A person holding an open gun with the handle extended.

LTC Licensing and Benefits

** How to Submit a New or Renewal LTC Application:

STEP ONE {1} :
A) Determine if you qualify for a discount through a "Special Condition" status
B) Check eligibility and citizenship requirements (See section below)
STEP TWO {2} : Submit an application online
STEP THREE {3} : Submit supporting documents
STEP FOUR {4} : Follow fingerprinting instructions

** Fee Schedule and Fingerprinting Information

** Take the LTC classroom course + range qualification **

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Eligibility and Citizenship Information

  • Eligibility FAQs
  • Lawful Presence Requirements
  • Out-of-State, Non-Texas resident: Per Texas Government Code §411.173, legal residents of another state or persons who relocate to Texas with the intent to establish residency may obtain an LTC. Those individuals must submit an application, pay the required fees, successfully complete the required training in Texas and submit all supporting documents. They also must submit form LTC-6, two passport style photos and a copy of their out of state driver license or state issued identification card. Note, however, that all LTC applicants must be legal residents of Texas or another state.
  • Reciprocity with Other States

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LTC CLASSROOM + RANGE QUALIFICATION

Classroom instruction and a written exam must be a minimum of four (4) and no more than six (6) hours.

The DPS required course of fire for proficiency (shooting) demonstration must be followed, administered by a certified LTC Instructor, and is not included in the four to six hour (classroom) time period.

Shooting Proficiency Qualification:

50 shots

20 shots at 3 yards,

20 shots at 7 yards, and

10 shots at 15 yards

Must score at least 70% (175/250) to qualify.

* bring your own firearm and ammunition (either semi-auto or revolver)

* no minimum caliber required

* no optical enhancers can be used during the qualification (no lasers, red dots, holographic sights, scopes, etc.)

Instructor applicants must also submit a completed application, pay the required fees, complete all required training and submit required supplemental forms and materials.

Benefits of a Texas Handgun License
House Bill 1927 (Permitless Carry) does not repeal the License to Carry a Handgun Program, established by Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H.

Handgun Purchasing

  • License can be used 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.
  • A list of states with reciprocal agreements/state law recognition with Texas can be found at the following link: State Reciprocity Information.

 

Personal Identification

  • Personal Identification: The license must be accepted by most businesses as a valid form of personal identification.
  • Voter ID: The license is a designated document for voter ID.

 

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LTC class Cancellation Policy
Students who cancel their reservation less than 7 days before the class, or "no-show" without notifying Instructors, will not be refunded and will be credited towards a future class (within 6 months, depending on upcoming course schedule, and on a case-by-case scenario).

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What are the requirements for becoming a certified Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) instructor?

Texas Government Code, §411.172 and §411.190 sets out the eligibility criteria that must be met.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (unless active-duty military) and must meet federal qualifications to purchase a handgun. This includes proof you are certified to instruct others in the use of handguns (firearm instructor) as listed below:

  • Certified by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a firearm instructor.
    Supporting documentation includes a copy of your TCOLE firearm instructor certificate. (Must be a firearm instructor, basic instructor is not sufficient.)
  • Certified under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, as a firearm instructor.
  • Supporting documentation includes a copy of the Private Security instructor registration.
  • Certified by NRA as a firearm instructor.
  • Supporting documentation includes a copy of certificate of training and a copy of your unexpired NRA credentials. (Must be a certified instructor in handgun/pistol).
  • Proof of graduation from a handgun instructor school that uses a nationally accepted course designed to train persons as handgun instructors. (Applicants under this section must regularly instruct others in the use of handguns.)

How do I apply to become a certified Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) instructor?

Applicants should submit an online application,

pay the required fee, and

schedule an appointment for fingerprinting.

Applicants must also complete the DPS class held for instructor applicants which includes classroom training, a written examination and a proficiency demonstration (shooting).