Is a Virginia 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

Recognition is only half the question. Once you're inside Texas, its carry rules apply to you exactly as they do to locals.

• 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 →

Virginia vs Texas: what changes at the state line

Crossing from Virginia into Texas changes one rule: permitless carry (No → Yes (21+)).

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

Driving on from Texas

How a Virginia resident permit fares in the states bordering Texas:

• Arkansas — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Louisiana — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• New Mexico — Recognized — carry with your permit
• Oklahoma — Recognized — and permitless carry applies

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Texas honor a Virginia non-resident permit?

Recognized — and permitless carry applies. The answer is the same as for the resident permit on this page.

Can a Texas resident permit holder carry in Virginia?

Recognized — carry with your permit. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on Virginia'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.