Texas LTC Reciprocity
Last reviewed: September 2026. Reciprocity agreements change, so always confirm before you travel.
One of the biggest benefits of a Texas License to Carry (LTC) is reciprocity: 37 other states recognize your Texas license, so you can legally carry a handgun when you travel. Texas DPS signs reciprocal agreements with some states, and other states choose to honor Texas licenses on their own without a formal agreement.
Don’t have your LTC yet? You can take our DPS-approved Texas LTC class online.
Why Get an LTC If Texas Has Permitless Carry?
Since 2021, most adults 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm can carry a handgun in Texas without a license. But permitless carry stops at the Texas state line. Your Texas LTC is what other states recognize, and it comes with benefits at home too:
- Carry in other states. Reciprocity only applies to license holders. Without an LTC, you’re relying on each state’s own permitless carry rules, which vary and don’t always cover visitors.
- Carry in more places in Texas. Some locations, such as college campuses (under each school’s rules) and certain government meetings and other locations require a license.
- Faster gun purchases. A valid LTC can let you skip the NICS background check when buying a firearm from a dealer.
- Training and legal knowledge. The LTC class covers Texas use-of-force law, prohibited places, and signage, which is valuable whether or not you carry every day.
States That Honor the Texas LTC
As of our last review, these states recognize a valid Texas LTC:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
States That Do Not Honor the Texas LTC
California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia do not recognize the Texas LTC. Maine has no reciprocity agreement with Texas but has its own permitless carry law, so check Maine’s rules for visitors before you go.
Before You Travel: What Reciprocity Does and Doesn’t Mean
Reciprocity means another state recognizes your license. It does not mean Texas law comes with you. Once you cross the state line, you follow that state’s laws. Keep these points in mind:
- Open vs. concealed carry. Texas allows holstered open carry, but some states only allow concealed carry or restrict open carry heavily.
- Age limits. Several states only honor out-of-state licenses held by people 21 or older. If you’re 18 to 20, check before you carry.
- Duty to inform. Some states require you to tell an officer right away that you’re carrying. Others only require it when asked.
- Prohibited places and signs. Off-limits locations, and whether “no guns” signs carry legal weight, differ from state to state.
- Vehicles, alcohol, and magazines. Rules for carrying in a car, carrying where alcohol is served, and magazine capacity all vary.
- Passing through states that don’t honor your license. Federal law allows you to transport a firearm through a state if it’s unloaded and not readily accessible (for example, locked in the trunk), as long as you can legally possess it at your starting point and destination. Stops along the way can complicate this, so plan ahead.
Texas LTC Reciprocity FAQ
Does Oklahoma honor my Texas LTC?
Yes. Texas and Oklahoma have a reciprocity agreement, so your Texas LTC is valid in Oklahoma. You must follow Oklahoma’s carry laws while you’re there. For our students in Wichita Falls and North Texas, this is one of the most common trips.
Does Texas honor licenses from other states?
Yes. Under SB 706, effective September 1, 2025, Texas recognizes a valid handgun license issued by any other state. Visitors must follow Texas law while carrying here.
Can I carry in a permitless carry state without a license?
It depends on the state. Some permitless carry states allow any visitor who can legally possess a firearm to carry, while others limit permitless carry to residents or set different age limits. Having your Texas LTC removes most of that guesswork in states that honor it.
Can I carry in national parks?
Generally, carry in national parks follows the laws of the state the park is in. Federal buildings inside parks, like visitor centers and ranger stations, are still off-limits.
How often does reciprocity change?
Agreements and state laws change regularly. Check the Texas DPS reciprocity page and the destination state’s official website before every trip.
Get Your Texas LTC Online
You can take the official Texas License to Carry classroom course online, at your own pace, 24/7. Our online LTC class is approved statewide by Texas DPS, and we are state-certified online LTC course providers. After the online portion, you’ll complete the shooting proficiency with a certified instructor in Texas.
This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently; verify current laws with official state sources before carrying outside Texas.
