Benefits of Having a License to Carry (LTC)

The Firearm Carry Act of 2021, commonly called “Constitutional Carry” but more accurately defined as “Permit-less Carry” will go into effect on September 1, 2021. Many are asking if they should pursue getting a License To Carry (LTC).

The answer is a definite YES!

Texas Law gives LTC holders more rights than Constitutional Carry.

  • Texas LTC will grant Reciprocity to carry in other states where there is a Reciprocal Agreement. However, Constitutional Carry might not cross state lines, even in other states which may have their own version of constitutional carry, eligibility and rules.
  • Texas LTC allows an accessible handgun in your vehicle while dropping off/picking up at a school. However, Constitutional Carry would be prohibited from having a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school per the Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act.
  • School district employees who have been issued a Texas LTC have protections which allow them to keep a firearm and ammunition concealed in their locked motor vehicle in a school parking lot. This protection is not available to Constitutional Carry.
  • Texas LTC provides legal exemption to the NICS background check when purchasing a firearm from an FFL. Constitutional Carry would still be subject to a background check delay.
  • An individual must be at least 21 years old to take advantage of Constitutional Carry. However, military members between the ages of 18-20 are eligible for Texas LTC which would allow them to lawfully carry a handgun in public.
  • Private property owners may choose to prohibit Constitutional Carry on their property by posting effective notice under Penal Code 30.05 and thereby prevent unlicensed individuals from carrying on their property. This exclusion would not apply to those who hold a valid Texas LTC.
  • Constitutional Carry is statutorily prohibited at hospitals, nursing facilities, and amusement parks. However, a Texas LTC holder is only prohibited in these places if effective notice has been provided under Penal Code 30.06 and 30.07.
  • A Texas LTC holder will be allowed to carry at an open meeting of a governmental entity. Constitutional Carry at an open meeting of a governmental entity would continue to be prohibited.
  • The statutory prohibition against carrying a handgun into a bar does not apply to a Texas LTC holder unless the bar has posted a 51% sign in accordance with the law.
  • A Texas LTC holder retains their ability to avoid arrest in the event they inadvertently have a firearm through a secured area of an airport as long as they promptly depart the secured area when notified they are in possession of a handgun. Constitutional Carry is given no such courtesy and may be charged with a felony.
  • Having a Texas LTC facilitates simpler interactions with Law Enforcement if you are pulled over and have an accessible firearm.

Want to get your Texas License to Carry (LTC)?

You have the option of taking the class in person OR you can complete the classroom portion online and then schedule time with a LTC instructor to provide the range qualification. All the details are outlined on our License to Carry Information page.

We hope to see you an one of our upcoming classes!


U.S. LawShield's Texas Constitutional Carry Guide 2021 provides even more information and additional details which will be helpful to you.  Get your free copy today!