5 Steps to Get a Texas
License to Carry (LTC) a handgun
One of the most common questions received on a regular basis is, "What is the process to get
my “License to Carry a handgun"? The following paragraphs provide an easy-to-follow outline
of the steps required to apply for and obtain a License to Carry (LTC) in Texas.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before you apply for a LTC or enroll in a LTC course, it is important to ensure you meet the
eligibility requirements as outlined in §411.172 of the Texas Government Code. This is
important because the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not refund any application
fees if they determine you are not eligible.
See LTC Eligibility for more information.
If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact the Texas Department of Public
Safety License to Carry Program Helpline at (512) 424-7293 or email them at:
[email protected].
A person is eligible for a license to carry if the person:

is a legal resident of this state (the requirement for residency six months preceding
application no longer exists. You must only be able to prove residency or you can apply
for a non-resident LTC).

is at least 21 years of age (18 if active duty or honorable discharged from the military)

has not been convicted of a felony

is not currently charged with the commission of a felony, Class A or Class B
misdemeanor or equivalent offense, or an offense under Penal Code Section 42.01
(Disorderly Conduct) or equivalent offense

is not a fugitive from justice for a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent
offense

is not chemically dependent (a person with two convictions within the ten-year period
preceding the date of application for offenses (Class B or greater) involving the use of
alcohol or a controlled substance is ineligible as a chemically dependent person. Other
evidence of chemical dependency may also make an individual ineligible for an LTC)

is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and
storage of a handgun

has not, in the five years preceding the application, been convicted of a Class A or Class
B misdemeanor, or equivalent offense, or an offense under Section 42.01 of the Penal
Code (Disorderly Conduct) or equivalent offense

is fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun

has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making child support administered
or collected by the attorney general

has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other
money collected by the comptroller, state treasurer, tax collector of a political
subdivision, Alcohol Beverage Commission or any other agency or subdivision

is not currently restricted under a court protective order subject to a restraining order
affecting a spousal relationship

has not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application, been adjudicated as having
engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law in the grade of felony

has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in
an application submitted pursuant to Section 411.174 or in a request for application
submitted pursuant to Section 411.175
DPS will NOT refund your application fee if you are not eligible for the license. Please be sure
you understand the eligibility criteria before you apply. Contact the DPS directly with any
questions.
Step 2: Complete and Submit an LTC Application
You must submit a License to Carry (LTC) application to the DPS. You may apply online or
download a PDF copy of the application from the DPS LTC website and submit it in person, by
fax or via U.S. mail.
Note: When your filling out your online application you only need to provide them with five
years of consecutive resident information and five years’ employment data. Make sure the
dates do not overlap but match up.
At the end it will ask you if you want to register for your fingerprints. I do recommend you do
this.
Paper Versus Online LTC Application: If you don't want to submit your application online, you
can download the required forms below and submit them by mail.
CHL-78A Original LTC Application
CHL-78B Address & Business History
CHL-78C Reported History
CHL-85 Authorization for Release of Records
CHL-86 Knowledge of Laws & Eligibility
Important: Submitting your application by mail (on paper) requires certain documents to be
notarized and will delay application processing. It is strongly recommended that you submit
your application online.
Step 3: Schedule a Fingerprint Appointment
In 2011, the DPS transitioned to an electronic fingerprint only process and uses an organization
called MorphoTrust USA to obtain fingerprints. After completing an LTC application online, you
will be given the option to schedule a fingerprint appointment immediately online. You can also
visit the MorphoTrust USA website directly to schedule an appointment, but you must
complete your LTC application first.
MorphoTrust USA has offices located throughout Texas. If, however, you reside in a county
with a population of 46,000 or less and do not reside within a 25-mile radius of a facility
capable of processing the electronic fingerprints, you may contact the DPS directly to request
permission to submit fingerprints on an FBI fingerprint card.
Note: There is a $9.95-dollar fee for this service through the contractor you select for
processing. Once you are registering do not back out of the registration. It will not allow you
back in for 72 business/working hours. The system is not as user friendly as you think it would
be so go slow
The registration has to be in the system 24hours before the contractor you choose will be able
to see your information and request for an appointment.
Step 4: Register for and Attend an LTC Class
New legislation effective September 1, 2013 requires Texas License to Carry classes must be a
minimum of 4 hours and up to 6 hours (plus written test and range qualification time). You
must attend a qualifying LTC class that meets these and other requirements. New, shorter
classes are available at Bronze Star Shooting so register now or learn more about our LTC Class
Details.
Step 5: Submit Completion Certificate (CHL-100) and Required Paperwork to the DPS
Upon successful completion of an LTC class, you will be issued a Completion Certificate (CHL100) form that can be submitted to the DPS to complete your application process and obtain
your LTC. During the class we will provide detailed instructions regarding all required
paperwork including where and/or how to submit it. You have one year from the date of your
application to complete your fingerprint appointment and submit your CHL-100 Class
Completion Certificate. Your CHL-100 Class Completion Certificate is valid for two years after
your LTC class.
You will be submitting your documents through the contact us menu on the Texas Department
of Public Safety License to Carry Program Helpline at (512) 424-7293 or email them at:
[email protected].
A Note About Passport Photos: The Texas DPS no longer requires passport photos if you have a
Texas Driver’s License or State ID. Non-resident Texas LTC applicants must submit a CHL-6 form
with passport photos.