No, you do not need an Texas License to Carry (LTC) to purchase a handgun. You must still meet all federal and state eligibility requirements and pass the NICS background check. The LTC only grants you the ability to legally carry a handgun in public (openly or concealed) in authorized places.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

The FBI NICS background check is typically completed in minutes. If the result is delayed, the dealer may legally release the firearm after three business days if they haven’t received a final determination (known as a “Proceed” or “Deny”). However, our shop policy may require a final “Proceed” status before release.

Yes, we frequently purchase used firearms and consider them for trade-in value toward a new purchase as well as accepting items for consignment. Please bring the firearm, any accessories, and valid photo ID to the shop. We will assess its condition and market value to provide a cash or trade offer.

Yes, we process FFL transfers for only $15 per transfer. You must notify us before the firearm is shipped. Provide the seller with a copy of our Federal Firearm License (FFL), which we’ll send upon request. Once the firearm arrives and is logged, we will contact you to come in and complete the Form 4473 and the background check. A transfer fee will apply.

Although our shop does NOT recommend private firearms sales between two Texas residents without a FFL, for many potentially serious reasons. The answer is yes, private sales between two Texas residents are generally legal under Texas and federal law, provided that the seller has no reason to believe the buyer is a prohibited person. However, using an FFL for a private transfer is the safest method, as it ensures the buyer passes a background check, which protects both parties.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

Texas law prohibits carrying a firearm in several places, including but NOT limited to:

• Schools, colleges, or educational institutions.
• Polling places during voting.
• Courts or offices used by a court.
• Racetracks.
• Security-sensitive areas of an airport.
• On the premises of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption (often called a “51% sign”).
• Any place with legally posted 30.06 or 30.07 signs (for concealed and open carry, respectively).

This is NOT an all-inclusive list. Please check with your local authorities for a more updated and inclusive list.

For the most updated information visit:  https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

Yes, Texas is an Open Carry state. If you possess a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC), you can carry a handgun openly in a belt or shoulder holster. Texas is also a permitless carry state, meaning most people 21 or older who are not otherwise prohibited can carry a handgun in a concealed or open manner without an LTC.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

No. Texas does not have a state firearm registration requirement. Similarly, there is no state database of firearm owners. However, all sales through an FFL are recorded on federal forms (Form 4473), which the FFL must retain.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

That’s a great question! An FFL Transfer is the legal process of transferring ownership of a firearm purchased online or from an out-of-state seller to you, through a federally licensed dealer like us – Lone Star Defense & Arms. Federal law (specifically the Gun Control Act of 1968) requires that firearms sold across state lines be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. We, as an FFL holder, will then properly process each and every firearm we receive as a transfer, initiate the federally mandated background check and ensure all your paperwork is processed correctly so that you may legally take possession (or transfer) of your firearm.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

Lone Star Defense & Arms makes FFL transfers fast, easy, and hassle-free! Please see the step-by-step guide (above) for more in-depth details, but in a nutshell, you let us know what you purchased, who you bought it from and how we can get a hold of you when your transfer is ready for pick up after we process it. That’s essentially it and we’ll normally call you by the next business day to come in to complete the background check. When the background check is processed, you pay our low $15 transfer fee (per firearm), and finalize the process. When the background check is approved, you can then legally take possession of your firearm(s). The background check process is normally instant to about 5-15 mins with their approvals but can take longer in some cases if you have a very common name, or if you’re a junior or a II, III, etc. In the case the ATF needs more time for the research before approving your background check, they will put it on a DELAY STATUS. That’s nothing to worry about, it just means the agents need more time investigating and/or awaiting a more thorough background information to come in from other government sources on your specific background check. So in the case of your background being placed on DELAY STATUS, we will contact you as soon as we get an official approval from the government and/or we reach the 5-Day Federal Brady Transfer Date, whichever comes first, to come in to sign off and take legal possession/transfer of your firearm(s). We DO NOT release/transfer firearms unless there is an official approval or we reach the 5-Day Federal Brady Transfer Date.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

Absolutely no hidden costs or extra charges! At Lone Star Defense & Arms, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing. Our $15 FFL Transfer fee (per firearm) is one of the lowest in the Houston area, with no hidden charges, fees or gimmicks. The only other potential fees/costs would only be in the case of extended vault storage of a firearms transfer, but normally most transferees are able to pick up within a full week and if a bit more time is needed due to work or being of town, just be sure to let us know in writing (via e-mail) that you need more time, no worries. If the case of truly needing extended storage, we will gladly work with you to come up with a fair deal to accommodate your needs and situation. We believe in fair and upfront pricing, and we’ve built our reputation on it over 11 years of serving our community. Please note: FFL transfer fees can be even lower under our Fellowship program.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

When you get the pick up call that your transfer is ready for you to come into the storefront, be sure to bring a valid, state-issued identification such as your Texas Driver’s License or Texas ID. If you possess a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC) then bring that with you as well, as that will serve as your background check and it speeds up the process immensely if you bring both cards with you when coming in.

All transferees who are NON-U.S. CITIZENS are required to bring the same state-issued ID’s as stated above AND must bring along their original immigration documents that apply to them, such as a PERMANTANT RESIDENT CARD (GREEN CARD) or a current printed copy of their I-94 w/ a valid TEXAS HUNTING LICENSE. We’ll guide you through the background check process (ATF Form 4473) and ensure all paperwork is completed correctly and entered accurately. Please be aware that all Non-U.S. citizens will have their background check placed on immediate DELAY STATUS to allow the proper processing of the form through the system. This delay will only be from 1-5 days and when approved, we may legally release/transfer the firearm to the transferee.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

That’s another great question, and it’s important to fully understand the difference! A regular FFL transfer, as we offer at Lone Star Defense & Arms for just $15, covers most standard firearms like pistols, rifles, and shotguns purchased online or from out-of-state sellers. A Class 3 NFA transfer, however, is required for items regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Lone Star Defense & Arms’ NFA Transfer fee is only $75 per NFA item and those regulated items include:

• Suppressors (Silencers): Devices that reduce noise of a firearm discharge.
• Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs): Rifles w/ a barrel length less than 16”.
• Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs): Shotguns w/ a barrel length less than 18”
• Machine Guns: Firearms that fire automatically more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger (manufactured before May 19, 1986 – newer ones are not transferable to civilians).
• Any Other Weapon (AOW): This is a catch-all category for certain unusual firearms, like pen guns or cane guns.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

1. Federal Registration: NFA items must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). This involves a much more extensive application process than a standard background check.
2. ATF Form 4: Instead of the standard ATF Form 4473 (used for regular firearm transfers), a Class 3 NFA transfer requires ATF Form 4 (“Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm”). This form includes detailed and comprehensive information about the NFA item(s), the transferee (you), and the transferor (the dealer or seller).
3. Tax Stamp Fee: A $200 tax stamp is required for most NFA items (AOWs have a $5 tax stamp). A tax stamp is required for EACH ITEM on any application and each $200 fee is the responsibility of the applicant and not include with our NFA Transfer fee.
4. Longer Wait Times: The traditional ATF approval process for Form 4 applications often takes several months (sometimes 4-9 months or even longer, though wait times can fluctuate significantly). This is waiting period is much longer than the instant background check for regular firearm transfers. However, with recent upgrades & revisions to the BATFE site, we gladly offer filing your Form 4 electronically via E-File, which does drastically reduce the wait time down to a month to possibly even a few days; all of which is all relative to the applicant and how they wish us to file on their behalf.
5. Fingerprints and Photographs: You’ll need to submit fingerprint cards and passport-style photographs with your NFA Form 4 application. We do offer in-house traditional finger printing services and we’ll be able to offer electronic prints in the very near future as well, that will further enhance and speed up the application wait time for our valued clients.

In summary, while both types of transfers involve an FFL dealer, a Class 3 NFA transfer is a much more involved federal registration process with significant wait times and additional requirements due to the nature of the regulated items. PLEASE VISIT OUR NFA TRANSFER PAGE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. Lone Star Defense & Arms is experienced in handling these transfers and will make the process as smooth as possible for your NFA Transfer process. We’ve been serving the Houston community for over 11 years and have built a reputation for accuracy, expertise and first-class customer service.

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing

Besides our unbeatable $15 Transfer fee, Lone Star Defense & Arms offers a level of service and commitment that’s hard to find elsewhere. We’re a family-owned, woman-owned business that’s been serving the Houston area for over 11 years. We have thousands of 5-star reviews online which is a testament to our dedication to providing first-class customer service and satisfaction. We prioritize the customer experience, offering a safe, clean, friendly, welcoming environment where you can ask the important hard, difficult questions without feeling intimidated or shamed.

We’ll walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer.

Pick up times are anytime from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday for your convenience. We don’t require appointments – so after getting the pick-up notice, just stop by our storefront anytime between 10:00am till 2:30pm Tuesday through Saturday. We also offer a nice selection of new, pre-owned and consignment firearms, ammunition, and accessories if you’re looking to add to your collection when at our storefront picking up your transfer. We’re confident that once you experience the Lone Star difference, you’ll see why people come in from all over the city and why we’re the highest-rated gun shop in all of Houston!

For the most updated information visit: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing