Frequently

ASK QUESTIONS

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1. What are the requirements for obtaining a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H sets out the eligibility criteria that must be met. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (unless active duty military) and must meet Federal qualifications to purchase a handgun. A number of factors may make individuals ineligible to obtain a license, such as: felony convictions, some misdemeanor convictions, including charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication; certain pending criminal charges; chemical or alcohol dependency; certain types of psychological diagnoses, and protective or restraining orders. The state eligibility requirements can be found in GC §411.172. The federal firearms disqualifiers can be found in 18 USC 44 §922. You must also submit a completed application, pay the required fees, complete all required training and submit required supplemental forms and materials.



2. How do I apply for a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

Applicants for an original (first-time) LTC should submit an online application, and schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. Applicants must also complete four to six hours of classroom training, pass a written examination and pass a proficiency demonstration (shooting).



3. Once I submit my application, when should I expect to receive my license?

DPS will make every effort to issue your license within 60 days or less of receiving the completed application packet. If the application is incomplete or requires additional information to complete the background check, you will be notified in writing.



4. I sent in my completed application packet, but received a letter from the Department asking for more information on an arrest from several years ago. How does this affect the processing time?

The letter requesting more information or documents extends the timeline for issuing your license. DPS has an additional 180 days to complete the review process, if additional information is required from the application. To ensure your license is issued promptly, it is very important for you to provide the requested information for review. If the requested information is not received timely, the application will be terminated.



5. How do I renew my License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

Renewal applications may be submitted online at: License To Carry A Handgun. We will use existing fingerprints and photos on file for renewal applications. However, sometimes the quality of those prints originally submitted no longer meets the State or FBI standards. If we are unable to use the fingerprints on file, you will be notified to obtain a new set of prints along with instructions on where you must be fingerprinted.



6. How much does it cost to obtain or renew a License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

The standard fee for an original LTC is $40. The standard fee for a renewal of a LTC is $40. However, Texas law provides for some discounts if you meet certain special conditions. A complete list of fees along with the special conditions is available for your review under Downloadable Docs on http://www.geronimoltc.com website.



7. What type of information do I need to supply, if I am applying under a special condition.

When applying under a special condition, you must submit supporting documents to qualify for the discount. To determine if you meet the criteria for a discount, refer to the please ask me. Police officers, prosecutors and judges may obtain additional information regarding the application process via myself or the TX DPS Website.



8. Is there a cost for fingerprinting?

Yes. There is a fee charged for fingerprint services. For additional information regarding the Fingerprint Application Services of Texas (FAST) please visit our website.



9.  What if my fingerprints are rejected?

If it is determined the fingerprints submitted with the application do not meet the required quality standards, new fingerprints must be provided. You will be notified in writing if your initial sets of fingerprints are rejected.



11. Do I have to be a resident of Texas to obtain a Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

No. Per Texas Government Code §411.173, legal residents of another state or persons who relocate to Texas with the intent to establish residency may obtain an LTC. Those individuals must submit an application, pay the required fees, successfully complete the required training in Texas and submit all supporting documents. They also must submit form LTC-6, two passport style photos and a copy of their out of state driver license or state issued identification card. Note, however, that all LTC applicants must be legal residents of Texas or another state.



12. Can non-US citizens obtain a License to Carry a Handgun?

Yes. Subject to the requirements of federal firearms law, and if not otherwise ineligible, resident aliens and certain nonimmigrant aliens who are legally present in the United States may obtain the license.



13. How long is the Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) valid?

Initial licenses are valid for four years. Renewal licenses are valid for five years.



14. If I am 20 years old, can I take the proficiency class now and still get a license when I turn 21?

Yes, however because you must attest to being 21, your application may not be submitted prior to your 21st birthday.



15. How do I cange the address on my Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

You may submit a request to change the address on your LTC online at License To Carry A Handgun Students attending school out-of-state may leave their permanent address on their LTC. The address change will be required once the student has established a different permanent address. NOTE: Changing the address on your Texas Driver License or ID Card will not automatically change the address on your LTC. You must submit a separate request at License To Carry A Handgun.



16. How do I replace a lost Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

You may submit a request to replace a lost or stolen license online at License To Carry A Handgun NOTE: When DPS replaces a lost/stolen license, the license number will be changed for security reasons.



17. When did the law allowing a licensee to openly carry a handgun go into effect?

House Bill 910 became effective January 1, 2016.



18. Can I use my CHL to carry openly under HB 910?

Yes. Individuals who hold a valid CHL may continue to carry with a valid existing license. A separate or new license will not be required to carry openly under HB 910.



19. Will DPS replace my CHL with a new Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC)?

No. Should you wish to receive the newly designed license, a replacement license may be obtained by submitting duplicate/change of address form. This form can be found under downloadable forms at: LTC-70. Applicable replacement fees will apply, when required. The title caption at the top of the newly design card will read “License to Carry Handgun.”



The License to Carry formerly known as a Concealed Handgun License is commonly referred to as a gun permit, concealed carry license, CCW, concealed carry, handgun license, handgun permit was changed to License To Carry on January 1, 2016. There are many myths out there about handguns and the LICENSE TO CARRY, our job is tell you what the laws and facts are and put any myths to rest during class, so you know the truth. We believe in paying special attention to handgun safety and Situational Awareness, to help teach students how to avoid situations.

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We teach the Texas LICENSE TO CARRY Laws as prescribed by the Texas Legislature and the Texas Department of Public Safety License to Carry Division..

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Our goal is to be the best at what we do and educate our students in a safe environment during our LTC Courses and all other additional training curriculum's. We use multimedia to present the required information to our students in a tried and true method for retaining the most information from the class. We believe in teaching more than just the required information, we try to keep the class light and moving so as to retain your attention and make it easy to learn. 

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FUN, MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTION

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Our classes are 4-6 hours plus range time *per DPS requirements

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A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed handgun if the person:

  1. Is at least 21 years of age, (military 18 – 21 years old)

  2. Has not been convicted of a felony,

  3. Is not charged with the commission of a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or Disorderly Conduct,

  4. Is not a fugitive from justice for a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor,

  5. Is not a chemically dependent person

  6. Is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun.

  7. Has not, in the five years preceding the date of application, been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or an offense under Disorderly Conduct, Section 42.01, Penal Code,

  8. Is fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun,

  9. Has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller.

  10. Has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making a child support payment administered or collected by the attorney general.

  11. Is not currently restricted under a court protective order subject to a restraining order affecting a spousal relationship.

  12. 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.

  13. 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

  14. Direct any questions about eligibility to the DPS Website: www.txdps.state.tx.us

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NEW LICENSE


$65.00 Fee includes all classroom materials and handouts. It does include the range fees ($17.40) and does not include fingerprinting ($9.95) or any State of Texas Fees $40.

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RENEWALS


Current LTC Holders, you only have to apply to The State of Texas DPS and pay the required fee, effective Sept. 1, 2013. No requals to be carried out at the shooting range.

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How to get the Process Started:


Go to the LTC Portal page on top and fill out each link that has been provided for you. You then will need to pay for the course in full, by doing it helps me create a rough class roster.

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If time permits and or if the group is minimal, we will do your online application during each allotted break and schedule your prints via online

The student must be able to operate their weapon and shoot accurately before attending class, as there is no time allotted for teaching someone how to shoot during the class.

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Classroom:
For the classroom portion of the class dress comfortable, keeping in mind that we will also be going to a Firing Range for the Handgun Proficiency portion of the class which has some special requirements listed below. All class materials will be furnished, except for the range portion. A written test will be given at the end of the class.

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” YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO SHOOT YOUR GUN ACCURATELY AND SAFELY BEFORE ATTENDING A CHL CLASS”

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These requirements may seem strict but it is for your safety and the safety of others.
1. Eye Protection
2. Over the ear hearing protection- muff type- to cover the ear and the area behind the ear.
3. Footwear must cover the entire foot, no sandals or flip-flops.
4. No shorts will be allowed on the pistol range for safety purposes.
5. Wear a shirt with a collar to the range.

6. Handguns
a. a Revolver or semi-auto pistol of at least a .22 Cal (A Single action revolver is not recommended).
b. All handguns must be UNLOADED and magazines must be EMPTY.
c. All handguns must be in good working order and have no modifications that will make the handgun unsafe.
d. Laser sights must be disabled for range qualification.
e. All weapons are subject to inspection by the instructor.
f. Be familiar with your handgun, know how it operates.
g. There is no time allotted for zeroing in your handgun in this class

7. Ammunition– NO RELOADED Ammunition will be allowed. You will need a minimum of 50 rounds, as well as additional ammunition should you fail to qualify the first time.

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You must qualify with a minimum score of 175 out of 250 on the handgun proficiency test.
TEXAS Dept. Of Public Safety: http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/

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Once you have completed your application online it will ask you to make an appointment for Electronic Fingerprints with Identogo Services, they charge $9.95 for the printing and you will need your Driver’s License for identification purposes. Once they take your fingerprints they will send them to Texas DPS electronically. This greatly reduces the chance of you having to retake your fingerprints. Scan your fingerprints receipt in with your LTC100 that you will be submitting to TX DPS.

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