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Dallas County, TX Firearms: Concealed Carry (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permitless carry law
HB 1927, age 21+
Optional permit
TX LTC, Govt Code 411
Sensitive places
Penal Code 46.03 list
County rules
None permitted

Summary

House Bill 1927 (2021) lets most Texans 21 and older carry a handgun concealed without a permit anywhere in Dallas County. The optional License to Carry through Texas DPS still provides reciprocity, sensitive-place benefits, and federal background-check shortcuts.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Dallas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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 the date the instant offense was committed; and (3) is not: (A) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or (B) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person's control.

Source: TX Penal Code chapter 46View official code

Full Breakdown

HB 1927, codified in Texas Penal Code chapter 46 and Government Code chapter 411, established constitutional carry across Texas including Dallas County. Adults 21 or older not federally barred from possessing firearms may carry a handgun concealed or openly without a permit in cities, unincorporated areas, and county-owned public spaces, subject to state sensitive-place rules. Schools, courts, polling places, secure airport zones, hospitals, jails, and 51-percent alcohol establishments remain off-limits under Penal Code 46.03 and 46.035. The Dallas County Sheriff and constables enforce state carry rules. Texans can still apply for a License to Carry through DPS; DCSO provides fingerprinting. The county cannot add concealed-carry restrictions.

Violations & Fines

Carrying in a sensitive place under Penal Code 46.03 or 46.035 is generally a Class A misdemeanor or third-degree felony, with fines up to ten thousand dollars and possible prison time, plus License to Carry revocation by Texas DPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Texas License to Carry in Dallas County?
No, if you are 21 or older and not federally prohibited. HB 1927 covers concealed and open carry of handguns. The LTC is optional and adds reciprocity and sensitive-place benefits.
Are Dallas County courthouses or jails off-limits?
Yes. The George Allen courthouse, Frank Crowley criminal courts, and county jail are sensitive places under Penal Code 46.03. Carry there is a third-degree felony even with a License to Carry.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas County

All Dallas County rules

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