As a certified Texas LTC instructor, Texas DPS RSD licensed Level 3 firearms instructor, and NRA-certified instructor, I often get questions from LTC holders across the state. Thanks to my online presence at carry-texas.com, people reach out with real-world scenarios that can benefit anyone carrying in Texas. Recently, I received an email that’s worth sharing—it’s a perfect example of a situation many LTC holders might face. Elizabeth got married, and needed to know the LTC process for updating your name.
The Question
On March 26, 2025, Elizabeth emailed me:
“My LTC is expiring on 4/5/2025. I have not changed my name yet from getting married. Can I do both at the same time? Will the renewal pick up the name change from my TDL [Texas Driver’s License]?”
Elizabeth isn’t a client—she’s just an LTC holder looking for clarity. But her question is one I’ve heard before, and the answer can help anyone navigating a similar situation. License renewal questions come in all the time - but this one came with a twist: updating your name.
Elizabeth's situation, where her LTC is nearing its expiration date of April 5, 2025, shows why timing matters. Whether you're dealing with a standard renewal or a legal change like a married name, staying ahead of deadlines is essential for responsible gun ownership. The Texas DPS website provides all the necessary forms and instructions, ensuring you can handle everything efficiently if you know where to look.
The Process: Renewal and Name Changes
In Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages LTC renewals and updates. Here’s how to handle a renewal and a name change, based on my experience as a licensed instructor:
Renewal First (LTC-77 Form)
To renew your LTC, use the LTC-77 form, available on the Texas DPS website. Submit it before your expiration date—April 5, 2025, in Elizabeth’s case—to keep your license active. The renewal process uses the information currently on file, so it won’t automatically reflect a name change.
You can renew online through the Texas DPS portal or by mail, and the process typically takes 7 to 45 days for approval and delivery of your new card. Fees vary, with a standard cost of $40, though discounts apply for seniors, veterans, or active military, as outlined in the Texas Handgun License Renewal Guide. My advice as an LTC instructor is to act early and double-check all details on the form to prevent delays in processing time.
Name Change Second (LTC-70 Form)
Updating your name after marriage or another legal change, submit the LTC-70 form, also on the DPS website. This ensures your LTC matches your current legal ID, like your Texas Driver’s License. However, you’ll need to handle this separately from the renewal. The Texas DPS requires the LTC-70 Form for changes like name updates or address modifications, as listed in the Forms | Department of Public Safety.
For Elizabeth, who recently got married and hasn't updated her name yet, I recommend completing the renewal first with her current information, then submitting the LTC-70 Form for the name update. Why separate the steps? Combining them risks delays if the name change documentation slows down the renewal, potentially leaving you without an active license. Once your renewed LTC is in hand, updating to your married name becomes a straightforward follow-up task.
Can You Do Both at Once?
Technically, you could submit both forms together, but I recommend doing the renewal first, then the name change. Why?
- Avoid a Lapse: If the name change delays your renewal processing, you could end up without a valid LTC.
- Keep It Simple: Renewing first gets you a new card quickly. Then, updating your name on an active license is a straightforward follow-up step.
For Elizabeth, renewing before April 5, 2025, keeps her covered. Once she has her renewed LTC, she can submit the LTC-70 to reflect her new married name. As highlighted in the Texas Handgun License Renewal Guide, renewing on time prevents lapses that could force you to start over with a new application.
Pro Tips from a Texas LTC Expert
- Update Your TDL First: If your driver’s license still shows your old name, update it at the Texas DMV before submitting the LTC-70. Your LTC name must match your current ID.
- Act Early: DPS suggests submitting renewals at least 30 days before expiration. Don’t cut it close!
- Double-Check: Ensure all forms are filled out correctly—errors can slow things down.
Update your Texas Drivers License FIRST
This step is critical because discrepancies between your LTC and ID can cause issues during traffic stops or other situations where you need to present both. As a firearms instructor, I've seen how small mismatches can lead to unnecessary complications. Take care of your TDL update first, then align your LTC with the same information to stay compliant with Texas laws on handgun licensing.
Why This Matters
Elizabeth’s email shows how everyday life events—like getting married—can intersect with your LTC responsibilities. Staying on top of renewals and updates keeps you compliant and ready to carry legally. It’s also a reminder of why I maintain carry-texas.com: to provide clear, reliable info for Texas LTC holders.
Stay Compliant and Carry Confidently in Texas
Managing your Texas License to Carry, whether through renewal or a name update after a life event like marriage, doesn't have to be stressful. By prioritizing the renewal process with the LTC-77 Form, handling name changes separately via the LTC-70 Form, and ensuring your Texas Drivers License is current through the Texas DMV, you can keep everything in order. Drawing from official sources like the Texas DPS and practical insights in the Texas Handgun License Renewal Guide, this guide aims to simplify the steps for LTC holders across the state.
At carry-texas.com, my goal as a firearms instructor is to support the community with clear, reliable information. Whether you're in Elizabeth's shoes or just approaching your expiration date, staying proactive ensures you can carry with confidence while meeting all legal requirements. If you have questions or unique scenarios, drop me an email, and let's tackle them together for the sake of compliance and peace of mind in our shared commitment to responsible gun ownership.
You should start the renewal process for your Texas LTC up to 6 months before the expiration date, but ideally at least 30 days prior to avoid any gaps in your legal ability to carry. Acting early helps ensure there are no delays in processing, which can take 7 to 45 days. To renew your Texas License to Carry, you need to use the LTC-77 Form, which is specifically designated for renewal applications. This form can be accessed and submitted through the Texas DPS website, either online or by mail. The standard fee for renewing a Texas LTC is $40. However, discounts are available for certain groups such as seniors (60 and over) at $35, veterans at $25, active military for free, and indigent individuals with proof of eligibility at no cost. To update your name on your Texas License to Carry after a legal change such as marriage, you need to submit the LTC-70 Form. This form is used for name changes, address updates, or other modifications and is available on the Texas DPS website. It's recommended to complete the renewal of your Texas LTC first using your current information to maintain an active license. After receiving your renewed license, then submit the LTC-70 Form for the name update to avoid potential delays that could leave you without a valid license. Yes, you should update your Texas Drivers License or other legal ID to reflect your new name before submitting the LTC-70 Form for a name change on your LTC. This ensures consistency between your identification and license, preventing issues during situations like traffic stops. To update your name on your Texas Drivers License at the Texas DMV, you will need to provide legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that verifies the name change. This updated ID must then match the information provided for your LTC update. After submitting your renewal application for a Texas LTC, it typically takes between 7 to 45 days to receive confirmation and have the updated license delivered by mail. Processing times can vary based on the completeness of your application and any additional verification required. If your Texas LTC expires, you can still renew it within 12 months of expiration with an additional late fee, but you cannot legally carry during this period. If it has been more than a year since expiration, you must apply for a new original license, which includes retaking the certification class and submitting fingerprints. Yes, under Texas constitutional carry laws, you can carry a handgun without a license if you are 21 or older, legally qualified to own a firearm, and carry in a holster, provided you are not in prohibited areas. However, maintaining an active LTC offers benefits like reciprocity with other states and bypassing background checks for firearm purchases.Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I start the renewal process for my Texas License to Carry?
What form do I need to renew my Texas LTC?
How much does it cost to renew a Texas License to Carry?
What form is required to update my name on my Texas LTC after marriage?
Should I renew my LTC before or after updating my name?
Do I need to update my Texas Drivers License before changing my name on my LTC?
What documents are needed to update my name on my Texas Drivers License?
How long does it take to receive a renewed Texas LTC after submission?
What happens if my Texas LTC expires before I renew it?
Can I carry a handgun in Texas without renewing my LTC due to constitutional carry laws?
