Texans tend to have an affinity for the freedom that goes along with being a responsible gun owner. In fact, gun ownership has been on the rise in the Lone Star State in recent years. According to Small Arms Analytics, gun sales increased by just over a hundred percent for the most recent period analyzed. If the type of firearm purchase you wish to make in Texas involves a handgun, here’s what you need to know about permit requirements, brought to you by the firearms education professionals from Online Texas LTC, a top provider of Texas LTC online classes.
No Permit Is Required to Make a Purchase
There’s no need to apply for a permit to purchase a handgun in the state of Texas. However, you do have to be at least 21 years of age to do so. Additionally, you don’t need an owner license in Texas to legally possess a firearm, but you do have to meet the requirements that go along with being allowed to legally purchase a firearm in Texas. These include:
- Being able to pass a background check (if you don’t have a license to carry)
• Not being a convicted felon or have any family violence-related convictions
• Having valid proof of ID, since the person using the gun must be the one who purchases it
Handgun license to carry (LTC) holders in Texas are exempt from federal background check requirements. Also, Texas doesn’t require private sellers to initiate background checks. There’s no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Texas.
You Do Need a License to Carry a Handgun
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, you’ll need a license to carry to legally carry your handgun. Texas is a concealed carry and open carry state, as long as you possess a valid LTC. However, you can possess a loaded firearm without a license if you’re passing through Texas as long as it’s in your vehicle or watercraft. To obtain a concealed handgun license (LTC/CHL) you must be 21 years of age or older (or 18, if you’re an active member of the military). The application for a license to carry is conveniently accessible online in Texas.
Learn How to Purchase a Handgun in Texas
As for how you purchase a handgun in the Lone Star state, there are several options. If you go with a dealer, you’ll need to show ID. As mentioned above, a background check is usually done, but it’s not necessary if you have a license to carry a handgun. You’ll also need to complete the required paperwork, which is Form 4473. When a background check is done, a licensed dealer uses the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to conduct it.
In Texas, handguns can also be purchased in the following ways:
• From a gun show
• From a private gun owner
• From an online seller*
*With online handgun purchases, the gun will be shipped to a licensed dealer in Texas you select.
Whether you purchase a gun for self-defense, hunting, competition, or another purpose, make sure you have the proper training to do it safely. You can count on the firearms education pros at Online Texas LTC for the highest-quality training available. Whether you’re looking for LTC proficiency testing or you want to take a Texas concealed carry online class, call us today at 512-675-2124.
