Texas LTC Requirements: What You Need to Know Before You Carry

Texas LTC Requirements: What You Need to Know Before You Carry

Getting your Texas License to Carry (LTC) is more than just checking a few boxes. It’s a statement—a commitment to carrying responsibly, legally, and confidently.

But before you can do that, you’ve got to meet the Texas LTC requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: eligibility, paperwork, training, testing, and the real-world readiness you should aim for beyond the bare minimum.

Let’s dig in.

Eligibility Criteria for a Texas Concealed Handgun License

Before you even take a class or visit the range, the state of Texas has a few boxes you need to check.

✅ Basic LTC eligibility checklist:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a legal U.S. resident
• Must not have a felony conviction
• Must not be chemically dependent
• Must not be delinquent in child support or taxes
• Must not have any Class A or B misdemeanors pending
• Must be mentally competent

These legal conditions apply whether you’re applying for a Texas concealed carry license or an open carry license under the same LTC framework.

Texas Handgun Training Course Requirements

Texas doesn’t just hand out licenses to anyone who qualifies legally—you’ll also need to complete a state-approved handgun training course.

There are two main delivery methods:

• Online LTC course: DPS-approved, mobile-friendly, and self-paced
• In-person LTC class: Instructor-led with live discussion and range time

Both options include classroom instruction that covers:

• Texas gun laws
• Use of force vs. deadly force
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Safe storage and handling of handguns

Whether you choose online or in-person, the key takeaway is this: the course is not just about shooting. It’s about understanding the legal and ethical weight of carrying a weapon in public.

Understanding the Firearm Proficiency Requirements

Once your classroom training is complete, you’ll move on to the Texas LTC shooting test, also known as the proficiency demonstration.

📌 Shooting Qualification Overview:

• 50 rounds total
• Scoring done on a B-27 target
• Must score 175 out of 250 possible points to pass

Shooting distances:

• 3 yards: 20 rounds
• 7 yards: 20 rounds
• 15 yards: 10 rounds

You’ll shoot controlled strings (e.g., “fire 2 rounds in 3 seconds”), and you’ll be evaluated on accuracy, control, and safety.

Important: The state calls this a “proficiency test,” but in reality, it’s the floor—not the ceiling. If you’re planning to carry daily, this should be the starting point for your training, not the end.

Fingerprinting and Background Checks

After passing the course and range qualification, the next step is to complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO, the state’s contracted fingerprint service.

You’ll need to:

• Book an appointment
• Bring a valid photo ID
• Submit digital fingerprints on-site

Once done, your prints will be forwarded to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as part of your background check.

Texas LTC Application Submission

The entire application process is handled through the Texas DPS website. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Completed online application
• Digital fingerprints (via IdentoGO)
• Proof of course completion (LTC-101 certificate)
• Application fee ($40 standard, reduced fees for veterans, active military, and certain others)

Your license typically arrives by mail within 60 days, although many applicants receive it sooner.

Recap of License to Carry Requirements in Texas

Let’s summarize the official Texas License to Carry requirements:

Go Beyond the Requirements—Train Like It’s Real

Meeting the legal requirements is one thing. Being truly prepared is another.

At In Focus Training, we encourage every student to train like their life—and the lives of those around them—depend on it. Because someday, it might.

Here’s how to go beyond the checklist:

• Dry fire practice weekly
• Live range training monthly
• Scenario-based drills (e.g., drawing under stress, shooting from cover)
• Legal refreshers every year

The more serious you are about training, the less likely you are to become a headline—or a statistic.

Final Word: Texas LTC Requirements Are the Beginning—Not the End

Passing the class, the test, and the background check doesn’t mean you’re done.
It means you’re now accountable.

The Texas License to Carry requirements ensure that those who carry have done the legal minimum. But your standard should be higher.

Because when you carry a gun, you carry more than a tool—you carry responsibility.

👉 Need to pass the LTC Shooting Test? We’ll get you there.

👉 Want to train Online?

Because calm, trained, and clear-headed is a bigger flex than loud, armed, and unprepared—every single time.

Satisfied Customer

“I had a fantastic experience taking my LTC class with Anthony. From start to finish, he was professional, knowledgeable, and made the entire process comfortable “

Take the First Step Towards Mastery

To enroll in our Texas Online LTC Class and experience comprehensive License to Carry training in Texas, click the link below and start your journey towards becoming a skilled, informed, and responsible firearm owner.

Enroll Now!