Skip to Main Content
my account

Flying the Flag

Etiquette and protocol for flying the United States and Texas flags.

General Information


About This Guide

Flags of our state and nation are flying all around us. Individuals who want to display the flag are often fuzzy about the law, etiquette, and protocol. This guide will help you find the information you need to ensure you are flying the flag proudly and properly.

Texas Law

The provisions regarding the Texas state flag, including information on its display, are in Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code. See the Texas Flag Resources box on this page for additional information regarding the Texas flag.

Federal Law

Below you will find references to federal law related to the United States flag. The Flag Code states that it is “for the use of such civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments” of the federal government. Because the code does not include penalties or enforcement provisions, it is commonly described as voluntary guidelines for citizens who want to display the flag in a respectful manner.

You may find the resources listed in the United States Flag Resources box on this page helpful in understanding the code.

Texas Flag Resources

Because Texas law may not be easy to understand, below you will find a collection of resources that help to explain the law in “plain English.”

United States Flag Resources

Below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the federal law in “plain English.”