Is a Wisconsin Non-Resident Permit Valid in Texas?

Why

• Wisconsin does not issue carry permits to non-residents (issued only to wisconsin residents (valid wi driver's license or id required) or active-duty military stationed in wisconsin (wi doj ccw faq)).

Since September 1, 2025 (SB 706, 89th Legislature), Tex. Gov't Code 411.173(b) provides that "a valid license to carry a handgun issued by any other state is recognized in this state" — every state and the District of Columbia (Gov't Code 311.005(7) defines "state" to include any district), with no holder-residency, resident-permit or age condition in the statute, so non-resident permits qualify. The DPS reciprocity chart still shows pre-SB 706 "No Agreement" entries (DC, ME, NH, OR, VT) and says MN/WI licenses are not honored; the statute controls. Permitless carry (21+) also covers most unlicensed visitors.

Carry rules in Texas

Whatever your permit status, Texas law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• 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

Texas bans carry in 6 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• Schools, school activities and school transportation (Penal Code 46.03(a)(1))
• Polling places on election day or during early voting

See all 6 places you can't carry in Texas →

Wisconsin vs Texas: what changes at the state line

Crossing from Wisconsin into Texas changes 2 rules: permitless carry (No → Yes (21+)); out-of-state permits honored (46 states → All states).

Going the other way, a Texas non-resident permit in Wisconsin: recognized — carry with your permit.

Permits that do work in Texas

These non-resident permits are honored in Texas, ranked by how many states honor each one. They are issued to people who live outside the issuing state, subject to its eligibility rules.

• North Dakota non-resident permit · honored in 33 states
• Ohio non-resident permit · honored in 33 states
• Idaho non-resident permit · honored in 32 states
• Florida non-resident permit · honored in 32 states
• South Carolina non-resident permit · honored in 32 states
• Arizona non-resident permit · honored in 31 states

Driving on from Texas

How a Wisconsin non-resident permit fares in the states bordering Texas:

• Arkansas — No such permit issued
• Louisiana — No such permit issued
• New Mexico — No such permit issued
• Oklahoma — No such permit issued

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas honor a Wisconsin resident permit?

Recognized — and permitless carry applies. That differs from the non-resident permit on this page, because Texas treats the two permit types differently.

Can a Texas non-resident permit holder carry in Wisconsin?

Recognized — carry with your permit. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on Wisconsin's law, not Texas's.

Does Wisconsin issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Wisconsin issues carry permits to residents only (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). 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.