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Texas Open Carry Laws (2026)
Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Texas without a permit at age 21 or older, but the handgun must be carried in a holster.
Official source: guides.sll.texas.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Carry in states bordering Texas
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ArkansasPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one. It is a crime only if you intend to use it unlawfully against a person. A loaded firearm may not be carried into a publicly owned building or facility (Class C misdemeanor), and a private owner who says no can have you charged with trespass.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.arkansas.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
- LouisianaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun needs no permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully have one. Carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school campus is unlawful unless a listed exception applies, and the exemption there for permit holders and permitless carriers covers concealed handguns only. Other place restrictions apply.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: lsp.org · Full Louisiana rule →
- New MexicoPermitted
Open carry of a loaded handgun is legal in New Mexico without a license for anyone who can lawfully possess one, generally 19 or older, and location restrictions apply.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dps.nm.gov · Full New Mexico rule →
- OklahomaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in Oklahoma without a license for eligible people 21 or older, or 18 and older for military members and veterans.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: oklahoma.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
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