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Guide Intro
Last verified against official Texas DPS and Texas statute sources on March 10, 2026.
This guide is for obtaining a Texas License to Carry a Handgun. Texas permitless carry did not eliminate the LTC program, and DPS still processes applications for qualified applicants.
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DPS says the LTC program remains active even after permitless carry.
An LTC can still matter for campus carry, reciprocity with other states, and use as an alternative to a NICS check in qualifying firearm purchases.
DPS also lists practical ID uses, including voter ID and general personal identification acceptance.
Checklist
Most applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Texas Government Code §411.172 also requires legal residency, no felony conviction, no disqualifying pending charges, no chemical dependency, and no other state or federal firearm disqualifier.
DPS specifically warns that some misdemeanors, deferred adjudication, delinquent child support, certain mental-health findings, and protective or restraining orders can affect eligibility.
Applicants born abroad must provide lawful-presence documentation.
If you have any criminal-history or protective-order question, read the DPS eligibility FAQs before you spend money on training, fingerprints, or fees.
Prep
If you do not hold a Texas driver license or ID, DPS says you will need form LTC-6, a passport-style photo, and a copy of your non-expired out-of-state ID. Out-of-state residents may apply, but DPS says they must complete training in Texas.
A valid driver license or ID card.
Current address, contact, and employment information.
Residential and employment history for the last five years for new applicants.
Your criminal, psychiatric, drug, and alcohol history details, if any, because DPS asks for them in the online portal.
A valid email address and a card for fees.
Training
DPS says you can complete LTC training fully in person with a qualified instructor, or do the classroom portion online and then complete range instruction and the shooting proficiency portion with a Texas-qualified LTC instructor.
The classroom portion may be four to six hours and covers weapons law and deadly force, handgun use and safety, non-violent dispute resolution, and safe handgun storage.
After successful completion, you should receive an LTC-100 or LTC-101 certificate, depending on the course path.
DPS says range instruction and handgun proficiency can be completed before the online classroom portion if needed.
Practical rule: do not consider your application complete until DPS has your training certificate, fingerprints, and any supporting documents.
Steps
Start with the DPS licensing and FAQ pages. If you may qualify for a discount or exemption, identify that first so you know which supporting documents to prepare.
Use the Texas.gov LTC portal. The portal says fees are non-refundable, and DPS says new applicants should apply online first.
After filing, review the DPS checklist carefully. DPS fingerprint instructions say you need the application completed before scheduling electronic fingerprints.
If you have not already finished training, do it now. Keep the certificate exactly as DPS expects it.
DPS uses an electronic fingerprint process for original applicants. The fingerprint page says walk-ins are not available and that you should schedule with IdentoGO using your service code.
Upload your LTC-100 or LTC-101 and any special-condition or lawful-presence documents through the DPS secure contact/upload page, or use the method DPS instructs in your checklist.
If DPS requests arrest dispositions or other documents, submit them quickly. DPS says additional-information requests extend review time.
Fees
DPS says the standard original LTC fee is $40, and the standard renewal fee is also $40.
DPS separately says there is an additional fingerprint service fee charged by the fingerprint vendor.
Examples of official discounts or exemptions include active military at $0 and honorably discharged veterans at $25.
DPS says it will make every effort to issue an original license within 60 days after receiving a complete packet.
If DPS has to request extra records, the application review can take longer. The application FAQ says that request can extend review substantially.
According to the current DPS application FAQ, initial licenses are valid for four years and renewals are valid for five years.
Eligibility
Most applicants still need to be 21 or older.
Texas Government Code §411.172 includes narrower exceptions for some 18 to 20 year olds, including certain military or veteran applicants and certain protective-order applicants.
DPS also has a dedicated protective-order / at-risk page and special-condition pages that explain document requirements for those exceptions.
Do not guess here. Read the exact DPS special-condition page that matches your situation before you apply.
Warning
Applying before checking whether an old arrest, DWI, deferred adjudication, or protective order needs extra documentation.
Missing supporting documents for a special condition or discount.
Scheduling fingerprints without the correct service code or before the application is in the system.
Forgetting to upload the LTC-100 or LTC-101 certificate.
Using the wrong out-of-state photo/ID paperwork when DPS expects LTC-6 and a passport-style photo.
Ignoring a DPS request for more information after the application is submitted.
Approved
Use the DPS LTC portal to check status, renew, change your address, or report a lost/stolen card.
DPS says renewals do not require new training unless DPS specifically needs fresh fingerprints or other updated records.
If your address changes, DPS says changing your Texas driver license or ID alone does not automatically update the LTC.
Even with a valid LTC, you still need to stay current on carry restrictions, posted notice, and Texas law changes.
Important
This guide is educational and procedural only. It is not legal advice, and TX Carry Compass is not a law firm.
Texas LTC eligibility can turn on facts that are specific to your criminal history, mental-health record, immigration status, military record, or protective-order status.
If your situation is not straightforward, read the official DPS FAQs and statutes directly and consider speaking with a qualified Texas firearms attorney before applying.
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