Texas LTC for 18 Year Olds: 7 Persistent Myths Debunked (2025)
June 13, 2025 9:51 amMyth-Busting Guide to the Texas LTC for 18 Year Olds
Why Myths Die Hard
Texas finally opened the License-to-Carry (LTC) door to 18- to 20-year-olds after Firearms Policy Coalition v. McCraw and DPS’ 2023 policy shift. usconcealedcarry.comtexastribune.org
Yet disinformation lingers in gun-store chatter, social feeds, and even campus rumor mills. Let’s kill the noise so you can take action with confidence.
Myth #1 – “Constitutional Carry Makes an LTC Pointless”
Reality: Permitless carry skips reciprocity, campus carve-outs, NICS bypass, and legal presumption protections. If you’re serious about traveling, buying, or avoiding the patchwork of “gun-free” zones, the LTC still wins.
Myth #2 – “You Still Have to Be 21 Unless You Have a Protective Order”
Reality: The protective-order exception is old law. DPS now accepts any otherwise-eligible 18-20 applicant—no special paperwork needed. guides.sll.texas.govreddit.com
Myth #3 – “College Students Can’t Carry, Even With an LTC”
Reality: The Campus Carry statute (Texas Gov’t Code §411.2031) allows concealed carry in most areas if the institution hasn’t posted 30.06 signage. Dorms and certain events may be restricted; check your school’s policy, but the license itself is valid statewide.
Myth #4 – “Fingerprints Are Optional If I Did Them for a Job”
Reality: DPS mandates a fresh set via IdentoGO tied to your LTC application number. Job-related prints don’t migrate.
Myth #5 – “The Test Is Impossible Without Prior Experience”
Reality: The written exam covers basic safety, law, and storage. Pass mark? 70%. At In Focus Training, our online module averages 94% first-time success because we teach to competence, not rote.
Myth #6 – “Range Qualification Demands Combat Skills”
Reality: Fifty rounds, 175 total points possible, minimum 70% to pass. You shoot at 3, 7, and 15 yards—no timed mag changes, no barrier work. A calm, steady grip beats “tactical” theatrics every time.
Myth #7 – “The License Takes Six Months to Arrive”
Reality: DPS turnaround averages 30–45 days when your paperwork is clean. Check status weekly; call if it lingers past 60 days.
Fast Facts for Parents & Guardians
- Legal Liability: In Texas, parental consent isn’t required for an 18-year-old to apply. However, parents may still face civil liability if they allow unsafe storage at home.
- Insurance: Ask your homeowners carrier about personal-defense riders. Many under-21 carriers now extend coverage to licensed young adults.
The Application in Three Moves
- Train: Four-hour online or classroom course → quiz.
- Qualify: 50-round live-fire with DPS-certified instructor (we schedule these every Sunday and most weekday afternoons).
- Submit: Upload LTC-104, fingerprint → wait for approval email.
Need the detailed checklist? Grab it free here → Information (scroll to “18-20 Resources”).
Ready to Turn Myth Into Mastery?
Take aim with confidence—choose your path below:
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/
Don’t let bad info keep you sidelined. Secure your LTC, sharpen your skills, and carry responsibly—starting today.
Satisfied Customer
“The course was easy to follow and provided valuable legal insight. I highly recommend this training for anyone looking to get certified quickly and confidently.”