Is a Georgia Non-Resident Permit Valid in Texas?

Why

• Georgia does not issue carry permits to non-residents (georgia.gov requires applicants to be a georgia resident and apply at the probate court (county of domicile); 18-20 only for military members with basic training completed. out-of-state residents cannot get a wcl, but under sb 319 they may carry without one if they would otherwise qualify).

Texas recognizes any valid handgun license from the listed states via agreement or unilateral proclamation, with no holder-residency condition stated. NOT recognized (per DPS chart): District of Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin and the territories — MN and WI recognize Texas unilaterally, but Texas does not honor their licenses. Permitless carry (21+) covers most unlicensed visitors regardless.

Carry rules in Texas

Crossing into Texas swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.

• No proactive duty — Gov't Code 411.205 requires a license holder carrying a handgun to display the LTC together with ID only when a magistrate or peace officer demands identification.
• Texas sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Texas allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• A handgun may be carried in one's own (or consented) vehicle without a license; if in plain view it must be holstered and the carrier 21+ or an LTC holder (Penal Code 46.02(a-1) as amended by HB 1927).

Off-limits places in Texas

• Schools, school activities and school transportation (Penal Code 46.03(a)(1))
• Polling places on election day or during early voting
• Government courts and court offices
• Secured areas of airports
• Businesses deriving 51%+ of income from on-premises alcohol sales
• Correctional and civil-commitment facilities

Frequently asked questions

Is a Georgia non-resident permit valid in Texas?

There is nothing to recognize: Georgia issues permits to its own residents only (georgia.gov requires applicants to be a Georgia resident and apply at the probate court (county of domicile); 18-20 only for military members with basic training completed. Out-of-state residents cannot get a WCL, but under SB 319 they may carry without one if they would otherwise qualify). If you don't live in Georgia, look at states that do sell non-resident permits and check which of those Texas honors.

Do I have to tell police in Texas that I am carrying?

No proactive duty — Gov't Code 411.205 requires a license holder carrying a handgun to display the LTC together with ID only when a magistrate or peace officer demands identification.

Does Texas limit magazine capacity?

Texas sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Texas without any permit?

Texas allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does Georgia issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Georgia issues carry permits to residents only (georgia.gov requires applicants to be a Georgia resident and apply at the probate court (county of domicile); 18-20 only for military members with basic training completed. Out-of-state residents cannot get a WCL, but under SB 319 they may carry without one if they would otherwise qualify). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.