In 2016, Texas changed the CHL (Concealed Handgun License) to the LTC (License to Carry) and included the right to Open Carry as a part of that license. This changed the Online CHL class to the online LTC class. In 2021, Texas passed “Constitutional Carry”, permitting citizens to carry handguns without the LTC. There are still many benefits to having a LTC due to legal restrictions on unlicensed gun owners in spite of “Constitutional Carry.”

LTC Benefits

• Carry on a premises
  • Airport: License holders have protections related to the accidental carrying of a firearm in the secured area.
  • Business: Businesses may choose to allow licensed carry on their premises.
  • Government Meetings: License holders can carry in a meeting.
  • University Campuses: License still required to carry on university campuses; “Campus Carry” is unchanged. 
• $40.00: Valid for five years ($8.00 per year).
• License can be used as an alternative to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.
• ID Designation
  • Instructor: ID can be used for proof of certification as a Texas Handgun License instructor.
  • Judge/Prosecutor: ID can be used for identification purposes.
  • Veteran: ID can be used to obtain discounts at local establishments offering discounts to veterans.
• State Reciprocity
  • Texas Handgun License holders can carry firearms in states where Texas has a reciprocity agreement or state law recognizes the Texas Handgun license.
  • A list of states with reciprocal agreements/state law recognition with Texas can be found at the following link: State Reciprocity Information.
• Training
  • Required to apply for a Handgun License.
  • Conducted by a licensed Texas Handgun Instructor.

What Are The Steps to Get A LTC?

To be eligible for a Texas LTC, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident in the state of Texas
• No felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions (domestic violence, drug offenses, etc…)
• No history of mental illness or substance abuse

After meeting the eligibility requirements, there are a few simple training requirements to complete.

Training Requirements

• Complete a state approved training course. The course must include the following topics:
  • Gun Safety
  • Storage
  • Laws related to carrying a concealed handgun
  • Most states require 4-6 hours of training
  • The Texas shooting requirements are:
    • A B-27 target (silhouette target measuring 45 inches high and 24 inches wide)
    • 250 possible points, 175 points minimum to pass
    • All shots are fired from the ready position, meaning there is no holster use
    • Shots are fired from three distances: 3 yards, 7 yards, and 15 yards

The full list of Texas requirements and procedures can be found on the Texas DPS Handgun Licensing website. Once you have obtained your LTC, there are a few simple steps to periodically renewing your license.

Renewing Your LTC

• Renew online every 5 years
• $40 Renewal cost
• No class is needed to renew
• No shooting proficiency is needed to renew