Do You Need A Holster To Carry A Handgun In Texas?

If you carry a gun in Texas, what you carry it in can be just as important as ... and could get you in trouble just as easily as breaking ... any of the other state carry laws.

Texas offers almost all its peeps the right to carry a gun, openly or concealed. For a minute, only Texans properly licensed could carry a concealed handgun.

That has changed and, among all the other laws associated with carrying a gun, what you carry yours in can become an issue. Even though holsters aren't always required.

Must you carry your gun in a holster, in Texas? The short answer to that question is, it depends.

Texans Have To Carry Their Guns In A Holster

Some of them anyway, Open carry is legal in Texas, by people legally allowed to own a firearm of course, and those peeps must have their weapon secured in a holster. The law does NOT clearly define what type of holster to use. Here's what they do say.

Concealed Carry Holsters

Texans, who meet the legal requirements of owning a firearm, can now carry concealed without a CCL license. If their handgun is completely covered, no holster is required. Seriously, you really should have it in one anyway. (Basic common sense tells you that.)

READ MORE: Traveling With Gun? Better Read This ...

One, safety. Two - If your handgun, or any part of it becomes visible ... even accidentally because, let's say, your shirt rides up ... if it's not holstered, you're in violation. This does not apply to a quick glimpse, only a firearm or part of it that's in "sustained view".

Other Texas Holster Laws

• In a vehicle, if the handgun is in plain view, it must be in a holster. Dashboard, seat, center console with the lid open, door pocket—if visible, it needs to be in a holster. - txchia.org

Gun laws, like other laws, are always changing so be sure you do your homework. 

https://norrislegaldefense.com/2025/07/18/how-to-legally-carry-a-gun/

Tips From The Texas Handgun Association

• A holster is a device designed to hold a handgun securely and allow it to be carried on or about the person.
• It is purpose‑built for handguns. A pouch, sock, or generic bag is not a holster.
• It positions the firearm for carry, often attached to a belt, chest harness, shoulder rig, thigh rig, ankle strap, pocket sleeve, or belly band.

It's not necessarily a legal requirement but, for added safety, the holster should be designed so that it protects the trigger guard. Learn more here.

https://norrislegaldefense.com/2025/07/18/how-to-legally-carry-a-gun/