How to Register a Gun

Regulations and statutes surrounding government intervention when it comes to firearm sales and registration are limited in the state of Texas. Obtaining a firearm in the state does not warrant procuring a permit to acquire the gun. There is also no formal registration process to adhere to once a purchase has been made. Purchasing a firearm from an official firearm dealer will require a background check on an individual, but the exact gun purchased from a private party will not need this measure. Although no background check is mandated for sales involving private individuals, the legality of the transaction must adhere to the regulation imposed on the buyer and meet the eligibility requirements for lawful gun possession (per Texas Government Code § 411.172).

How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit

Once a firearm has been bought, if you choose to carry it, there are restrictions on where and how you are allowed to proceed. You may openly carry a long gun as long as it is not used in a manner to threaten or induce fear. To carry a handgun openly or in a concealed fashion, you must first receive a License to Carry a Handgun. An added benefit to obtaining a license is that it will allow you to carry the weapon in many other US states that acknowledge reciprocity from the state of Texas.

To apply for a License to Carry a Handgun, produce the following forms and paperwork to submit on the Texas DPS online services website or to deliver to your nearest Texas Department of Public Safety location:

• A fully filled-out Texas Handgun Licensing Application (Form LTC-78A).
• An endorsed certificate of completion of training for an approved instructor or course.
• A submitted fingerprint card performed by an accepted provider of the state (more information listed on the DPS website).
• Proper funds for all state-imposed fees.

If you have gathered the above-listed materials, you can also alternatively send them in the mail to apply at the following address:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Concealed Handgun – MSC 0245
PO Box 4087
Austin, TX

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