Firearms in Houston, TX (2026)
4 verified firearms rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Local Firearms Preemption
Houston 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 and ammunition. Carry, purchase, and possession rules are uniform statewide under state law.
Houston 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. Houston follows state rules; License to Carry under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 remains available for reciprocity benefits.
Texas Permitless Concealed Carry Applies in Houston
Few RestrictionsTexas Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a) (Unlawful Carrying Weapons - Permitless Carry for 21+)
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 prece...
Open Carry
Texas allows permitless open carry of handguns in shoulder or belt holsters for adults 21 and older. Houston cannot restrict open carry beyond state law except on city property and posted private property.
Texas Permitless Open Carry of Handguns
Few RestrictionsTexas Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a-1) (Unlawful Carrying Weapons - Plain View Carry Requires Holster)
Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. ... (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 carr...
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. Houston cannot impose additional vehicle restrictions.
Texas Penal Code Section 46.02 Vehicle Carry Rules
Few RestrictionsTexas Penal Code Sec. 46.02(a-1) (Unlawful Carrying Weapons - Handgun in Motor Vehicle)
Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. ... (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 carr...
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Firearms in Harris County →