Texas

Secure Storage
Laws in Texas

Texas has weakened existing protections in recent years and only has one of the foundational gun laws in place, a child access prevention law that first took effect in 1995.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in Texas

Under Texas state law, gun owners in Texas must take steps a reasonable person would take to prevent access to a loaded firearm by a child under age 17. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

A gun owner must take reasonable steps to prevent access to a loaded firearm by a child under 17. Reasonable steps include, but are not limited to:

  • Storing loaded firearms in a locked container; or
  • Rendering loaded firearms temporarily inoperable using a device such as a trigger lock.

Gun owners in Texas may be subject to criminal penalties if they fail to secure a loaded firearm or leave a loaded firearm in a place where they knew or should have known a child would gain access to it, and a child under age 17 does gain access. They may face enhanced criminal penalties if the child then discharges the firearm and causes serious injury or death.

By the Numbers

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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

Texas Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in Texas in English or Spanish.