Is a West Virginia Non-Resident Permit Valid in Texas?

Why

• Texas's official reciprocity list includes West Virginia.
• Texas allows permitless carry for eligible adults 21+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

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

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Texas, these rules replace the ones you know from West Virginia.

• 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 West Virginia non-resident permit valid in Texas?

You're covered either way. Texas honors West Virginia non-resident permits, and its permitless-carry law also lets eligible visitors carry without any permit at all.

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.

Where does Texas publish its official reciprocity list?

Texas publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.