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Q & A’s
Can an individual who is between the age of 18 to 20 years old apply for a license? A federal district court has ruled the Department can no longer apply the License to Carry statutory eligibility criteria that prohibit otherwise eligible 18-to-20 year-olds from obtaining the license. Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc. et. al., v. Steven McCraw, et. al., No. 4:21-cv-1245-P. The Department will therefore no longer deny applications solely on the basis that the applicants are 18-to-20 years old.
What makes me ineligible to receive a LTC? A number of factors may make individuals ineligible to obtain a license, such as: felony convictions, some misdemeanor convictions, including charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication; certain pending criminal charges; chemical or alcohol dependency; certain types of psychological diagnoses, and protective or restraining orders.
How do I apply for a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)? Applicants for an original (first-time) LTC should submit an online application, and schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. Applicants must also complete four to six hours of classroom training, pass a written examination and pass a proficiency demonstration (shooting). All classroom and proficiency must be conducted in Texas by a LTC instructor certified by DPS.
Once I submit my application, when should I expect to receive my license? DPS will make every effort to issue your license within 60 days of receiving the completed application packet. If the application is incomplete or requires additional information to complete the background check, you will be notified in writing.
How long is the Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) valid? Initial licenses are valid for four years. Renewal licenses are valid for five years.
When does the law allowing a licensee to openly carry a handgun go into effect? House Bill 910 becomes effective January 1, 2016.
How much does it cost to obtain or renew a License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)? The standard fee for an original LTC is $40. The standard fee for a renewal of a LTC is $40. However, Texas law provides for some discounts if you meet certain special conditions. The classroom and shooting proficiency fees are not included with this.
Do I have to be a resident of Texas to obtain a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)? No. Per Texas Government Code §411.173, legal residents of another state or persons who relocate to Texas with the intent to establish residency may obtain an LTC. Those individuals must submit an application, pay the required fees, successfully complete the required training in Texas and submit all supporting documents. They also must submit form CHL-6, two passport style photos and a copy of their out of state driver license or state issued identification card. Note, however, that all LTC applicants must be legal residents of Texas or another state.
What type of class or training is required in order to obtain a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)? An original (first-time) LTC applicant must complete classroom training, pass a written examination and pass a proficiency demonstration (shooting). All classroom and proficiency must be conducted by an LTC instructor certified by DPS. The classroom instruction may be a four to six hour course and must cover the four (4) statutory required topics:
- Laws that relate to weapons and the use of deadly force
- Handgun use and safety, including use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly carried handguns
- Non-violent dispute resolution
- Proper storage practices for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child
Is there a requirement to take a continuing education course before I can renew my Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)? Per HB 48 (83rd Legislature), continuing education is no longer required for LTC renewal. License holders will simply apply online and submit the supporting documents for discounted fees or special conditions.
NOTE: It is the license holder’s responsibility to remain informed and knowledgeable of new laws. For additional information related to new legislation, see Legislative Updates.
If I have a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) and I am traveling to another state with a reciprocal agreement, what are my responsibilities? If you are in a state that has reciprocity with Texas, you must follow that state’s laws for carrying a handgun. The same responsibility applies to anyone from another state when traveling in Texas; they must follow Texas laws for carrying a handgun. Most states will have a website for their carry licenses or permits that specify their laws. Alternatively, you may contact the other state and ask what their laws are for carrying a handgun while in that state.
Will I need to have a gun before I begin my training class? Some instructors may require you to use your own gun during the proficiency (shooting) demonstration. However, others may provide the gun and/or ammunition. You will need to consult with a certified instructor to determine if you will need a handgun for the course.
I have applied for a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC). When can I begin carrying my handgun? You can begin carrying your handgun upon receipt of the physical license. As a reminder, HB 910 related to open carry becomes effective January 1, 2016. Issuance of the LTC prior to the effective date does not provide authority for license holders to carry openly before the effective date of the new law.
Does the new Texas law require a specific type of shoulder or belt holster?
No. HB 910, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, allows license holders to openly carry a handgun in a shoulder or belt holster. The law does not specify any particular type of shoulder or belt holster.
I currently hold a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC). Does the law prohibit carrying a handgun on public transportation? No. Texas law does not specifically address any prohibitions against a license holder from carrying a handgun on public transportation.
Does the law prohibit the licensed carrying of a handgun in a public park? No. Texas law does not specifically address any prohibitions against a license holder from carrying a handgun in public park.
Do private property owners have the right to exclude license holders from their property? Yes. Private property owners may exclude license holders from carrying concealed handguns on their property by giving the license holder effective notice as provided in Section 30.06, Texas Penal Code.
Effective 1/1/2016, private property owners may exclude license holders from carrying openly on their property by giving the license holder effective notice as provided by Section 30.07, Texas Penal Code.
For the purpose of these two statutory sections, the owner of the property or someone with apparent authority to act for the owner may provide effective notice.
If licensed, can I carry more than one handgun? Texas law does not address the number of handguns a license holder may carry.
If licensed, can I carry concealed or openly on the premises of a college campus? Currently, Texas law prohibits the carrying of handguns on the premises of a college campus.
SB 11 related to carrying of handguns on certain campuses of higher education institutions including private and independent institutions becomes effective on August 1, 2016. The act becomes effective for a public junior college on August 1, 2017. Open carrying of handguns on a college campus will continue to be prohibited.
Provided information subject to change. Please visit Texas.gov for additional information and/or updates.
Federal Firearm License Dealer – Gun Transfers
Thank you for choosing Front Sight Firearms & LTC Training for your firearms transfer needs. Did you find a great deal on a firearm online? Are you performing a private party transaction? Need an honest and fair priced Federal Firearm License Dealer? Have it shipped to Front Sight Firearms and we can process the required paperwork for you. A small fee of $25 per item will cover the paperwork and background checks as required for delivery. Please make sure that your legally eligible to own a firearm prior to purchasing one on-line.
Our FFL License can be found HERE. Your seller will need it.
That’s it! Getting your firearm transferred is easy!
Once your firearm is received we will contact you to make arrangements for pick-up. Please do not pick-up your firearm until you are contacted and an appointment is scheduled.
Open Carry in Texas
Open carry in Texas became legal on January 1, 2016. You can now carry any handgun openly or concealed as long as you are licensed by Texas or a state with reciprocity. By law, the handgun must be carried in a “shoulder or belt holster.” Long arms do not require a license.
Can everyone open carry? No, a person convicted of certain crimes cannot carry a firearm, and minors under 18 years old cannot openly carry without a parent present. Generally if you can lawfully possess a firearm, you can open carry with a license. Federal laws must also be considered when discussing the legality of firearm ownership.
I live out of state, can I open carry in Texas? Yes. There are no residency restrictions to legal open carry as long as you possess a handgun license with Texas reciprocity.
Can my openly carried firearm be loaded? Yes. The law makes no distinction between a loaded and an unloaded firearm. For safety purposes, we recommend every firearm be treated as if it were loaded.
I already have a CHL. Will I need to get another license to open carry?
No. Your concealed handgun license will “qualify” you to openly carry a handgun. The CHL will become just a handgun license.
I heard there is additional training for open carry. Do I need to retake the class? No, the new training will be added to the CHL classes as mandated by the law for those required to take the class. No additional training required for current CHL holders.
Am I required to use a “retention holster?” No. While we recommend a retention holster to better ensure that your firearm remains secure while carried openly or concealed, there is no requirement to have any specific type of holster.
What kind of holster am I required to use and how can I carry it? The law says clearly that openly carried handguns must be carried “in a shoulder or belt holster” that is “on or about the person.” The law does not define what a “shoulder or belt holster” is, so this is largely left up for interpretation. To ensure you don’t violate the law, use either a holster specifically designed to be worn around or hung from the shoulder or one that is attached the belt in some way.
Can I open carry using an inside the waistband (IWB) holster? Yes, provided it is attached to the belt, it meets the law requiring a “belt” holster. You cannot open carry in your pocket, appendix or the small of your back without a holster.
Can I open carry on private property? Yes, provided the property does not display a 30.07 sign. The 30.07 sign will ban open carry, while the 30.06 sign will still apply.
Do local law enforcement officers know that open carry is legal? Many do, but some don’t. Do not assume that someone who has been trained to enforce the law knows all of it. It is important to know and memorize the laws so that you can intelligently and articulately explain them to a law enforcement officer or curious individual.
Can I open carry in a vehicle? Yes. You no longer have to conceal your holstered firearm while in your vehicle provided you have a license. If you do NOT have a license, you WILL need to keep your handgun concealed. Keep in the mind that the handgun must be “on or about” your person. This generally means that you must be able to access the firearm without “materially having to change position” to retrieve it. In layman’s terms, “within arm’s reach.” It still must be in a holster.