How to Get a License to Carry in Texas

Texas law allows many qualified adults to carry a handgun without a license, but obtaining a Texas License to Carry still offers several important benefits. It also provides valuable training in Texas handgun laws, firearm safety, safe storage, conflict avoidance, and the responsible use of force.

At Top Shot Indoor Range & Guns, we believe responsible firearm ownership begins with good information and proper training. Here is a step-by-step look at how to obtain your Texas License to Carry.

What Is a Texas License to Carry?

A Texas License to Carry, commonly called an LTC, is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety to qualified applicants who complete the application, background check, fingerprinting, and required training.

Although Texas has allowed permitless carry for many qualified adults since September 1, 2021, the License to Carry program remains in place.

An LTC is more than simply permission to carry. The training helps students better understand:

• Texas laws concerning handguns
• Where carrying a handgun is and is not permitted
• Laws involving the use of force and deadly force
• Safe handgun handling
• Secure storage and preventing unauthorized access
• Nonviolent dispute resolution
• Open and concealed carry requirements

Firearm laws can be complicated, and misunderstandings can have serious consequences. The LTC class gives students an opportunity to learn from a certified instructor and ask questions about real-life situations.

What Are the Benefits of Having an LTC?

A Texas LTC can provide benefits even though permitless carry is available to many Texans.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, benefits may include:

• The ability to carry in certain locations where an unlicensed person may not be permitted to carry
• The ability to carry concealed on qualifying college campuses, subject to applicable rules and posted notices
• Certain protections involving the accidental possession of a firearm in an airport secured area
• Recognition or reciprocity in some other states
• The ability to use a qualifying Texas LTC as an alternative to the standard NICS background-check process when purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer
• Proof that the license holder completed training and passed state and federal eligibility reviews

Laws and reciprocity agreements can change. License holders should always verify the laws of any state they plan to visit before traveling with a firearm.

Step 1: Make Sure You Are Eligible

Applicants must meet Texas and federal eligibility requirements.

Some issues that may affect eligibility include:

• Felony convictions
• Certain misdemeanor convictions
• Pending criminal charges
• Protective or restraining orders
• Certain drug or alcohol-related conditions
• Some psychological diagnoses
• Federal restrictions on possessing a firearm

Eligibility can depend on the type of offense, its final disposition, and how much time has passed. Applicants with questions about their eligibility should review the current Texas Department of Public Safety requirements or speak with a qualified attorney.

An LTC instructor can explain the application process, but an instructor cannot provide legal advice or guarantee that DPS will approve an application.

Step 2: Complete the Texas DPS Application

The application is completed through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s online License to Carry system.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• A valid driver license or identification card
• Current contact and address information
• Residential and employment history
• Information regarding criminal, psychiatric, drug, or alcohol history, when applicable
• A valid email address
• Payment for the state application fee

The standard original-license fee is currently $40, although reduced fees or exemptions may be available for applicants who qualify under certain special conditions.

All state fees are generally nonrefundable.

After submitting the application, carefully review the DPS checklist. It will explain the remaining documents and steps required for your individual application.

Step 3: Schedule Fingerprinting

First-time applicants are generally required to complete electronic fingerprinting.

Applicants can schedule their fingerprinting appointment through IDEMIA’s IdentoGO system after receiving the instructions associated with their Texas DPS application.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.identogo.com.

Once the appointment is scheduled, fingerprinting services are available at our Walt’s Army Navy locations in Tyler and Longview.

For store addresses, directions, phone numbers, and current hours, visit our Walt’s Store Locations Page.

Be sure to bring the identification and appointment information listed in your IdentoGO confirmation. The name and identifying information used for fingerprinting should match the information on your License to Carry application.

Appointments must be scheduled through IdentoGO before visiting the store. Walt’s Army Navy cannot create or modify an appointment through the retail counter.

Step 4: Complete the Required LTC Training

Most first-time applicants must complete four to six hours of classroom instruction.

The classroom portion includes subjects such as:

• Handgun laws
• The use of force and deadly force
• Safe storage
• Firearm safety
• Securing openly carried handguns
• Nonviolent dispute resolution

Students must also pass a written examination.

The classroom instruction may be completed through an approved in-person course or through an approved online provider. Students who take the classroom portion online must still complete the range instruction and handgun proficiency demonstration with a certified Texas LTC instructor.

Top Shot’s in-person class allows students to complete the classroom instruction, written examination, range instruction, and shooting qualification as part of the same course.

Step 5: Complete the Handgun Proficiency Demonstration

Applicants must demonstrate that they can safely handle and accurately fire a handgun.

The shooting qualification consists of 50 rounds fired at distances of:

• 3 yards
• 7 yards
• 15 yards

Students must follow all range commands and demonstrate safe firearm handling throughout the qualification.

The LTC course is not designed to teach someone how to shoot for the first time. A new shooter who is not yet comfortable safely loading, unloading, handling, and firing a handgun should consider taking a basic handgun lesson before attending the LTC course.

Private instruction and practice time are available at Top Shot for students who would like help preparing for the qualification.

Step 6: Submit Your Training Certificate

After successfully completing the required course and qualification, the instructor will provide the appropriate state training certificate.

The applicant must submit the certificate and any other required documents to Texas DPS according to the instructions provided with the application.

Do not assume the instructor automatically completes the entire state application process. It remains the applicant’s responsibility to make sure DPS receives all required documentation.

Step 7: Watch for Updates From DPS

Once DPS has received the completed application, fingerprints, background-check information, training certificate, and any required supporting documents, the application will be reviewed.

DPS states that a license should generally be issued within 60 days after receiving a complete application packet. Missing documents, unresolved criminal-history information, or incomplete answers may delay processing.

Applicants can use the Texas DPS online system to check the status of an application.

What Should You Bring to the Top Shot LTC Class?

Requirements may vary by class, so always review the registration information before attending.

Students will generally need:

• A reliable handgun
• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• At least 50 rounds of the correct ammunition
• A valid government-issued photo ID
• Appropriate range clothing
• Closed-toe shoes
• A baseball-style cap or other brimmed hat, if available

Handguns should remain unloaded and secured when entering the facility. Do not handle or remove the firearm until instructed by range staff or the LTC instructor.

Contact Top Shot before class if you need information about firearm rentals, ammunition, equipment, or preparing for the shooting qualification.

You Do Not Have to Be an Expert

Many people delay taking an LTC class because they believe they need to be an expert shooter. That is not the case.

You do need to be able to handle a handgun safely and complete the required qualification, but the course is intended for ordinary responsible citizens—not competitive shooters.

A little preparation can make the class much more comfortable. Visit the range, practice with the handgun you plan to use, and ask for assistance if you are unsure about your equipment or shooting ability.

Take Your Texas LTC Class at Top Shot

A Texas License to Carry class is an opportunity to become better informed, better prepared, and more confident in your responsibilities as a handgun owner.

Top Shot Indoor Range & Guns provides the classroom instruction, written examination, range instruction, and handgun proficiency qualification required for most first-time Texas LTC applicants.

Questions about the class or preparing for the shooting qualification? Contact Top Shot Indoor Range & Guns before registering.

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This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Firearm laws, administrative rules, fees, forms, and reciprocity agreements may change. Always consult the Texas Department of Public Safety and current applicable law for the latest requirements.