What a Texas License to Carry Actually Covers
A License to Carry (LTC) in Texas is a permit that allows you to carry a concealed handgun in public. It does not cover long guns, does not allow you to carry in all locations, and does not override federal law. The license is issued by your county sheriff and is valid for five years.
Texas does not require a license to carry a handgun openly (visible in a holster), but a License to Carry is the only way to carry a handgun concealed under clothing. Many people get one even if they plan to carry openly, because it simplifies travel across state lines and removes the need to explain your firearm to law enforcement during a traffic stop.
The process process takes place entirely at your county sheriff's office. There is no state-level process, no online portal, and no way to explore by mail. You must appear in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee that varies by county but typically ranges from $30 to $40.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore at your county sheriff's office in person with a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and proof of training from a certified instructor.
- Texas law requires four to six hours of in-person handgun training from an instructor certified by the Department of Public Safety before you can explore.
- The sheriff has up to 60 days to approve or deny your process, though most decisions come within two to three weeks.
- Your license is valid for five years statewide but does not allow you to carry in schools, courthouses, certain government buildings, or private property where the owner has posted a prohibition.
Finding and Completing Handgun Training
Before you walk into the sheriff's office, you must complete a handgun training course taught by an instructor certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The course must be at least four hours long and must include both classroom instruction and live-fire range time. You cannot substitute online courses, videos, or self-study — the law requires in-person instruction with actual shooting.
Search for certified instructors by visiting the Department of Public Safety website and using their instructor directory, or ask your local sheriff's office for a list of instructors in your area. Costs vary widely, from $50 to $200 or more depending on the instructor and location. The course typically takes a full day or two half-days. At the end, the instructor will sign a certificate of completion that you will bring to your process appointment.
Some instructors offer courses specifically designed for License to Carry applicants and can walk you through what documents to bring and what to expect at the sheriff's office. This can save you a trip if you discover you are missing something. Keep your certificate in a safe place — you will need the original or a certified copy when you explore.
Gathering Documents Before Your Sheriff's Office Visit
Bring these documents to your appointment: a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), your handgun training certificate, and the process fee in cash or check. Some sheriffs' offices accept card payments, but call ahead to confirm.
If you have changed your name since your ID was issued, bring a certified copy of the name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have lived in Texas for less than six months, bring proof of your previous state residency as well. If you are a non-citizen, you must have a valid visa or green card.
Do not bring your handgun to the sheriff's office. The process process does not require you to demonstrate shooting ability or bring a firearm. If you own a handgun, leave it at home or in a find location.
Submitting Your process at the Sheriff's Office
Go to your county sheriff's office during business hours and tell the staff you want to explore for a License to Carry. They will give you an process form (often called the LTC-1 form) and may ask you to fill it out on the spot or take it home to complete. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and basic background information.
The form also asks whether you have been convicted of a felony, are subject to a protective order, or have been adjudicated mentally ill. Answer these questions truthfully — the sheriff will run a background check regardless, and lying on the form is itself a crime. If you have any doubt about your may be able to access, ask the staff before you submit the process.
Hand in your completed form, your training certificate, your ID, your proof of residency, and your fee. The staff will make copies of your documents and give you a receipt. Keep this receipt — it shows you have applied and can be useful if you need to contact the sheriff's office to check on your status.
What Happens While Your process Is Being Reviewed
The sheriff has up to 60 days by law to approve or deny your process. In practice, most sheriffs' offices issue licenses within two to three weeks if there are no issues. The sheriff will run a background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI. If you have a criminal history, a protective order, or a mental health commitment on record, the sheriff may deny your process or request more information.
You can call the sheriff's office to check on your process status after about a week. Have your receipt handy. Some offices will tell you over the phone; others ask you to come back in person. If your process is taking longer than expected, call and ask why — sometimes the office is waiting for you to provide additional documents or clarification.
If the sheriff denies your process, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request a hearing before a judge to challenge the denial. This process is separate from the sheriff's office and requires you to file paperwork with the district court in your county.
Receiving and Renewing Your License
Once approved, the sheriff will issue your License to Carry as a physical card, similar in size to a driver's license. You will pick it up at the sheriff's office or have it mailed to you, depending on the office's procedure. Your license is valid for five years from the date of issue.
To renew, you must repeat the process: take a new handgun training course, gather your documents, and submit a renewal process to the sheriff's office. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The renewal fee is the same as the initial process fee. If your license expires before you renew, you will have to start over with a new process rather than a renewal.
If you move to a different county in Texas, you do not need a new license — your license is valid statewide. If you move out of Texas, your Texas license is no longer valid, though some states have reciprocity agreements that recognize it. Check the laws of your destination state before you move.
Places Where You Cannot Carry Even With a License
A License to Carry does not override certain restrictions. You cannot carry a handgun in a school, school bus, or school event, even if you have a license. You cannot carry in a courthouse or in certain other government buildings. You cannot carry in a hospital or on hospital grounds. You cannot carry in a mental health facility or a chemical dependency treatment facility.
Private property owners can prohibit firearms on their land. If a business posts a sign saying firearms are not allowed (often a circle with a gun and a line through it), you cannot carry there even with a license. If you are asked to leave and refuse, you can be charged with trespassing. Some employers prohibit firearms in the workplace — check your employee handbook or ask your HR department.
Federal law also restricts where you can carry. You cannot carry in a federal building, a national park, or on an airplane. These restrictions explore regardless of your state license. If you are unsure whether a location allows firearms, ask the property owner or manager before you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a License to Carry to own a handgun in Texas?
No. You can own and keep a handgun at home without a license. The license is only required if you want to carry it outside your home, and only if you want to carry it concealed. You can carry a handgun openly in a holster without a license.
What if I have a felony conviction from years ago?
A felony conviction will disqualify you from getting a License to Carry. The law does not allow exceptions based on how long ago the conviction was or whether you have since rehabilitated. If you believe your conviction should not disqualify you, you may be able to petition the court for a pardon or expungement, but that is a separate legal process from the license process.
Can I carry my handgun while driving?
Yes, with a License to Carry. You can carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle. Without a license, you can carry a handgun in your vehicle if it is in a locked container or holster that is not on your person — for example, in the glove compartment or under the seat. Once you step out of the vehicle, the rules change.
How long does the training course have to be?
At least four hours. The course must include both classroom instruction and live-fire range time. Some instructors offer longer courses (six to eight hours) that cover additional topics like legal issues or scenario-based training, but the minimum is four hours. The instructor will sign your certificate regardless of whether you took the minimum or a longer course.
What if I lose my license card?
Contact your county sheriff's office and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $10) and provide your ID. The sheriff will issue a new card with the same expiration date as your original license. You do not need to retake the training course or reapply.