You want the freedom to carry a concealed handgun in Texas. You want the protection this license provides. You want to know if you can complete the process online. You want clear, direct steps. You want to understand timelines, validity, and the deeper reasons behind getting a permit in the first place. Keep reading. Discover each answer. Then sign up for training to start your journey.
Can You Get a Texas Concealed Carry Permit Online?
You can complete the classroom portion of your Texas License to Carry (LTC) online. Some instructors offer state-approved online courses. You complete the written exam digitally. That covers laws, safety, and basic procedures.
You still need an in-person demonstration of shooting proficiency. Texas law requires a live-fire test. You must score at least 70% on target accuracy. You must bring your own handgun or rent one from the range. The official instructor records your performance.
You must also submit an application to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS handles background checks and final approval. You pay the required fee. You must also provide fingerprints at an approved location. Everything else can happen online, including many training sessions and general study.
Key takeaway: Part of the process can be completed online. After you complete the online portion, then plan for an in-person range test. Register Now!
How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Texas
You must follow specific steps. Start with a state-approved LTC course. You can take the classroom portion online. It usually covers the laws around use of force, non-violent dispute resolution, safe handling of firearms, and storage techniques.
After the classroom course, you schedule the shooting proficiency test. You must qualify at a range with a certified LTC instructor. The test includes 50 rounds. You shoot from different distances, typically 3, 7, and 15 yards. You need 175 out of 250 possible points.
You must then apply on the Texas DPS website. Fill in your personal information, add the certificate of completion (LTC-101 form), and pay the application fee. Apply for fingerprinting through an approved vendor. Wait for the DPS to conduct a background check.
Practical steps:
- Complete a state-approved LTC class (online or in-person).
- Pass the shooting proficiency test.
- Submit fingerprints to an approved vendor.
- File your application on the DPS website.
- Finish all steps within a year of taking the class. If you wait longer, you must repeat the course.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Texas?
After you complete the online and the in-person range portions you get a certificate of training called LTC-104, now you are ready to start the application phase. Most applicants receive their LTC in about 60 days. This timeline begins once the DPS has your complete application, fingerprints, and proof of training. Background checks can take some of time. Missing documents, incorrect information, or application errors can slow things down. Stay organized. Double-check the instructions. Follow up if there are delays.
Practical steps:
- Submit all documents right away.
- Monitor email for status updates.
- Contact DPS if you see no progress after six weeks.
Some people receive their LTC sooner. Others encounter delays. Each person’s situation is unique. Past records, name changes, or fingerprints might require extra verification.
Where Is My Texas Concealed Carry Permit Valid?
Your Texas LTC is valid in most parts of Texas. You can carry your handgun in many public spaces. Private businesses can restrict firearms on their premises by posting proper signage. Always look for “30.06” or “30.07” signs if carrying concealed or openly. Those signs hold legal force.
Texas LTC also has reciprocity with several other states. This means those states honor your Texas LTC. Always confirm reciprocity before you travel. Laws in other states can differ. Some states require you to inform law enforcement if you are carrying. Some states only allow concealed, not open carry.
Practical steps:
- Research each state before traveling with your handgun.
- Respect local laws and signage.
- Stay updated on changes in reciprocity agreements.
Your LTC does not override federal law. Prohibited locations include courthouses, federal buildings, some school zones, and secure airport areas. Always confirm local rules. The map below show the states in green that generally accept your Texas License To Carry.
Why Have a Concealed Carry Permit in Texas?
You have personal responsibility for your safety. Texas law now allows “Constitutional Carry” under certain guidelines, but an LTC still offers advantages. You gain more legal protections. You get reciprocity when traveling outside Texas. You often have faster firearm purchases because dealers see your LTC as proof of a background check. You also earn more understanding of firearm safety and current laws.
Training is another reason. LTC courses teach the legal framework around self-defense. You learn use-of-force laws. You learn de-escalation techniques. You get structured practice at the range. This training fosters responsible gun ownership.
Insurance coverage can also factor in. Some policies cater to LTC holders. Having a permit sometimes helps in legal proceedings if a self-defense situation ever arises.
An LTC is not just about carrying. You want to be certain you’re using a firearm safely, ethically, and legally. We teach you all those qualities in our Online License to Carry Course, Read More!
Practical Considerations
Fees: Texas LTC application fees vary. Certain veterans, law enforcement, and special categories pay reduced rates. On average the cost total $120.
Renewals: Your LTC is generally valid for five years. Renewals require an application and fee. Current laws don’t require a refresher course, but voluntary training is wise.
Disqualifications: Criminal history, mental health issues, or certain legal statuses can disqualify you. Check the DPS website for a list of eligibility criteria. Consult a legal professional for complex situations.
Safe Storage: Keep your firearm locked up when not in use. Proper safes or lockboxes prevent unauthorized access. This reduces accidents and theft. Many LTC classes include safe storage methods.
Travel: Reciprocity changes frequently. Always confirm laws before crossing state lines with your firearm. Some states require that the firearm remain locked and unloaded. Others have different permit requirements entirely.
Mindset: An LTC requires a stable mindset. Carrying a firearm demands responsibility. You must be aware of conflict resolution. You must be mindful of local laws. This mindset sets you apart from casual owners. It’s not about paranoia or confrontation. It’s about readiness and responsible citizenship.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
You have a right to defend yourself. You also have the responsibility to do it lawfully. A Texas License to Carry ensures you understand that responsibility. It gives you a legal path to carry your handgun. It provides training that many gun owners never seek. It’s a tool for peace of mind and preparedness.
Remember each step: Online classroom, in-person proficiency, fingerprinting, and application. Keep track of any changes in Texas law. Always verify if other states honor your LTC. Carry your license with you when you have your handgun. Stay informed and stay prepared.
Ready for Action? Sign up for an online LTC course today. Secure your spot. Complete the classroom sessions on your own schedule. Gain real knowledge about safety, law, and responsibility. Finish your range qualification with an instructor. Submit your application. Claim your place among responsible gun owners.
Make the commitment now. Protect yourself and your family. Empower yourself with the proper training and a Texas concealed carry permit. Sign up today.