The Texas LTC Class (License to Carry) is a great option for gun owners (or people who are considering becoming gun owners) who would like to carry a handgun under the protection of the law. The class is offered in person or online covers all of the legal requirements to obtain the LTC. The online class connects you with a local instructor in your area to complete the shooting requirement. There are a few simple eligibility requirements to get started.

Texas LTC Eligibility

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

Texas has constitutional carry…why do I need the LTC?

There are places you can carry your firearm only if you have a valid Texas LTC; if you don’t have an LTC and are carrying under HB 1927, you won’t be allowed to carry in some areas. This is just one reason you still want your LTC, even with HB 1927 passing. Without your LTC, you’ll still be restricted from certain locations, including:

• On school premises, such as locked in your car or on your person while you’re driving down a side street within 1,000 feet of the school. Without an LTC, you cannot have your firearm within 1,000 feet of a public, parochial, or private school. Of course, even with an LTC, you cannot carry inside the school without the school’s written regulation allowing it or with written authorization from the school.
• On the Lower Colorado River Authority property in Central Texas.
• In a restaurant, with a restaurant being defined by law as obtaining 50% or less of its revenue from alcoholic beverage sales. Restaurant signs do not have a red 51% on them, and if they include the word “unlicensed” in reference to who can’t carry there, they’re letting you know Texas LTC holders can still carry on the premises. LTC holders are licensed.