How old do you have to be for buying a gun in Texas?
It depends on what type of gun and what type of transaction. Under federal law when dealing with a Federal Firearms Licensee, also known as an FFL, you have to be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun, and at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun. Here in Texas to purchase a long gun the rules are the same. But unlike federal law, Texans can purchase handguns at 18.
Can you buy a gun at 18?
What’s the age to buy a gun? The answer is simple: through a private sale. A Texas resident 18 or older but under 21 won’t be allowed to purchase a handgun through an FFL dealer but that person can purchase a handgun from another Texas resident. Sales between two people who aren’t licensed dealers are called private sales. We often receive questions from members asking whether they can allow their children or other family members to use or access their guns. The question’s answered differently depending on federal and state possession laws.
How old do you have to be to buy ammo in Texas?
Under federal law you must be at least 18 years old to possess a handgun and handgun ammunition. But fear not, there are exceptions that balance out this rule such as defense against an intruder, target practice, hunting, or as part of a safety course. When it comes to long guns, the federal government doesn’t restrict possession for someone under 18. On the state side, Texas law doesn’t criminalize the child’s possession of firearms, child being defined as someone under 17 years of age. A child with a firearm might not get into trouble, but any person who transfers or makes readily dischargeable firearms accessible to a child can be liable.
Related: What to do when your gun is stolen in Texas?
To review, if you’re 21 or older, you won’t run into any problems purchasing handguns or long guns, either in a private sale or from an FFL. If you’re 18 to 20, you can buy a long gun from an FFL but are limited to private sales for handguns. And remember, purchasing a firearm, and legally possessing or carrying a firearm all involve different legal issues. For example, an 18-year-old can legally purchase a handgun in a private sale but is generally prohibited from carrying that same gun on their person in public without a license to carry. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and you have to comply with both the law of purchase and the law of possession.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions about purchasing firearms, please call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to an Independent Program Attorney.
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The information provided in this presentation is intended to provide general information to individuals and is not legal advice. The information included in this publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication without the prior written consent of U.S. LawShield, to be given or withheld at our discretion. The information is not a substitute for, and does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. We strive to ensure the information included in this publication is accurate and current, however, no claim is made to the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of information in this publication. The use of this publication does not create an attorney-client relationship between U.S. LawShield, any independent program attorney, and any individual.
Can a 20 year old carry a gun in the car for self defense ?
I believe the castle doctrine would say yes, it is leagal. Look it up.
Can a 17 year old have a handgun in his vehicle?
Is it wise to take legal advice from someone who spells legal “l-e-a-g-a-l?”
Open carry is legal in Texas does that mean I can open carry a handgun at 19?
While your at it, look up LEGAL instead of Leagal
While you’re at it, look up YOU’RE instead of your. Lol.
While you’re at it, look up LAUGHING OUT LOUD instead of lol. 😎
While you’re at it, look up 🤣 instead of 😎
No you still have to be 21 you just don’t have to have a concealed carry License but that’s not starting until September 1st
No sir
Bit of a dummy question, but I’m currently 15 living in Wisconsin. When I’m 18 I plan on moving to Texas and purchasing an old Western revolver. Would that classify as a hand gun? Would I be able to purchase it?
Yes it’s considered a handgun, to buy one you ether have buy from private dealer or be 21 to buy from dealer
It depends. If you are talking about an actual gun manufactured more than 50 years ago, you can buy it with no issue as it is a
curio. If you mean a replica or modern firearm, you have to be 21 to buy one from a dealer and 18 to buy one from a private owner.
If you become a Texas resident. You could buy one from a private individual, not a dealer.
Can u have your gun in the car with you at 18 if I have papers for gun
This is a great question for a U.S. LawShield program attorney. If you’re a member, please call our non-emergency line at 877-448-6839.
So apparently an 18 y.o
Can get a handgun kill 14 children and a teacher
I’m not sure if anyone can answer this question, as it involves two states, but I currently live in Hawaii, and my Dad lives in Texas. My Dad would like to gift me a handgun. Age in either states is not an issue, since I am 36 years old. However, I’m unsure if I’d have to fly to TX and bring it back in person, or could he transfer the handgun to me through an FFL in Hawaii?
This would fall under FFL non-licensees. For your father to ship the gun across state lines, he would need to ship it to a FFL near you and you would need to go pay the FFL transfer fee and undergo a background check, plus whatever other 2A infringements HI applies to the process. IIRC, you have a certain amount of time to register your gun with the state, which may or may not be handled by the receiving FFL.
Is it legal for a 19 year old to have an ar pistol with a 7.5 inch barrel in texas
Is it legal for a 17 year old to travel with a shotgun in his vehicle?
Can I bring a firearm (pistol) from another state if I move when I’m 18…?
I was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital at age 20. Can I buy a handgun thru private sell legally in Dallas Texas?
What is considerd a private sale ??
can someone explain to me the border line of owning a handgun under 21 in texas. I know you can legally buy it from a private sale. But what are my restrictions. Am i allowed to have it with me in the car without a licensed to carry? Also, can i get a license to carry or permit? Any advice would be great help!
Per Texas Government code 411.172 In order to be eligible to obtain an LTC (License to Carry) you must be 21 years of age.
As of 5-14-2021 and Per Texas Government code 411.172 In order to be eligible to obtain an LTC (License to Carry) you must be 21 years of age.
However, under the Castle-Doctrine even under the age of 21, you are able to possess a handgun (loaded or otherwise I believe) in your vehicle as long as it is not in plain sight (concealed) . HOWEVER, I would discourage you from carrying it in a belt or shoulder holster even in your vehicle while under 21, due to the fact that the second you step out of your car, the castle doctrine does not apply and you would be in violation (unless directly en-route to or from your motor vehicle from your house or vise-versa. (IE: you get a flat tire, or stop to get fuel or use the bathroom… also if an officer asks you to step out) So basically just keep it in the center console or glovebox, or wherever and make sure it is concealed and you should be good. If you get stopped for ANY reason, tell the LEO IMMEDIATELY if you have a weapon in the vehicle.
Furthermore, there are certain circumstances that can still get you in trouble, for example if you are under 21 and in possession of alcohol, they can add the charge of Unlawful Carry of a Weapon on top of the alcohol charge. There are more laws and situations that could cause problems so just be aware.
Bottom line though, just don’t break any other laws while carrying and you should be good sir.
I’m 18 planning on buying a handgun from a private seller and I’m in Texas, but I recently heard they passed a bill letting people carry firearms without needing a license. Question is though with that new bill being passed can I carry a handgun now or must I be 21 still?
^ my same question
I want to know can a 17 have a gun a 410