Buying

New Texas Legislation

Note There may be new laws passed during the 88th Legislative Sessions that affect this subject.

Read the library's Spotlight post on the ending of the 88th Regular Session and what comes next. We briefly discuss deadlines, the governor's veto power, and how to find new legislation. To research new legislation on this topic, please see the resources below.

Texas Legislature Online Bill Search
You can search pending and enacted legislation by subject via this page on Texas Legislature Online's website. Make sure "88(R)" is selected from the Legislature dropdown box to ensure you are finding the bills from the recent session.
Bills Signed by the Governor, 88th Legislature Regular Session
See a list of bills that have been signed into law by Governor Abbott during the 88th Regular Session.
Bills Filed Without the Governor's Signature, 88th Legislature Regular Session
See a list of bills that have been filed by the Legislature without the Governor's signature during the 88th Regular Session. These bills will become law.
Bills Effective Immediately, 88th Regular Session
See a list of bills from the 88th Regular Session that will become law immediately.

Who can buy a gun in Texas?

Texas & Federal Laws

Section 46.06 of the Texas Penal Code
This statute discusses instances when it is unlawful to sell, rent, lease, loan, or give a handgun to a person. It includes various restrictions on: those under age 18, those convicted of a felony, those with an active protective order against them, and those who are intoxicated.
U.S. Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44
This chapter broadly regulates many aspects of sales, purchase, and possession of firearms. It primarily focuses on regulating interstate commerce by limiting most transfers except among licensed manufacturers, dealers, and importers. This chapter includes provisions enacted by the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993).

Understanding the Law

Identify Prohibited Persons
This page from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) describes the types of people who are ineligible to purchase or possess firearms according to federal law.
Categories of Prohibited People in Texas
This page discusses who is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun according to Texas law. The page is provided by the Giffords Law Center, a nonprofit devoted to preventing gun violence.
FFL Tip Sheet for Non U.S. Citizens Purchasing Firearms
This page from the FBI has a handy flow chart that explains what types of non-citizens may purchase guns while they are in the U.S.
Nonimmigrant Aliens
This page provides answers to some common questions about whether non-citizens who are in the U.S. lawfully on a temporary basis for a specific purpose (nonimmigrant aliens) may possess a firearm.

Age Limits

How Old Do You Need to Be to Buy a Gun?
This FAQ discusses age restrictions for those purchasing guns in Texas.
What is the Legal Age to Purchase & Possess Firearms in Texas?
This web page and video explain the differences between Texas law and federal law on what age you must be to purchase a hand gun or a long gun. The page is provided by Texas Law Shield, a private legal company that offers legal defense services.

Private Sales & Gun Shows

Best Practices: Transfers of Firearms by Private Sellers
This brochure from the ATF provides suggestions on how to conduct a private transfer of a firearm.
I Want to Sell My Gun to Another Person. How Can I Do That?
This FAQ goes over some basic information about private firearm sales in Texas.
How are Sales at Gun Shows Regulated in Texas?
This FAQ discusses laws that apply to sales at gun shows in Texas.

Texas State
Law Library

Gun Laws