How to get your Texas License to Carry (LTC) in 2026: the 7 steps, explained

Getting your Texas License to Carry — the LTC, formerly known as a CHL — is far simpler than most people assume. Since Texas adopted permitless carry in 2021, plenty of folks ask why they'd bother. Short answer: the LTC still gets you reciprocity in dozens of other states, faster firearm purchases, legal carry in some places permitless carry doesn't cover, and — most importantly — the training itself. Here's the whole process.

1). Take the course — online, at your pace

The classroom portion is now fully online and Texas DPS-certified. Through our partnership with Texas Carry Academy, L4A offers the official online Texas LTC course — approved statewide, available 24/7, from any device. Most people finish it over a weekend.

2). Pass the written exam

A straightforward multiple-choice test built directly on the course material. If you paid attention, you'll pass.

3). Complete the shooting proficiency demonstration

You'll shoot a 50-round qualification with a certified instructor — 20 rounds at 3 yards, 20 at 7 yards, 10 at 15 yards.

Students who train first walk into the qualification relaxed instead of rattled. That's the entire trick.

If you've never shot before, this is where a private lesson beforehand pays for itself.

4). Submit your application to Texas DPS

Done online through the DPS website — basic information, eligibility questions, and the state fee (currently $40 for a standard first-time license).

5). Get fingerprinted

You'll schedule a quick fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO. Ten minutes, tops.

6). Upload your certificates

Your course completion certificate (the LTC-101) and proficiency certificate get uploaded to your DPS application.

7). Wait for the mail

DPS processes most complete applications within 60 days — often faster. Then your license shows up in your mailbox and you're done.

Where L4A fits in

We can take you through the entire pipeline: the official online course, range preparation before your proficiency demo, and answers to every question along the way — in the same judgment-free environment as every L4A lesson.

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Thanks for checking out Liberty For All Training Co., DFW's inclusive, judgment-free firearm training. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or shoot us an email at info@L4ATraining.com.