Is a New Mexico Resident Permit Valid in Texas?

Why

• Texas recognizes valid carry permits from every US state.
• Texas allows permitless carry for eligible adults 21+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

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

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

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 →

New Mexico vs Texas: what changes at the state line

Crossing from New Mexico into Texas changes 2 rules: permitless carry (No → Yes (21+)); out-of-state permits honored (20 states → All states).

Going the other way, a Texas resident permit in New Mexico: recognized — carry with your permit.

Driving on from Texas

How a New Mexico resident permit fares in the states bordering Texas:

• Arkansas — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Louisiana — Permit not recognized — but permitless carry applies
• Oklahoma — Recognized — and permitless carry applies

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas honor a New Mexico non-resident permit?

New Mexico does not issue non-resident carry permits (residents only (domiciled 90+ days), except members of the US armed forces permanently stationed in NM and their dependents (NMSA 29-19-4(A)(2)). New residents holding a license from a reciprocity state must transfer to a NM license within 90 days), so the question does not arise.

Can a Texas resident permit holder carry in New Mexico?

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

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.