Texas License to Carry Handgun Class (LTC)


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Click here to review LTC Eligibility

Steve's CHL Certificate.jpeg

Anyone who is prohibited by law from possessing firearms or who has been convicted of a felonious crime of violence is ineligible for training.  (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Federal Form 4473 lists the prohibitions.)

In order to obtain a license to carry under Texas Law, an eligible person must attend a four (4) hour training course in accordance with Texas Law and then apply to the Texas Department of Public Safety for a License to Carry.   

We offer a one-day, four-hour course to complete the training requirements to apply for a license to carry from the Texas Department of Public Safety-Handgun Licensing Division. Upon successful completion of the class and submission of the application to the Texas Department of Public Safety - Hangun Licensing Division, the State of Texas will issue you a license within 60 days.  (Additional time may be needed if you have a legal disqualificaiton.)  


Getting a License to Carry

Qualifications

To qualify for a Texas LTC you must:

  1. Be 21 years old. (Members and former members of the armed forces must be 18.)
  2. Have a clean criminal history, including military service and recent juvenile records.
  3. Not be under a protective order.
  4. Not be chemically dependent.
  5. Not be of unsound mind.
  6. Not be delinquent in paying fines, fees, child support, etc.
  7. Be eligible to purchase a handgun by completing the NICS check.
  8. Complete required training.

More information on the specifics of qualifying are available on the DPS Handgun License site. 

Applying for the License

There are two steps to the application process, taking a training course and completing an application. These are concurrent; you can do either one first.

  1. Taking a Training Course
    1. Find a DPS Qualified Instructor. TCHA member instructors are listed on this site.
    2. Take the training course. As of September 1, 2013, the class will require 4 to 6 classroom hours, and includes a written examination. In addition, there is a shooting practical. You must pass each with a score of 70% or better.
      1. The written exam covers law, nonviolent conflict resolution, and handgun use and storage. It is not mainly about shooting.
      2. The shooting practical requires you to fire fifty rounds from a handgun of .32 caliber or greater, including 20 shots at three yards, 20 at seven yards, and 10 at fifteen yards.
    3. After you pass both tests the instructor will make two copies of Form CHL-100, which you must both sign. You will get one of them to mail in with the supplementary forms to your application.
  2. Completing an Application. There are two ways to approach this part of the process, submit a request by internet and download forms to mail in The online process is preferred, the mail-in process is much more complicated.
    1. Submit a request by internet
      1. Visit the DPS Concealed Handgun site at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlsindex.htm.
      2. If you are a senior citizen, active military or a veteran, an active or retired judge, peace officer, or prosecutor, or indigent see Licensing Fees and Required Documents which lists reduced license fees and additional forms to submit.
      3. Click on Downloadable Forms. Download or print:
        • If you don't have a Texas driver's license or ID card, download a CHL-6.pdf, Photo Holder. If you haave Texas ID, that photo will be used.
        • CHL-16.pdf, Texas Concealed Handgun Laws.
        • If your place of birth is outside of the United States review CHL-40.pdf, Notice - Non-Immigrant - Visa.
    • Your valid Texas Driver License or Texas Identification card.
    • Current demographic, address, contact, and employment information.
    • Residential and employment information for the last five years.
    • Information regarding any psychiatric, drug, alcohol, or criminal history.
    • Your valid email address.
    • A valid credit card. (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express)
      Note that all fees are non-refundable.
  1. Complete the online process.
  2. Obtain two passport photos, only if you have out of state ID.
  3. Have fingerprints taken.
    • Have your prints scanned by Safran. Their prints are 98% reliable, and they instantly transmit them to DPS. Note:
    • Safran does not take walk-ins, you must make an appointment.
      • Safran cannot take your prints until DPS has received your application. You must complete your online application before your fingerprint appointment.
    • DPS will no longer accept rolled ink prints.
  4. Mail to Department of Public Safety:
    • The DPS checklist printed at the end of the application process.
    • The completed Photo Holder with two passport photos, only if your ID is out of state.
    • Documentation required if you apply under a special condition.
    • Completed CHL-100, Concealed Handgun Proficiency Certificate provided by your instructor.
  5. Hints:
    • If you mail documents to CHLS "signature required" it adds several days to their processing time.
    • If you're a belt and suspenders type, like me, print off or photocopy everything.
    • If there are no problems license processing should take about 60 days.
    • When you recieve your Concealed Handgun License check it over to make sure the information is correct.
  6. Download forms to submit by mail
    1. Visit the DPS Concealed Handgun site at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlsindex.htm.
    2. If you are a senior citizen, active military or a veteran, an active or retired judge, peace officer, or prosecutor, or indigent see Licensing Fees and Required Documents which lists reduced license fees and additional forms to submit.
    3. Click on Downloadable Forms. Download or print:
      • CHL-6.pdf, Photo Holder. If you have an out-of-state drivers license.
      • CHL-16.pdf, Texas Concealed Handgun Laws.
      • Review CHL-40.pdf, Notice - Non-Immigrant - Visa, if your place of birth is outside of the United States.
      • CHL-78A.pdf, Original Application Form.
      • CHL-78B.pdf, Address & Business History Form, if you have changed your residence or employment in the past five years.
      • CHL-78C.pdf, Reported History Form, if you have any mental health or criminal history to explain.
      • CHL-85.pdf, Authorization for Release of Records.
      • CHL-86.pdf, Knowledge of Laws Affidavit.
    4. Fill out the downloaded forms. Note that the two affidavits, CHL-85 and CHL-86, must be notarized.
    5. If you have an out-of-state drivers license, obtain two passport photos. Some instructors provide this service.
    6. Have fingerprints taken.
      • Have your prints scanned by Safran. Their prints are 98% reliable, and they instantly transmit them to DPS. Note:
      • Safran does not take walk-ins, you must make an appointment.
        • Safran cannot take your prints until DPS has received your application. You must complete your online application before your fingerprint appointment.
      • DPS will no longer accept rolled ink prints.
    7. Mail to Department of Public Safety:
      • The completed Application Form, including part B or C if required.
      • If you submit CHL-78C, any documentation it requires.
      • The completed Photo Holder with two passport photos, if you have out of state ID.
      • Two notarized affidavits.
      • Documentation required if you apply under a special condition or were born outside the U.S.
      • The completed CHL-100, Concealed Handgun Proficiency Certificate provided by your instructor.
      • The required fee in the form of a personal check, cashier's check, or money order. NOTE: It is a very bad idea to bounce a check on the Texas DPS.
    8. Hints:
      • If you mail documents to CHLS "signature required" it adds several days to their processing time.
      • If you're a belt and suspenders type, like me, print off or photocopy everything.
      • If there are no problems license processing should take about 60 days.
      • When you recieve your Concealed Handgun License check it over to make sure the information is correct.

If you need to modify your license to change your name or address, or replace a lost or destroyed license, DPS has the forms online.

The course of instruction will satisfy the state requirement that you receive training in the following areas:

  • License to carry law
  • Where you can carry and where you cannot (Places Prohibited under Chapter 46 of the Penal Code)
  • When you can use force or deadly force (under Chapter 9 of the Penal Code)
  • Legal implications of the use of force or deadly force
  • Texas weapons laws (including Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code) 
  • Non-Violent Dispute Resolution
  • Firearms Safety (as taught from an DPS Certified Concealed Handgun Instructor) 

Additional information about Concealed Handgun Laws in Texas may be obtained by clicking here.

This course includes instruction on the following topics:  

Licensing Requirements (including criminal history requirements)

Requirements to be Licensed in Texas and Reciprocity Agreements with other States

Places Where Weapons are Prohibited

Violations by CHL License Holders

Standards of Conduct

Function of the Concealed Handgun Law

Arrest Authority

Article 14.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

Article 18.16 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

Chapter 42.01 of Texas Penal Code

Chapter 9 Use of Deadly Force

Use of Force Concepts

Issues Relating to the Concealed Handgun License

Response to Emergency Situations

Conflict Resolution

Force Options

 

All training is conducted in a safe classroom environment using the latest simulators.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Basic Pistol Shooting Course

 

$150.00 

(Minimum class size 4, Maximum class size 10)

 $250.00 Private class


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