Let me start with WHY should you still get your License To Carry (LTC). The great state of Texas passed HB1921 in September 2021. This bill allowed permit less carry of a handgun either openly or concealed, by those not prohibited by law, without possession of a Texas LTC. This bill was projected by some to be a disaster for the state, saying things like “everyone will have a gun now” and “It’s going to be the wild west again”. Those of us in the firearms training industry predicted that they would largely be wrong, and they were. Instructors all over the state have seen a small slowdown in LTC students, but for the most part numbers have not changed that drastically. When I poll students, I find that they want to get their LTC for three main reasons. 1. It allows you to carry your handgun in 37 other states that recognize the Texas LTC (called reciprocity). 2. It allows you to purchase a firearm without a background check. You do still have to fill out the 4473 and be approved, but it makes the process almost instant if your LTC is in good standing. 3. people want to be educated. Most feel that it is important to know the rules about where, how and when you can legally carry your handgun either with or without an LTC. People feel that even if they don’t apply for the license and choose to carry under permit less carry (also known as Constitutional carry) they should know the rules, so they don’t accidentally violate them and get in trouble with the law. A point that I agree with very much. Having your LTC may lower a peace officers tension level if they stop you for something minor or unrelated to the gun. Having that LTC lets that officer know that 1. you have had some training, 2. You have a background check done and passed by DPS. 3. You have fingerprints on file with DPS. 4. You are not a felon. 5. you have not committed any serious misdemeanors. We offer an online option to learn the rules if you only want to carry under permit less carry. you can find it under online training.
The process for applying and receiving the LTC is pretty easy, it is a four step process. Go to the DPS website and click on Regulatory Services. Once on that page pick the Handgun Licensing page. On that page you pick Licensing and registration or there may be a quick link on top about applying for an LTC. Once you are on the Licensing and registration page, the instructions are right on top.
Step one is to verify that you are eligible to receive a license, and if you are eligible for a discounted fee.
Step two is to submit your application. You will need your permanent Texas Driver License. there are numbers on the license that do not appear on a permit or temporary license. The application will ask for information such as your past residences, past violations of the law, and any supporting documents that you may need.
Step three is to Submit Supporting documents. This includes your LTC104, this is the document that you receive when you complete the required training, and any other documents that DPS has requested. The training consists of about four hours of classroom training that can be done in person, or online. We currently offer the online version, which most people prefer. It is a series of videos, followed by a 25-question multiple choice test. Once completed, you meet with an authorized LTC instructor for the firearms proficiency test. This is done on the range and consist of about one hour of training, then the 50 round shooting test. The test is 20 rounds from 3 yards, 20 rounds from 7 yards, and 10 rounds from 15 yards. We have several options for this training on the main page of the website.
Step four is to have your fingerprints done. DPS currently uses a company called Identogo. They have multiple locations across the state. When you complete the application, DPS will send you a link with a code to provide to Identogo so your fingerprints go directly to DPS.
From there it is a waiting period of about 60 days. It is a pretty easy process. If you want more information about getting your LTC or signing up for a class please feel free to contact us by clicking on the contact us button anywhere on the website.
Be safe out there and see you on the range