"Your First Step in Responsible Pistol Ownership." License to Carry (LTC)

House Bill 1927 (Permit less 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.)

Benefits of a Texas 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

• Required to apply for a Handgun License.
• Conducted by a licensed Texas Handgun Instructor.

Certain students are not required to complete the range portion of the LTC class and they can take the Online LTC Class only. 

• Texas State Correctional Officers “CO’s”.
• Active duty military or veterans that have within the past 10 years completed training in the familiarization of firearms OR have firearm shooting scores from the military.
• County Jailers that have completed firearms training as part of their employment.

• Basic handgun use and safety instruction
• Knowledge of carry laws
• Reciprocity with 37 other states
• Campus carry
• School zones carry
• Protection for having a Texas LTC school district employees
• Easier interaction with Law Enforcement
• Bypass NICS background check
• Protection from “no guns” signs
• Trespass protection
• 18+ y/o are eligible
• Are allowed “oopsies” at airports
• Legal protection a LTC provides
• Legal form of ID
• Fewer restrictions
• Peace of mind

• Basic handgun use and safety
  • Loading and unloading
  • Sight alignment
  • Sight picture
  • Grip
  • Trigger manipulation
  • Malfunctions
  • Basic range commands

1. 20 shots at 3 yards
2. 20 shots at 7 yards
3. 10 shots at 15 yards

• Semi-automatic handgun or a revolver (22. caliber minimum require), unloaded and in a box.
• One box with 50 rounds of ammunition
• head cover Cap or hat
• Safety, prescription or sunglasses 
• Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) electronic recommended.
• Footwear that covers both feet entirely 
• No “V” neck shirts

Absolutely no firearms or ammunition in classroom