How the Texas LTC Process Works
A Texas License to Carry has several separate parts, and different people handle each one. This page walks through the whole process in plain language, in the order most students meet it.
Some links on this page are affiliate links to Texas Carry Academy, a third-party online LTC course provider that is not owned by First Shot Training. Texas Carry Academy handles registration, payment, and delivery of the online class. First Shot Training may receive compensation when you sign up through those links, at no additional cost to you.
The Process, Step By Step
Six parts. Several of them can be done in either order.
Take the classroom portion online
Texas requires four to six hours of classroom instruction. You can complete that part online, at your own pace. First Shot Training links you to the course. Texas Carry Academy handles registration, payment, and access.
Apply with Texas DPS
You create an account with the Texas Department of Public Safety and submit the application. DPS decides who gets a license. No school, instructor, or website decides that for you.
Get fingerprinted
Fingerprints belong to the state application, not to the class, and they cost extra. DPS directs you to the approved fingerprinting process after your application is submitted.
Do the range instruction and proficiency demonstration
This part happens in person, with a qualified Texas LTC instructor. It is not part of the online course, and First Shot Training does not run it. Plan on roughly one to two hours.
Hand in your training documentation
Your instructor completes the certificate that records the classroom portion and the range portion. It is one certificate with two signature blocks, so it can hold work finished at different times.
Submit and wait
Once DPS has everything, it reviews your application. State law directs DPS to make an effort to issue or deny within 60 days of receiving all required materials. That is an effort, not a promise.
This page is general educational information, not legal advice, and it is not a promise that any application will be approved. Confirm current requirements with Texas DPS before you rely on anything here.
This page is for general educational information only and is not legal advice. Students are responsible for confirming current requirements with official state resources.
Which Steps Can You Do in Any Order?
Most of this is flexible. You can take the classroom portion before or after you start the application. You can do the range portion before or after the online class. Some students already have a range appointment booked and do that part first.
There is one ordering rule worth knowing. Texas DPS directs you to the approved fingerprinting process after your application has been submitted, so fingerprints are not something to book on day one.
If you are deciding what to do first, see whether to take the class before or after you apply and whether the shooting qualification can come first.
What It Costs
The standard Texas DPS application fee for an original license is $40. That is the state fee on its own.
Training, the range appointment, and fingerprinting are separate costs, and they are set by other businesses. Some applicants qualify for reduced or waived state fees, including certain military and veteran categories.
For the full breakdown, see what a Texas LTC actually costs.
What You Have to Pass
There are two things to pass. You need 70 percent on the written exam, and 70 percent on the handgun proficiency demonstration. Texas rules allow three attempts within a twelve month period.
If the shooting part is the part you are worried about, that is normal. It is worth reading what actually happens at the range appointment. For the classroom exam, see what the written test covers.
Who Does What
First Shot Training teaches, explains the process, and links you to the online classroom portion. It does not deliver the course, and it does not issue your license.
Texas Carry Academy is the outside provider. It identifies itself as a Texas DPS certified online LTC course provider, and it handles registration, payment, course access, and delivery.
A qualified Texas LTC instructor handles the in-person range instruction and the proficiency demonstration, and completes your training documentation. DPS states that classes may not be taught outside of Texas, so this part happens in Texas.
Texas DPS sets the requirements, runs the background check, and decides whether a license is issued.
Where to Go Next
Ready to start the classroom portion? Head to the Online Texas LTC Class page.
Still deciding? These answer the questions students ask most.
Ready To Start?
If the online class option fits your plans, you can begin today and move at your own pace.
No class, training, or purchase guarantees license approval. Students are responsible for meeting all eligibility requirements.