License to Carry (LTC) Information

License to Carry (LTC) was formally known as the Concealed Handgun License (CHL). The name was changed in 2016 when Texas passed “Open Carry” for license holders. In 2021, Texas passed House Bill 1927, the Firearm Carry Act, commonly called “Permitless Carry” and sometimes referred to as “Constitutional Carry.” Regardless of your ability to carry legally, there are still many benefits to obtaining your Texas License to Carry.

Please understand that the LTC Class is for experienced shooters.  If you have never handled a firearm, you must get handgun training prior to completing the range qualification.  You don’t need to be an expert marksman, but you absolutely must demonstrate a basic level of safety and competence at all times.  You must keep your finger off the trigger when not shooting.  You must be aware of where your muzzle is pointed at all times.  You must be able to load and unload your firearm by yourself.

There are TWO options for completing the LTC requirements.

Option A: In-Person

Take the classroom portion in-person and complete the range qualification same day.  This option is scheduled for 6 to 7 hours from start to finish.  It is composed of classroom lecture, written test, and range qualification test.  This class is for experienced shooters, and to demonstrate that you have a basic level of firearms proficiency and safety awareness. After successful completion, you will leave the class with a Certificate of Training which you must submit to DPS.  You can sign up for the License to Carry (LTC) Class on our website class calendar. (Effective June 1, 2024, the price for the in-person LTC class is $110 per person.)

Option B: Online Class & In-Person Range

Step One: Complete the Online Class

Complete the classroom portion online at OnlineTexasLTC.com/ShadyOaks for $60 (or you may complete it with another authorized provider). The online classroom portion can be completed from the comfort of your home and at your own pace.

After you have successfully completed the online class, your online instructor will give you a Certificate of Training showing that you have completed the classroom portion. Your next step is to complete the in-person range qualification with a LTC Instructor (step two).

Step Two: Complete the In-Person Range Portion

Make arrangements with a LTC instructor to complete “Range Instruction” and “Proficiency Demonstration” as required to complete the Online LTC. To schedule this at Shady Oaks Gun Range, you have two options:

  • GROUP CLASS (for experienced shooters) – If you are confident and experienced with your firearm, sign up for the two-hour Online LTC Range Class which includes one hour of Range Instruction followed by a Proficiency Demonstration on the range to complete the LTC Course of Fire. (Effective June 1, 2024, the price for the Online Range Class is $60 for the two-hour class.)
    • The class provides an opportunity to ask questions from your LTC classroom portion, and it includes a discussion of firearm safety and range etiquette. There is also a review of what to expect during the range qualification and next steps for your LTC.
    • This is for students who can operate their firearm independently and will need little to no coaching. 
    • This class generally consists of 10 people on the line all shooting at the same time under the direction of the LTC instructor. 
    • You must be able to demonstrate safety and competence at all times. 
  • PRIVATE CLASS (for less experienced shooters) –  If you are apprehensive about completing the range qualification in a group class environment, make an appointment for a Private Lesson with a LTC Instructor to complete the Range Instruction followed by the Proficiency Demonstration. (Effective immediately, the price for a 75-minute private session to complete Online LTC is $100 per person. DPS requires a minimum of one hour of range instruction which specifically cannot include time spent on the LTC Range Qualification. Therefore private sessions for LTC Range are now 75 minutes.)
    • This class provides one hour of range instruction followed by a Proficiency Demonstration on the range to complete the LTC Course of Fire.
    • The instructor can offer some tips and coaching for your skill level.
    • You are still expected to have basic handgun proficiency.
    • This is not a beginner handgun lesson. You are required to have a basic level of proficiency prior to the range class.

INFO FOR ALL LTC APPLICANTS

The Texas License to Carry (LTC) is a license that is obtained from Texas Department of Public Safety.

STEP ONE: Determine if you’re eligible by reviewing Licensing & Registration Information. Texas law provides for some discounts if you meet certain special conditions.

STEP TWO: Submit an application online. After you start you application, you can also use this link to check the status of your application. You have one year from the date of your LTC application to submit your fingerprints and submit your Certificate of Training.

STEP THREE: Complete the Texas License to Carry Class and receive a Certificate of Training from the instructor. Scan your Certificate of Training into PDF format and submit supporting documents.

STEP FOUR: Follow Fingerprinting instructions which will be sent to you AFTER you submit your LTC Application. The emailed instructions will direct you to schedule a fingerprint appointment at IdentoGO using a link in your confirmation email. You must refer to that email for fingerprint instructions. Walk-in service is not available at DPS. 

If you need further assistance from DPS regarding obtaining the License to Carry, you can contact the Regulatory Services Division (RSD) using the contact form at www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/.

LTC Class Lecture

Regardless whether you take the in-person class or the online class, the topics are the same. The required material discusses these topics:

  • Laws that relate to weapons and to the use of deadly force
  • Handgun use & safety, including use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly-carried handguns
  • Non-violent dispute resolution
  • Proper storage practices for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child

There is also a written test that consists of 25 questions which are multiple choice and true/false questions. A score of 70% is required to pass the classroom portion of the class.

Range Instruction & LTC Range Qualification

  • One hour discussion of range etiquette, clearing malfunctions, managing recoil, and marksmanship fundamentals. This is not for beginner novice shooters. You must have a basic level of proficiency before this class and able to operate your firearm independently.
  • You will follow the course of fire per the Texas DPS requirements: texreg.sos.state.tx.us/fids/201700716-1.pdf
  • Red dots are permitted.  However, any optic that magnifies is considered an optical enhancer, and those are not allowed per DPS.
  • Effective Sept. 1, 2017 – There is no minimum caliber requirement of the handgun used to demonstrate proficiency. (You can use .22LR)
  • You only need one magazine.  The shooting portion is generally split into strings of 5 rounds each with plenty of time to reload between strings.  Use of ammo loader is okay.
  • You are not required to use your compact “carry” firearm for this range qualification.  Most folks use a full-size firearm. (Remember you’ll be shooting 50 rounds.)
This page was updated July 27, 2024

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