As of September 2021, Texas law allows residents to obtain a License to Carry (LTC) if they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The license allows a person to carry a handgun in a concealed or openly visible manner, as long as they comply with the state's laws.
One common question among prospective applicants is whether they can obtain a concealed carry license in Texas if they take an online course. The short answer is yes, you can take an online course to meet the training requirements for the LTC. However, it is important to understand the specific requirements for the course and the steps to obtain the license.
Online LTC Course Requirements
The Texas DPS requires that the LTC course consist of at least four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of range instruction. The course must be administered by a certified LTC instructor, who is authorized by the DPS to conduct the training.
The DPS allows for the classroom portion of the LTC course to be completed in person or online. However, the range instruction must be completed in person, as it requires the applicant to demonstrate proficiency with a handgun.
It is important to note that not all online courses are created equal. The DPS requires that the online course provider must have the same certification as an in-person course provider. The provider must also offer a video conference option for the range instruction portion of the course, which allows the instructor to monitor the applicant's proficiency with a handgun.
Steps to Obtain a Concealed Carry License in Texas
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Determine eligibility: To obtain a LTC in Texas, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the DPS. These criteria include being at least 21 years of age, not having any felony convictions, and being a legal resident of Texas.
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Complete the LTC course: The next step is to complete the LTC course, either in person or online, with a certified instructor. Be sure to verify that the instructor and course provider are certified by the DPS.
- Use our Instructor Locator to find a local LTC instructor to complete your proficiency demonstration.
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Submit the application: After completing the course, you must submit your application to the DPS. The application requires you to provide personal information, including your name, address, and demographic information. You must also provide information about your criminal history, if applicable.
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Get fingerprinted: As part of the application process, you must be fingerprinted by a certified provider. The DPS uses the fingerprints to conduct a criminal background check on the applicant.
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Wait for approval: After submitting your application and fingerprints, you must wait for the DPS to review your application and conduct a background check. The processing time can take up to 60 days.
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Receive your LTC: If your application is approved, you will receive your LTC in the mail. The license is valid for five years and must be renewed before it expires.
Conclusion
In summary, you can obtain a concealed carry license in Texas by taking an online LTC course that meets the requirements set by the Texas DPS. The course must be administered by a certified instructor, and the range instruction portion must be completed in person or via video conference. After completing the course and submitting your application, you must wait for the DPS to conduct a background check and approve your application. Once approved, you will receive your LTC in the mail and can legally carry a handgun in Texas.
In-Person and Online License to Carry Class
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