License To Carry FAQ
What is a License to Carry?
It is the Texas concealed carry permit which allows an individual to carry a handgun on their person.
Do I need a LTC to have a firearm in my vehicle?
No. Section 46.02, of the Texas Penal Code was amended on September 1, 2007, to allow a person to carry a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under his/her control. The weapon must not be in plain view, and the person must not be engaged in criminal activity other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic. Finally, a person carrying a handgun in his/her car must not be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm and the person cannot be a member of a criminal street gang as defined in Section 71.01.
What steps are involved in getting an LTC?
There are two aspects to obtaining your LTC: applying for the license with DPS and taking a training class. You may complete them in any order, but your license application will not be completed until DPS receives your LTC-100 course completion form. Please click here for the Texas DPS handgun licensing page where you can access the application process. *Please note: If you have questions about State handgun laws please reference the Texas DPS webpage. LTC instructors do not provide fingerprinting or photo services.
What is provided in the LTC training class?
It is a state requirement that the classroom (not counting range time) is between 4 - 6 hours and we adhere to all state guidelines. Due to the welcomed student involvement in the learning process our classes are generally 6 hours. Quality of instruction is more important to us than simply meeting minimum standards.
The training is 90% classroom.
Course content Provided: Handgun Safety, Handgun Proficiency, Safe Firearms Storage, Use of Force Laws (Self Defense), Texas Concealed Carry and Weapons Laws, Non- Violent Dispute Resolution, Review, and Written Test.
What do I need to bring to the class?
We supply hand out materials, water, and snacks. You will need to either bring your lunch or pick something up on a break to eat in class. Please bring your handgun (unloaded and in a case), 50 rounds of ammo, extra magazine, and hearing & eye protection.
What type of handgun is required?
You are not licensed to an individual firearm as in some other states. In other words, you are not limited on what you carry based on what you test with. DPS no longer classifies your license based on revolver or semi-auto action, and there is no longer a minimum caliber requirement. You may not use laser sights during the shooting proficiency.
Can I still qualify if I do not own a handgun?
Yes, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance of the class and we can lend you one, typically we provide a Glock 9mm. We will not charge for the loaner, but you will have to pay for your ammo.
What is the shooting portion of the class like?
It is a 50 round course fired on a B-27 target. Hits in the 8 ring or higher receive 5 pts. Hits in the 7 ring receive 4, and anywhere else on the target scores 3 points. A perfect score is 250 points, and 175 points is the minimum passing score of 70%.
All shooting starts from a ready position with no holster. You should be able to safely load, unload, and clear malfunctions, but none of this is part of any of the shooting stages.
There are twenty rounds fired from 3 yards. Twenty from 7 yards, and ten rounds at 15 yards. The course of fire varies from shooting one round up to 5 on command. At closer distances students are allowed 2 seconds per shot and at farther ranges 3 seconds per shot.
Will I be taught to shoot during the LTC class?
No. We are not allowed to devote class time to marksmanship training. You should already be comfortable handling and shooting your handgun before attending this class. If you are new or not confident in your present skill level, we offer handgun training separately. Our training is highly successful, and most clients are amazed how quickly they become proficient with their handguns after a brief lesson.
If you take a private lesson with the goal of taking a LTC class, then we will administer the LTC proficiency at the end of your lesson. It will be reported to DPS and on the LTC class day, you only attend the classroom portion.
What if I do not pass the handgun proficiency?
This is unlikely, but if it occurs you get a second chance to qualify. You would need an extra 50 rounds, which you can buy at the range.
If you still do not pass, then you will get credit for completing the classroom portion of the training. We could arrange a private lesson to improve your skills and when you are ready, we can administer the handgun proficiency for you. Upon passing the qualification we will note the completion on your training form.