License to Carry in the State of Texas
Answers to the most popular questions about the Texas Star License to Carry can be found here:
Yes. Texas lowered the min age to 18 years old. Now anyone 18 or older can take our online course, get a LTC and carry in public in Texas.
Yes. Our online Texas license to carry class is the required Texas Department of Public Safety course to get your Texas license to carry.
While you can carry in Texas without a license it is full of restrictions and penalties. With a License to Carry you gain protections including the ability to carry in more places.
You must submit your online LTC application before scheduling your fingerprint appointment.
Unscheduled walk-in service is NOT available. To schedule an appointment at a time and location convenient to you, use one of the following methods:
Visit Fingerprinting Services, please use Service Code: 119Q91
Call (888) 467-2080 and provide Service Code: 119Q91
There are certain people who only need the online classroom portion of the Texas license to carry class to get a Texas license to carry. The people listed below are exempt from the shooting portion of the class.
Texas State correctional officers (CO’s) are automatically exempt from the shooting portion.
Active duty military or veterans that have proof of firearms familiarization training OR shooting scores dated within the past 10 years.
County jailers who have proof of firearms training as part of their employment.
Take our online class HERE.
Yes. Texas law now allows you to take the official Texas license to carry class online and it has become the most popular way to get certified. You can take the class at your own pace from the comfort of your home. Our online class is available Statewide HERE.
You must submit your online application BEFORE sending any documents to DPS. After you have applied for your LTC you can upload your documents online using this link : email documents
Uploading them is recommended BUT if uploading them is not possible for, you can mail them to the address below.
Choose one option. Do not do both.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Handgun Licensing – MSC 0245
PO Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0001
Phone: 1-512-424-7293
If you loose your license, you can get a replacement license by logging in as a returning user HERE. If you have any questions, you may call the handgun licensing division at: 1-512-424-7293.
No. Texas will issue a Texas LTC (license to carry) to anyone who has a valid drivers license or State ID issued by any one of the 50 States. It’s very easy to get a license to carry in Texas. You can take the class online HERE.
The Texas Department of Public Safety handgun licensing division is located in Austin. You may call them if you have problems with their website or to check the status of your application or for any other questions you may have. The number is 1-512-424-7293.
You can now use a revolver or a semi automatic of ANY CALIBER in your Texas LTC class and be able to carry either one you choose. You can also use a friends gun or borrow one of our free loaner class guns.
Yes. The proper name in Texas is a “License to Carry.” In Texas you can carry openly or concealed, so they renamed the license in 2015 to just be a License to Carry or LTC for short.
You may hear people refer to it as a Concealed Carry License (CCL), Concealed Handgun License (CHL) or Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCW). These are just alternative names that people call it. In Texas there is only one official name when applying and taking your classes and that is a License to Carry or LTC for short.
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.
The department is still required to process applications, conduct background checks, and produce a laminated license for those who qualify.
(House Bill 1927 is effective September 1, 2021.)
Handgun License
Carry on a Premises
Airport: License holders have protections related to the accidental carrying of a firearm in the secured area.
Business: Businesses may choose to allow licensed carry on their premises.
Government Meetings: License holders can carry in a meeting.
University Campuses: License still required to carry on university campuses; “Campus Carry” is unchanged.
Cost $40.00: Valid for five years ($8.00 per year).
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.
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.
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.
Training is Required to apply for a Handgun License. Must be conducted by a licensed Texas Handgun Instructor.
DPS will make every effort to issue your license within 60 days of receiving the completed application packet. If the application is incomplete or requires additional information to complete the background check, you will be notified in the manner you selected on your application.
The letter requesting more information or documents extends the timeline for issuing your license. DPS has an additional 180 days to complete the review process, if additional information is required from the application. To ensure your license is issued promptly, it is very important for you to provide the requested information for review. If the requested information is not received timely, the application will be terminated.
Renewal applications may be submitted online at: License To Carry A Handgun.
We will use existing fingerprints and photos on file for renewal applications. However, sometimes the quality of those prints originally submitted no longer meets the State or FBI standards. If we are unable to use the fingerprints on file, you will be notified to obtain a new set of prints along with instructions on where you must be fingerprinted.
Note: Individuals who are not US Citizens will need to provide their lawful presence documentation to the Department prior to renewal of their LTC.
Yes. There is a fee charged for fingerprint services. For additional information regarding the Fingerprint Application Services of Texas (FAST), please visit the Texas DPS website.
To schedule an appointment at a time and location convenient to you, please use one of the following methods:
Visit Fingerprinting Services, and enter your Service Code, OR
Call (888) 467-2080, and provide your Service Code when prompted.