Texas License to Carry a Handgun
Texas LTC Training — Start Online
Texas issues to nonresidents and allows online classroom instruction, but the range qualification has the strictest instructor requirements of any state we cover.
At a glance
- Credential
- Texas License to Carry a Handgun
- Issued by
- Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division
- Residents
- Eligible
- Nonresidents
- Eligible
- Online training
- Available
- Live fire
- Required
- Course price
- $74.99
- Provider
- U.S. LawShield
Last reviewed August 2026. Verify current requirements with the issuing authority before applying.
Sort out qualification before coursework
Why consider a Texas LTC
What a Texas LTC gets you.
Texas is a heavily recognized license and a common choice for people who spend time in the state or want broader travel coverage. Nonresidents are eligible, and the classroom instruction can be completed online.
The part people underestimate is qualification. Texas does not simply accept any credentialed instructor's range session. An instructor certifying a Texas applicant needs Texas DPS training, a valid Texas LTC, and a business affiliation in Texas. If you are training from out of state, plan the qualification step before you plan anything else.
Handled in the right order, it is straightforward. Handled backwards — coursework first, qualification later — it becomes an expensive scheduling problem.
How it works
The Texas process, in order.
Steps marked “handled elsewhere” are run by the government or a third party — not by us. Knowing which is which is most of what prevents wasted money.
Confirm eligibility
Texas screens age, criminal history and other statutory prohibitors. Residents and nonresidents may both apply.
Line up your range qualification first
Identify an instructor who meets Texas DPS requirements to certify you. Doing this before you buy coursework prevents the most common Texas mistake.
Complete the online classroom training
The U.S. LawShield Texas LTC course covers Texas law, use of force, safe handling and conflict resolution.
Complete the shooting proficiency demonstration
Qualify in person with your Texas-qualified instructor and receive the required certification.
Apply through Texas DPSHandled elsewhere
Submit your online application, fingerprints and fee to the Department of Public Safety.
What you'll learn
Inside the coursework.
U.S. LawShield Texas LTC Online Training — delivered online by U.S. LawShield.
- Texas laws governing the carry of a handgun and where carry is restricted
- Use of force and deadly force under Texas law
- Handgun use, proficiency and safe handling
- Nonviolent dispute resolution
- Safe storage practices, including storage with children in the home
- Interacting with law enforcement as a license holder
Residency
Resident vs. nonresident.
Texas residents
EligibleTexas residents have the widest choice of qualifying instructors and the simplest path: coursework, qualification, application.
Everyone else
EligibleNonresidents are eligible for a Texas LTC, but the qualification requirement is the bottleneck. Your certifying instructor must satisfy Texas DPS requirements — including DPS training, a valid Texas LTC, and a Texas business affiliation. Confirm your instructor qualifies before enrolling.
Read this before you buy
What this course does — and does not do.
Every state page on this site carries this section. If a training company won't tell you where its product stops, that is the information you needed.
What this course does
- Delivers the Texas classroom curriculum online
- Covers the statutory subject matter required for an LTC
- Is available to residents and nonresidents
- Produces documentation for your DPS application
What it does not do
- Does not satisfy the shooting proficiency demonstration
- Does not certify you if your instructor is not qualified under Texas DPS rules
- Does not issue the license — Texas DPS does
- Does not include fingerprinting or state fees
About the live-fire requirement
Travel value
What could a Texas LTC add to your carry strategy?
A second license is worth it where it covers ground your current one doesn't — and that depends entirely on the combination. So look at the actual recognition below, with the states you travel to in mind, rather than assuming any permit simply adds coverage.
We haven't published a recognition map for this permit yet.
We only publish reciprocity once someone here has read the issuing authority's own current list and transcribed it. We have not finished that for the Texas License to Carry a Handgun, and a plausible-looking guess is worse than nothing when you are planning to travel armed. Verify current recognition directly with the sources below before you rely on it.
- Texas Attorney General — Handgun Licensing Reciprocity
Texas publishes reciprocity determinations by state
Quick answers
Texas, in plain terms.
Can a nonresident get a Texas LTC?
Yes. Texas accepts applications from people who do not live in the state.
Does Texas require live fire?
Yes. Texas requires an in-person range qualification in addition to the classroom instruction.
Can I complete Texas training online?
The classroom portion, yes. Texas still requires you to complete the range component in person.
Who issues the Texas LTC?
Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division.
Texas DPS administers the LTC statewide and also regulates who may certify applicants — the qualification side is more tightly controlled than in most states.
FAQ
Texas questions, answered.
Can a nonresident get a Texas License to Carry?
Yes. Texas issues LTCs to nonresidents. The classroom portion can be completed online, but the shooting proficiency demonstration must be certified by an instructor who meets Texas DPS requirements.
Can Texas LTC training be done online?
The classroom instruction can be completed online. The range qualification is separate and must be conducted in person by a qualified instructor.
Who can certify a nonresident's Texas shooting qualification?
An instructor certifying a Texas applicant must satisfy Texas DPS requirements, which include DPS training, holding a valid Texas LTC, and having a business affiliation in Texas. Confirm your instructor's standing before you schedule.
How much does the Texas LTC online course cost?
The U.S. LawShield Texas LTC online training is $74.99. Range qualification and Texas DPS application fees are separate.
Start your training
Begin your Texas LTC training.
U.S. LawShield Texas LTC Online Training · $74.99 · Delivered by U.S. LawShield. You complete it on your own schedule.
Purchases are completed on the U.S. LawShield site. The Ammo Academy earns a commission on courses bought through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Sources & official resources
Last reviewed: August 2026
- Texas Department of Public Safety — License to Carry
Issuing authority; eligibility, application and instructor rules
- Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H
Statutory basis for licensing and proficiency requirements
Program details for the U.S. LawShield Texas LTC Online Training were provided by U.S. LawShield Instructor Relations. Statutory and procedural details are sourced to the issuing authority above.
Educational information only. Not legal advice. Firearm laws change, and requirements vary by state, county and issuing authority. Verify current requirements with the issuing authority before you apply.
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