In 2016, the Texas CHL Class (Concealed Handgun License) became the LTC Class (License to Carry) and included the right to Open Carry as a part of that license. 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).
• You can use your license 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.
  • You can find a list of states with reciprocal agreements/state law recognition with Texas at the following link: State Reciprocity Information.
• Training
  • Required to apply for a Handgun License.
  • Conducted by a licensed Texas Handgun Instructor.

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
    • You fire all shots from the ready position, meaning there is no holster use
    • You fire all shots from three distances: 3 yards, 7 yards, and 15 yards

You can find the full list of Texas requirements and procedures 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
• You do not need a class to renew
• You do not need shooting proficiency to renew