Texas LTC for 18-Year-Olds: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed
June 13, 2025 9:22 amTexas LTC for 18 Year Olds – How Young Texans Can Carry Legally Today
Why This Matters Now
If you’re 18 to 20, the rules changed in your favor. With the introduction of Texas LTC eligibility for 18 year olds, a 2022 federal court decision ( Firearms Policy Coalition v. McCraw ) forced Texas DPS to open the License-to-Carry pipeline to legal adults under 21. DPS quietly updated its policy in January 2023, and statewide guidance was reaffirmed in 2025 updates. usconcealedcarry.comhandgunlaw.us
Yet misconceptions linger. Some still think you must be 21 unless you have a protective order. Wrong. If you meet the standard eligibility checks, you can apply at 18—no special waiver required.
Quick-Look Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Gotchas |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18+ at application date | Under 18? Wait. No exceptions. |
| Residency | Texas resident ≥6 months or military w/ PCS orders | College students count if you’ve relocated with intent |
| Legal Standing | No felony convictions; not chemically dependent; no recent Class A/B misdemeanors | Prior juvenile felonies that were sealed still count |
| Training | Pass DPS-approved LTC course (in person or online) + shooting proficiency | Online class must be 4 hrs minimum |
| Fingerprinting | Submit electronic prints via IdentoGO | Schedule quickly—slots fill up |
| Fees | Standard: $40; Reduced: vets, guardsmen, indigent | Pay online through DPS portal |
Permitless Carry Isn’t Enough – 5 Advantages of an LTC at 18
- School Zones & College Campuses – LTC holders can legally keep a concealed handgun in a locked vehicle within K-12 parking lots and meet campus carry carve-outs.
- State-to-State Reciprocity – Thirty-plus states recognize a Texas LTC; no LTC means no reciprocity.
- NICS Bypass – Your card works as an instant background-check substitute at the gun counter, speeding up purchases.
- Law-Enforcement Recognition – Officers see the card as proof you’ve been vetted and trained; traffic stops get less tense.
- Legal Presumption of Innocence – LTC holders enjoy specific statutory protections in incidents involving justified force (TPC §46).
The Fastest Path – Step-by-Step
- Complete the 4-Hour Course
- Online Option (self-paced): perfect when college, work, or shift-life cuts into classroom time.
- Classroom Option: live Q&A, hands-on drills—ideal if you’re brand-new to firearms.
- Pass the 25-Question DPS Exam
Transition words like “next” and “then” keep you moving. Aim for 90%+; it’s open-note if you took an online class. - Schedule Your Range Qualification
50 rounds at 3, 7, and 15 yards. Finger off the trigger between strings—show safe habits early. - Submit Your Online Application & Fingerprints
DPS issues a tracking number; check status weekly. Most licenses arrive in 30–45 days. usconcealedcarry.com - Carry Legally—But Keep Training
A plastic card isn’t a skillset. Regular live-fire practice, dry-fire reps, and scenario drills cement competence.
Training That Builds Confidence
At In Focus Training we don’t game the test—we build real-world proficiency:
- Scenario-based live fire: decision-making under stress.
- Legal module: castle doctrine, recent Fifth-Circuit rulings, and traveling with a firearm. txgunrights.org
- Holster skills: concealment garments, safe draws, and re-holstering.
Take Aim—Start Today
Ready to earn your license?
Sign up for our self-paced Texas Online LTC Course: https://infocus-training.com/texas-online-license-to-carry/
Prefer face-to-face coaching and a guided range day? Book an in-person class here: https://infocus-training.com/tx-license-to-carry-in-person/
Solid training, a respected credential, and peace of mind—all before your 19th birthday. Don’t wait. Take aim with In Focus Training now.
Satisfied Customer
“I took the LTC course online through In Focus Training, and it was a great experience. Anthony was an excellent instructor, and he was clear, informative, and has tons of experience to provide you with the best training”