Travelling Out of State - How Much Can I Bring Back?

Importation of Alcoholic Beverages

Texas Residents can bring back into Texas a maximum of:

• 1 quart of distilled spirits;
• 3 gallons of wine; and
• 24 twelve oz. containers of beer

Nonresidents can bring back into Texas a maximum of:

• 1 gallon of distilled spirits or wine (or any combination of the two); and
• 24 twelve oz. containers of beer

Nonresidents must have identification to prove their out-of-state residency.

Restrictions

• There are no substitutions between the types of alcoholic beverages.
• The importation of alcoholic beverages must be for personnel use.
• Importations cannot occur more than once in a 30-day period.
• The person making the importation must accompany the alcoholic beverages.
• Minors (persons under 21 years of age) or intoxicated persons may not bring alcoholic beverages into Texas.
• All alcoholic beverage containers imported into Texas are subject to the state liquor tax and a $0.50 adminstrative fee. This fee is included in the posted tax rates.
• Payment of the fees and taxes are documented by a tax stamp placed on the bottle.
• Please note that failure to pay the tax and obtain the appropriate stamp will subject violators to a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000 and/or a jail term of up to one year.

Importation of Cigarettes

TABC Port of Entry personnel are also responsible for ensuring that the laws relating to cigarettes are observed.

• Persons 18 years of age or older may import both Mexican and duty-free cigarettes.
• A tax of $1.50 is due on each pack of cigarettes imported into the state, and a stamp is placed on each cigarette pack to indicate payment of the tax.
• The first carton of cigarettes has no importation restrictions with regard to labeling.
• Additional cartons are subject to U.S. Customs labeling laws. They cannot have "For Use Outside U.S." or "U.S. Tax Exempt" or any such wording on them.