Permitless Carry vs. Licensed Carry at 18: What Young Texans Should Know

Texas Online LTC for 18 to 20 Year Olds: Why 18–20 Year Olds Should Still Get a Texas LTC

June 1, 2025 10:12 pm
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Permitless Carry vs. Licensed Carry at 18: Texas Online LTC for 18 to 20 Year Olds

Texas Online LTC for 18 to 20 Year Olds offers an option for those seeking a licensed carry alternative at a young age.

Recent legal updates now allow Texans 18 and older to apply for a License to Carry (LTC). This change gives young adults the opportunity to take responsibility for their safety and earn the respect that comes with being a trained, legal gun owner.

But with permitless carry already legal in Texas for eligible adults, some people ask:

“Why would I bother getting the LTC if I can carry without it?”

If you’re 18 to 20 and thinking about firearms ownership, here’s the straight answer: having the LTC is the smart move — even in a permitless carry state like Texas. Undertaking the Texas Online LTC for 18 to 20 year olds provides the necessary legal coverage and training.


1. LTC Gives You Legal Protection That Permitless Doesn’t

If you carry without an LTC, you’re subject to more scrutiny in any self-defense incident.

With an LTC, you:

  • Have presumption of reasonableness in use-of-force cases
  • Show you’ve been trained and certified by the state
  • Can reference laws you’ve actually been tested on

This difference determines whether you walk free or get arrested.


2. LTC Holders Can Carry in More Places

Texas law restricts where permitless carriers can legally carry — even if you’re over 18.

With an LTC, like the Texas Online LTC for 18 to 20 year olds, you may be able to carry in:

  • Some areas of college campuses
  • School parking lots (specific conditions apply)
  • Some hospitals and government buildings
  • Businesses with certain signage that only apply to unlicensed carry

The LTC gives you more legal access, not just the right to carry.


3. Skip Gun Store Background Checks

A Texas LTC lets you skip the federal background check (NICS) when purchasing from an FFL.

That means:

  • No waiting
  • No delays
  • No system flags

At 18–20, this matters — especially when younger buyers sometimes get flagged unfairly in the system.


4. Reciprocity in Over 30 States

Your Texas LTC is recognized by over 30 other states.

Without it, you can’t legally carry outside Texas. If you’re traveling for:

  • Spring break
  • College visits
  • Weekend trips with friends
    …you could get charged for illegal carry if you cross state lines.

With the LTC, you’re protected wherever Texas is recognized.


5. You’re Not Guessing — You’re Trained

Permitless carry doesn’t require training. But ignorance of the law won’t save you in court.

The Texas Online LTC course teaches:

  • When you can legally draw
  • How use of force laws work
  • What signage to look for
  • How to handle police encounters with a firearm

At 18–20, this education sets you apart as someone who’s serious about safety and responsibility, perfectly fitting into the Texas Online LTC for 18 to 20 year olds program.


Final Thought: Be the One Who Knows the Law

You might be young, but you don’t have to be careless. The Texas LTC proves you’re responsible, law-abiding, and ready to carry with confidence.

It’s not about what the law lets you do — it’s about what’s smart, strategic, and safe.


✅ Take Your Texas Online LTC Today

Our course is fully DPS-approved, mobile-friendly, self-paced, and built for young adults who want to take charge.


Satisfied Customer

“The instruction was clear, to the point, and made me feel confident and well-prepared. They answered all my questions with patience and broke everything down in a way that was easy to understand.  ”

Enroll Now!