may lawfully possess one. It is a crime only if you intend to use it unlawfully against a person, and your personal vehicle and a journey are presumed lawful. K-12 school property is off limits (Class D felony), and the statute's exception for a vehicle in school parking areas and drop-off zones is written for license holders only.

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.arkansas.gov · Full Arkansas rule →

  • LouisianaPermitted

    No permit is needed to carry a handgun in your private vehicle if you are 18 or older and may lawfully have one. …

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: lsp.org · Full Louisiana rule →

  • New MexicoPermitted

    You may keep a loaded handgun, even concealed, in your private vehicle for lawful protection if you are not prohibited from having firearms. No license is needed for that. Once you step out, carrying it concealed on your person needs a license New Mexico accepts. People under 19 generally cannot possess a handgun.

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.nm.gov · Full New Mexico rule →

  • OklahomaConditional

    At 21 or older, or 18 to 20 with military service, you may transport a handgun in a vehicle loaded or unloaded, concealed or open, if you may legally own a firearm. At 18 to 20 without military service, the firearm must be unloaded. If an officer demands it during a stop or arrest, you must say you have a firearm in the vehicle (citation up to $100).

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: oklahoma.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →

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