The Basic Requirements to Legally Own a Handgun in Texas

Age, background, and the paperwork that stands between you and your first handgun in Texas.

Texas keeps handgun ownership simple, but simple doesn’t mean unregulated. Here’s what you actually need.

Federal minimum age

Federal law requires you to be at least 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer. 18 to buy long guns like rifles and shotguns. That’s baseline, not Texas-specific.

Not prohibited

You cannot be a prohibited person. Convicted felon, dishonorably discharged, subject to certain protective orders, unlawful drug user, adjudicated mentally defective, illegal alien, and a few other categories are off the table under federal law. Texas mirrors that list.

You have to fill out Form 4473

Every retail purchase from an FFL runs through ATF Form 4473. You answer the questions truthfully. Lying on the 4473 is a federal felony. Then the dealer runs a NICS background check. Approved buyers walk out with the firearm.

Texas resident? No permit needed to purchase.

Texas doesn’t add a state-level permit-to-purchase requirement. If you clear federal, you’re clear.

Private sales

Person-to-person sales between Texas residents don’t legally require a background check under state law. That doesn’t mean you should skip due diligence. Ask for ID, confirm the buyer isn’t prohibited, and get a bill of sale. We cover this in more depth in another post.

Stay safe. Semper Fi.
Gunny

Straight talk: This is education, not legal advice. Gun law changes. Consult a Texas attorney for your specific situation, and always confirm current rules with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the ATF.