Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H sets out the eligibility criteria that must be met. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (unless active duty military) and must meet Federal qualifications to purchase a handgun. A number of factors may make individuals ineligible to obtain a license, such as: felony convictions, some misdemeanor convictions, including charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication; certain pending criminal charges; chemical or alcohol dependency; certain types of psychological diagnoses, and protective or restraining orders. The state eligibility requirements can be found in GC §411.172. The federal firearms disqualifiers can be found in 18 USC 44 §922. You must also submit a completed application, pay the required fees, complete all required training and submit required supplemental forms and materials.
FAQ’s
Applicants for an original (first-time) LTC should submit an online application, and schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. Applicants must also complete an online LTC course or four to six hours of classroom training, pass a written examination and pass a proficiency demonstration (shooting).
Once you purchase the course it is yours to complete at your leisure. There is no time limit. However, you must complete the four course modules and study those modules for a minimum of 4 hours total before the exam is unlocked
DPS will make every effort to issue your license within 60 days of receiving the completed application packet. If the application is incomplete or requires additional information to complete the background check, you will be notified in writing.
The letter requesting more information or documents extends the timeline for issuing your license. DPS has an additional 180 days to complete the review process, if additional information is required from the application. To ensure your license is issued promptly, it is very important for you to provide the requested information for review. If the requested information is not received timely, the application will be terminated.
Renewal applications may be submitted online at License To Carry A Handgun. We will use existing fingerprints and photos on file for renewal applications. However, sometimes the quality of those prints originally submitted no longer meets the State or FBI standards. If we are unable to use the fingerprints on file, you will be notified to obtain a new set of prints along with instructions on where you must be fingerprinted.
The standard fee for an original LTC is $40. The standard fee for a renewal of a LTC is $40. However, Texas law provides for some discounts if you meet certain special conditions. A complete list of fees along with the special conditions can be found on the fee schedule.
NOTE: Fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable. If an application is not approved, the fees will not be refunded.
When applying under a special condition, you must submit supporting documents to qualify for the discount. To determine if you meet the criteria for a discount, refer to the fee schedule. Police officers, prosecutors, and judges may obtain additional information regarding the application process on the DPS website at Law Enforcement/Judicial Personnel.
No. Per Texas Government Code §411.173, legal residents of another state or persons who relocate to Texas with the intent to establish residency may obtain an LTC. Those individuals must submit an application, pay the required fees, successfully complete the required training in Texas and submit all supporting documents. They also must submit form LTC-6, two passport-style photos and a copy of their out of state driver license or state-issued identification card. Note, however, that all LTC applicants must be legal residents of Texas or another state.
Yes. Subject to the requirements of federal firearms law, and if not otherwise ineligible, resident aliens and certain non-immigrant aliens who are legally present in the United States may obtain the license.
Initial licenses are valid for four years. Renewal licenses are valid for five years.
DWI is classified as at least a Class B misdemeanor, and you are ineligible for a license for five years after a conviction for a Class A or Class B misdemeanor. For the purpose of determining eligibility, a conviction includes those that were dismissed after you completed probation or deferred adjudication.
Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H states that deferred adjudication will be considered the same as a conviction. Depending on the type of offense and the date of the order of deferred adjudication, you may not be eligible for an LTC. See GC §411.171 and §411.1711
If charges were dismissed without prosecution, then they are not disqualifying. A deferred adjudication is not a dismissal without prosecution and is considered a conviction for purposes of the LTC.
In some cases yes. Contact DPS directly for proper instruction on your licensing process.
Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H states an application for a LTC may be denied if the applicant has been finally determined to be delinquent in child support obligations.
Yes, if you have successfully completed classroom and handgun proficiency training with a Qualified LTC Instructor, you will be provided a Certificate of Training (LTC 100) form or if you have successfully completed your online classroom only training with an Approved Online Course provider, you will receive an Online/Handgun Proficiency Training (LTC 101) form; however, you must take the LTC 101 form to a Qualified LTC Instructor to complete your handgun proficiency training. Once all training has been successfully completed, you may upload the LTC 100 or LTC 101, by visiting RSD Contact Us.
Yes. Applicants are required to report all arrests in order to ensure the background checks can be conducted timely. The application should include the year, the offense, the location and the final disposition. Copies of the dispositions will assist in the timely processing of your application. Applicants should also include information on cases that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication. Failure to provide any requested documentation could result in the termination of an application as incomplete.
The handgun can be a semi-automatic pistol or revolver of any caliber – it no longer matters. It must be in SAFE and RELIABLE working condition. You will need 50-100 rounds of ammunition. NO RELOADED ammo can be used for safety and reliability reasons.
The Texas LTC class is not intended or designed for people who have never or rarely shot a handgun, but inexperienced students usually pass the shooting proficiency test without a problem. A student needs to be familiar with his or her handgun and know how to load a magazine and load, operate, shoot and unload the handgun safely before the class.
You can begin carrying your handgun upon receipt of the physical license.
You are required to shoot a standard course of fire per the DPS regulations. 20 rounds will be fired at the 3 yd. line, followed by 20 rounds at the 7 yd. line and 10 rounds at the 15 yd. line. Each round is a maximum of 5 points. You are required to score a 175 out of 250 to pass the proficiency. You will also receive a safe handling and storage briefing.
Yes. TX Conceal and Carry offers private classes, Cost is $100. per person, groups, and individual training upon request. If you are interested in this option we advise you to contact Sergio well in advance. We also are open to conducting classes at a private location of your choice. (Assuming certain criteria is met.) Lastly, classes exclusive to women are available upon request.