Can I buy a gun in Texas if I'm from a different state?

Asked by: Jonas Hilpert III  |  Last update: April 11, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)

Buying Firearms in Texas as an Out-of-State Visitor Out-of-state visitors can legally purchase firearms in Texas, but there are specific regulations to follow.

Can a non-Texas resident purchase a gun in Texas?

While out-of-state residents may purchase guns under some circumstances, most Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers won't sell to them, since gun dealers are legally obligated to abide by the gun laws of whatever state they do business in, and there are legal complexities involved in upholding state-to-state firearms ...

Can a Canadian buy a gun in Texas?

A Federally licensed firearms dealer can legally sell a firearm to a foreign national who is legally in the USA, as described above; and whose one legal U S residence is within the state where the dealer's business is located.

Can I buy a gun in Florida if I live in a different state?

Must be a Florida resident to purchase a handgun. Long guns may be purchased by persons who are residents of other states so long as the sale complies with applicable laws in the purchaser's state of residence.

What prevents you from buying a gun in Texas?

Texas & Federal Laws

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. This chapter broadly regulates many aspects of sales, transfers, and possession of firearms.

Can I Buy a Gun In Another State? In-Person Interstate Firearm Transfers and Purchases.

37 related questions found

How far back does a gun background check go?

The FBI's NICS system reviews eligibility based on current and recent events that would prevent someone from purchasing guns legally. For most criteria, the lookback period is typically around 5 years. However, some disqualifying events remain permanent.

What is the gun show loophole?

The term "gun show loophole" primarily refers to "a situation in which many sellers dealing in firearms offer them for sale at gun shows without becoming licensed or subjecting purchasers to background checks".

Which state has the best gun rights?

Best States for Gun Owners
  • #8 Texas. ...
  • #7 Oklahoma. ...
  • #6 Missouri. ...
  • #5 Mississippi. ...
  • #4 Montana. ...
  • #3 Arkansas. ...
  • #2 West Virginia. ...
  • #1 New Hampshire. New Hampshire is a Constitutional Carry state with incredibly relaxed gun laws and low crime rates.

Can a Texan buy a gun in Florida?

The answer is YES. If you have an out-of-state driver's license and live in Florida, you can use a supplemental document such as a water bill, car registration, speeding ticket, or any government-issued ID/document to prove that you actually live in Florida, and then you can buy a gun.

Can felons regain the right to bear arms in Florida?

Felons can get their gun rights back or restored in Florida after eight (8) years. The 8 year waiting period begins when you have completed all imposed conditions sentences, and supervision has either expired or been completed.

Can you bring a gun from Canada to the US?

If you are exporting non-restricted or restricted firearms from Canada to the United States, you do not have to stop at a CBSA office when you leave the country. However, the United States requires an import permit. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ( ATF ) issue the required import permit.

Can snowbirds own a gun in Florida?

Our Canadian visitors however, will need to have acquired, at minimum, a green card in order to carry a concealed weapon or firearm in Florida. A valid visa or visa waiver entry does not suffice for purposes of carrying concealed in the Sunshine State.

Is Texas a gun friendly state?

Generally speaking, people in Texas can carry guns wherever guns are not prohibited. Some places are always off-limits. At other types of places, the property owner or the person in control of the property can choose whether to allow guns.

What is needed to buy a gun in Texas?

You do have to show government issued identification, such as a driver's license, to ensure your eligibility to purchase a gun. If you have a License to Carry (LTC), including a concealed carry license, bring it in, we will not need to conduct a background check. You will just simply fill out the required paperwork.

Can a Canadian carry a gun in Texas?

If you're a non-resident, you can still carry a gun in Texas as long as you're legally permitted to own a firearm and meet the eligibility requirements. Non-residents can also apply for a special type of license to carry permit specifically for anyone who's not a resident of Texas.

Are AK-47s legal in Texas?

One example is a true AK-47, which is considered automatic because it has an automatic setting. This type of automatic weapon is illegal everywhere in the United States, including Texas. However, AK-47 models with semi-automatic settings are legal in Texas.

Can out of state residents buy firearms in Texas?

Out-of-state visitors can legally purchase firearms in Texas, but there are specific regulations to follow. You must comply with federal laws, including undergoing a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

What proof of residency do you need to buy a gun in Texas?

Residency Requirement: You do not need to prove Texas residency for more than 6 months to purchase a firearm. As long as you have a valid Texas ID or driver's license and proof of residency (like a lease or utility bill), you can establish residency in Texas for the purpose of purchasing a firearm.

Can you own a gun if you take Adderall?

Punishment for Possession of Adderall while Possessing a Firearm. Possessing Adderall while armed with a firearm is punishable as a felony and if you are convicted, you face up to two, three, or four years in state prison.

What is the least gun-friendly state?

Mississippi has the weakest gun laws in the country and the highest gun death rate.

What state has the toughest gun laws?

Leading states for gun law strength in the U.S. 2025

California led the way in gun safety in the United States as of January 2025, with a composite score of 90.5 based on the presence of 50 key gun safety policies.

What country is most gun-friendly?

Here are ten of the world's best countries for gun owners.
  • Honduras. The Good: Hondurans may purchase most popular types of shotguns, handguns or rifles for the recognized purposes of self-defense and recreation. ...
  • United States. ...
  • Czech Republic. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Panama. ...
  • Norway. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Sweden.

Do all states require background checks when buying a gun?

Nineteen states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington) and the District of Columbia generally require universal background checks for all sales of all ...

What guns are exempt from ATF?

Air guns, pellet guns, starter guns and flare guns provided they are not firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3) and do not have tear gas dissemination capability. Firearm accessories such as gun cases, slings, and cleaning kits.

What is the Brady loophole?

What is the gun show loophole? The Brady Act of 1993 mandated background checks for purchases from federally licensed firearms dealers, thereby establishing a baseline for gun sale regulations. This rule only applied to those whose main livelihood came from selling firearms such as owners of gun shops.