Getting a Texas License to Carry can seem like a confusing and convoluted process. In the end, there is no set order that these steps must be completed in. The 3 main components consist of:
- Classroom Training
- Proficiency Demonstration
- Application and Fingerprinting
and can be done in any order. It is a lesser known fact among LTC instructors that the proficiency demonstration can be completed before the online LTC class (classroom training).
Once all of the above items are completed, you can submit your LTC-104 training form(s) to Texas DPS as a supporting document. You may have two LTC-104’s, one from the online LTC and another from the proficiency demonstration. Be sure to sign the bottom and submit both to DPS.
LTC Classroom Training
Traditionally, the Texas License to Carry classroom training was always completed in-person at a shooting range where you would sit for a 4-6 hour lecture. In 2017, Texas DPS approved official online course providers to host the LTC classroom training online. The class is still mandated to be 4 hours long, but you can complete the online class on your own pace and from anywhere on any device with a modern web browser.
Joel Kuchenski, GSTP’s instructor, is an approved online course provider through Texas DPS. This simply means we can host the official online Texas License to Carry class through the website.
At the completion of the online LTC class, students will be issued the Texas DPS LTC-104 certificate of completion. This certificate will ultimately be submitted to Texas DPS as proof that the classroom training required for the License to Carry was completed.
Proficiency Demonstration
With only a few exemptions, every LTC applicant must also complete the proficiency demonstration to get their license. This is the in-person component of the training and consists of two parts:
- Range Instruction
– 1-2 hours of time with the instructor. Opportunity to ask questions and go over any materials from the class. - Shooting Qualification
– 50 round shooting qualification with a B27 target. 20 rounds from 3 yard, 20 from 7 yards and 10 from 15 yards.
Once the proficiency demonstration is completed with an LTC instructor, the instructor will either issue you a new LTC-104 or use your existing LTC-104 from the online class.
Application and Fingerprinting
The LTC application is completed through the Texas DPS website and can be submitted before or after the LTC class is completed. Once the application is submitted, you have 90 days to get everything submitted and complete the fingerprinting.
After the submission of the application, you will also receive an email from Identigo. This is the 3rd party company DPS uses for fingerprinting. This email contains a barcode and registration code and is required to setup your appointment. If you do not receive this email after the application is submitted, you will need to contact Texas DPS to have it sent again,
Your LTC-104 certificate(s) can also be submitted online through the DPS website after the application is completed. Please be sure to sign the bottom of the certificates before submission.
