Firearms in Austin, TX (2026)
4 verified firearms rules for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Local Firearms Preemption
Austin cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 preempts municipal regulation of the transfer, ownership, keeping, transportation, licensing, or registration of firearms. Carry, purchase, and possession rules are uniform statewide.
Austin Firearm Rules: Texas State Law Preempts Local Ordinances
Few RestrictionsConcealed Carry
Texas House Bill 1927 allows most adults 21 and older to carry handguns concealed without a permit. Austin follows state rules; License to Carry under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 remains available for reciprocity benefits.
Texas Permitless Concealed Carry Applies in Austin
Few RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a)
Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun; (2) at the time of the offense: (A) is younger than 21 years of age; or (B) has been convicted of an offense under Section 22.01(a)(1), 22.05, 22.07, or 42.01(a)(7) or (8) committed in the five-year period preceding th...
Open Carry
Texas allows permitless open carry of handguns in shoulder or belt holsters for adults 21 and older. Austin cannot restrict open carry beyond state law except on city property and posted private property.
Texas Permitless Open Carry of Handguns
Few RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 46.035(a)
Sec. 46.035. UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF HANDGUN BY LICENSE HOLDER. (a) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and intentionally displays the handgun in plain view of another person in a public place. It is an exception to the application of this subsection th...
Firearms in Vehicles
Texas Penal Code Section 46.02 allows lawful adults to carry handguns in private vehicles or watercraft if not in plain view, gang-related, or possessed by a prohibited person. Austin cannot impose additional vehicle restrictions.
Texas Penal Code Section 46.02 Vehicle Carry Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a-1)
Sec. 46.02. (a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person's control at any time in which: (1) the handgun is in plain view, unless the person is 21 years of age or older or is licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Ch...
Looking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Firearms in Travis County →