Why Obtain a Texas License to Carry?

Even with the passage of Texas HB 1927, which allows for the permitless carry of a handgun in Texas, most people are still choosing to get a License to Carry. Permitless carry is very restricted when compared to the LTC. The Texas LTC gives legal protections and multiple benefits when carrying a gun that are not covered under permitless/constitutional carry in Texas. Not only are there advantages within Texas law for having an LTC, the online class also covers material that every gun owner is responsible to know and is crucial to be aware of. 

Benefits of the LTC include:

– Trespass Protections – Campus Carry – School Zone Carry – Carry in 37 States – Peace of Mind When Carrying – Law Enforcement Interactions – No Background Checks When Buying Guns – Protection If Carrying Past No Gun Signs – Learn the Carry Laws – Legal Protections of an LTC

Ages 18+ can attend and be licensed! Click here for more information.

Getting a License to Carry is an important moment for those seeking to provide protection to themselves and their loved ones. Something equally important is ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively carry, and understand the laws involved with doing so.

Texas LTC Application Process Guide

 

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR TEXAS LICENSE TO CARRY APPLICATION

How to apply for the Texas License to Carry / Concealed Handgun License and how to submit the paperwork is the most common question asked. The Texas DPS website is not the most intuitive and can be frustrating to navigate. This also makes it difficult to explain the process without being able to see the website. The same goes for the LTC/CHL renewal process. The below steps detail what is needed and how to complete it all!

NEW APPLICATIONS:

Note: The online application can be started before or after you have completed the online LTC/CHL class and proficiency demonstration.What you will need:

Step 1 – Apply Online

Go HERE to begin the Texas DPS license to carry / concealed handgun license application.Unless you are returning to the site to check the application status, select the “Apply” button under “New Users” at the bottom of the page .

 Fee

What is the cost? The Texas DPS processing fee is different from our class fee.

$40 Standard Fee for Initial License

$25 Military Veteran – ETS or Retired over 365 days

$0 Active Duty – Includes Active Guard, Texas State Guard & Reserves

Once the application has been completed, it is recommended to save a copy of the confirmation page at the end. You should also receive an email confirmation from DPS. Usually the email address from the DPS will have “RDS” in it, which stands for regulatory services. I have seen these emails go to the spam folder before, so just keep an eye out for it.

 Step 2 – Fingerprinting:

All fingerprinting is done through a private company, Identogo. Unfortunately, even if you have been fingerprinted by them in the past, you will still have to go again for the LTC/CHL. In the confirmation email received, there is a link to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting with Identogo. They do not accept walk-ins. You must schedule an appointment and pay ($10).

Signing up through the Identogo website is fairly easy and self explanatory. The one spot that people get confused on is the page that asks for the type of documents you will bring for identification. Read the options carefully. See the screenshot below and choose the same highlighted blue option if you have/will use a US State Drivers License (most common form of ID).

Identogo will then send the fingerprinting paperwork to the state for you.

 

Step 3 – Complete an approved course and submit LTC-104 Certificate

Take a LTC Class by an Approved Instructor! We offer two choices:

Training choice A :

Take the Online Class – The online class is a total of 4 hours, required by Texas DPS, and can be taken at your own pace. You will be issued an LTC-104 certificate immediately upon completion.
Shooting Qualification – After the online class, Texas DPS requires every student to complete the proficiency demonstration. This consists of the shooting qualification and range instruction. This can be Included with the Online Classroom when purchased through us.

Click here to register for the online course.

OR…..

Training Choice B

Take the Instructor Led Course – The Instructor Led Course Includes the 4 hours, required by Texas DPS, in an in person setting.
Shooting Qualification – During this course you will take the , Texas DPS shooting proficiency demonstration. This consists of the shooting qualification and range instruction. After you complete both the classroom and shooting portion you will be issued an LTC-104 certificate.

Click here to register for our instructor led LTC Course.

The LTC-104 is the form received after completing the LTC/CHL class. If an online LTC class was taken, an LTC-104 should have been issued. The LTC-104 is only complete and ready to submit once the shooting qualification has been taken as well.

These forms should never be submitted to DPS until after the online application has been started with the above steps. It is possible to submit the forms before the application has been started, but DPS will not know what to do with it as there will be no account to attach it to.

A. Start by going HERE. This link will take you directly to the DPS RSD (regulatory services division) for handgun licensing and LTC-104 submission

 

Step 4 – Wait!

All that is left now to do is wait. DPS states that applications take up to 60 days to process, however it seems lately they are only taking 2-4 weeks.

 

LTC/CHL RENEWAL:

An initial Texas License to Carry a Handgun is valid for 4 years. Renewal licenses are good for 5 years. Before the license expires, a renewal notification letter should arrive in the mail. It will state when your LTC expires and how to renew it. DPS charges $40 for the renewal, however there is no classes or qualifications that have to be completed. Here are the steps:

Go HERE and select “login” under “Returning Users”. Fill in your DL or ID Number and your Date of Birth. Then click on “Continue”. Follow all of the directions and steps to submit the renewal.

After submitting the renewal, DPS will send an email, confirming that an online application has been completed. Unless there is something wrong with the fingerprints and/or photo DPS has on file, the renewal application is finished.