The 1987 “Badge Law”

In 1987 the Texas Legislature enacted Texas Government Code Sec. 411.017 (see below) making it illegal to manufacture, sell or possess a real Texas Ranger badge or replica of the current design in the State of Texas. To do so is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Replicas are deemed to be in violation if they are “deceptively similar” to the current badge, meaning and “a reasonable person would presume that it was prescribed by the department” and has the inscriptions “Texas Department of Public Safety,” “Department of Public Safety,” or “Texas Rangers.”

Selling Badges as “Obsolete”: Occasionally an ad or auction house will advertise a badge as legal or “o.k. to sell” as they are “obsolete designs” or “replicas.”

The badge to the right has the discontinued rank of sergeant, but it is still an illegal replica. Its design, size and the inscriptions “Dept. of Public Safety” and “Texas Rangers” violate the statute. Pin it on, or show it to a “reasonable person,” and they would assume it is real.

Badges for Sale at Auctions or Charity Fundraisers: Current-design badges sometimes appear at auctions and charity fund raisers. They were often donated by descendants of Rangers or retired Rangers. Prior to 1987 their sale was legal; some older Rangers and their descendants are unaware that their sale is illegal.

Wearing a Badge or Replica: Wearing a current-design Texas Ranger badge can be considered impersonating a police officer, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Living History Reenactments, Movies & Television: There is no restriction on living history performers (reenactors) wearing replica 19th century badges in their reenactments. However, if the badge is of the current design, only the Director of the Texas Rangers Division can grant permission, and then generally only to motion picture and television productions.

Out of State: Texas law is generally enforceable only within Texas. However, other states—and foreign countries—have reciprocal laws preventing trade, possession or wearing of law enforcement insignia and credentials. Manufacturing, buying, selling or wearing a Texas Ranger badge in New York could get you arrested! Shipping current-design Texas Ranger badges or replicas by United States mail, or by any type of commercial carrier, is a separate Federal offense.

Here is the current Statute: