License to Carry Classes

 
If you want your handgun license, we are here to help.  But more than that, we want you to be SAFE and CONFIDENT about carrying your handgun.  If you are new to pistols, or just feel like you need a little more training, look into one of our "FIRST Steps" courses to help get you comfortable with your gun.  Don't have one yet?  That's OK too.  We let you shoot something of ours to build your confidence.

Please remember, the Texas LTC class DOES NOT teach you to shoot a handgun.  It expects you to be proficient enough with the gun to pass the qualification course of fireBut don't worry, we will coach you through the qualification!
 
 

Getting a Handgun License

 

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 Concealed Handgun License site. If you have specific questions concerning your personal eligibility, we cannot answer them. Please contact CHLS.

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. Sign up for our LTC class.  The cost of the class is $50.00.  Photos (if needed), fingerprinting, and TX state licensing costs are extra and are listed below.
    2. Take the training course. Classroom time, by law, requires 4 to 6 hours, and includes a written examination. You must also complete a shooting practical. Range Time is not included in the 4 - 6 hours. You must pass each with a score of 70% or better.
      1. The written exam covers law, use of force, 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, including 20 shots at three yards, 20 at seven yards, and 10 a fifteen yards. 
    3. After you pass both tests the instructor will make three 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.
    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:
        • CHL-6.pdf, Photo Holder. (Only needed if you have an out of state drivers license or ID.)
        • 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.
      4. Click Apply for a New Concealed Handgun License or Instructor Certificate. You will need:
        • Your Social Security Number. (Not needed after Sept. 1, 2013)
        • 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, Master Card, Discover, or American Express)
          Note that all fees are non-refundable.
      5. Complete the online process.
      6. If you do not have a valid Texas Drivers License, you must obtain two passport photos.  This can be done at multiple places such a local drug store or super market photo area.  If you do have a valid Texas Drivers License, you DL photo will be used on your LTC.
      7. Have fingerprints taken.
        • Have your prints scanned by Safran.  (AKA Morpho Trust, AKA Ident2Go) 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.
        • When completing your on-line application with DPS, the last step in the process is to make your appointment for fingerprinting.  If you bypass this step, you MUST wait three days before the system will allow you to schedule an appointment.  MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT WHILE COMPLETING THE LTC APPLICATION!!!
      8. Mail to Department of Public Safety:
        • The completed Photo Holder with two passport photos.  This is only needed if you DO NOT have a valid Texas Drivers License.
        • Documentation required if you apply under a special condition.
        • Completed LTC-100, Concealed Handgun Proficiency Certificate provided by your instructor.
      9. 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 receive your Handgun License check it over to make sure the information is correct.
    2. 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.
        • 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. Obtain two passport photos if you do not have a valid Texas Drivers License.
      6. Have fingerprints taken.
        • Have your prints scanned by Safran. (AKA Morpho Trust, AKA Ident2Go) 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.
        • Two notarized affidavits.
        • Documentation required if you apply under a special condition or were born outside the U.S.
        • The completed LTC-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 receive your 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 to go from an NSA (non semi-auto) to an SA (semi-auto) license, or replace a lost or destroyed license, DPS has the forms online.