CCW Classes in Texas

Find License to Carry (LTC) classes and CCW instructors near you in Texas, plus what DPS requires before you apply.

PermitLicense to Carry (LTC)
Permitless CarryYes
Minimum Age21 (DPS now accepts 18 to 20)
Training4 to 6 hr class + range test

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338 instructors and schools listed

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How to Get a License to Carry (LTC) in Texas

Texas has allowed permitless carry since September 1, 2021, so most adults who can legally have a handgun can carry one in public without a license. The License to Carry (LTC) is still issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and many gun owners still get one for the benefits below.

Who Can Apply

You must meet the federal requirements to buy a handgun and not be disqualified under Texas law. Texas law sets the carry age at 21. After a federal court ruling, DPS says it no longer denies applications only because the applicant is 18 to 20 years old. Recent DWI convictions, deferred adjudication for certain offenses, and delinquent child support can make you ineligible.

Training Requirements

4 to 6 hours of classroom instruction, taken in person or online
A written exam with a DPS-certified LTC instructor
A range proficiency demonstration with a certified instructor, which must be done in person
Topics include weapons laws, use of deadly force, handgun safety, non-violent dispute resolution, and safe storage

How to Apply

Apply online through the DPS handgun licensing portal and pay the fee
Complete the classroom and range training and pass both exams
Submit your Certificate of Training (LTC-100 or LTC-101) and any documents listed in your application receipt
Get fingerprinted using the instructions DPS sends you
DPS issues the license within 60 days of receiving a complete application

Cost

The original license and the renewal are each $40. DPS offers reduced fees for certain special-condition applicants. Fees are non-refundable.

Why Get an LTC If Texas Has Permitless Carry

Carry in other states that recognize the Texas LTC through reciprocity
Use the license in place of a NICS background check when buying a handgun
Carry where only license holders are allowed, including university campuses
Protection if you accidentally carry into an airport secured area
The license is valid ID and counts as voter ID

Carry Rules to Know

If any part of your handgun is visible, Texas law requires it to be in a holster. Guns are still banned in places such as schools, polling places and secured airport areas, and private businesses can ban carry with posted signs that meet state requirements.

Official source: Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas CCW FAQs

Do You Need a License to Carry a Gun in Texas?

No. Since September 1, 2021, adults who can legally possess a handgun can carry one in public without a license. The License to Carry is optional, but it adds benefits like carrying in states with reciprocity and carrying on university campuses.

How Much Does a Texas LTC Cost?

The original Texas License to Carry costs $40 and a renewal costs $40. DPS offers reduced fees for certain special-condition applicants. Class fees are set by each instructor and are separate from the state fee.

How Long Is the Texas LTC Class?

The classroom portion is 4 to 6 hours and ends with a written exam. You also complete a range proficiency demonstration with a DPS-certified instructor. Many schools run the whole course in one day.

Can You Take the Texas LTC Class Online?

Yes, the classroom portion can be taken online. The range proficiency demonstration must be done in person with a DPS-certified LTC instructor.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get an LTC in Texas?

Texas law sets the carry age at 21. After a federal court ruling, DPS says it no longer denies applications only because an applicant is 18 to 20 years old.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Texas LTC?

DPS issues the license within 60 days after it receives a complete application, including your training certificate and fingerprints.

Do You Need a Holster to Carry in Texas?

If any part of your handgun is visible, Texas law requires it to be in a holster. The law does not define what counts as a holster, so choose one that covers the trigger guard completely and holds the gun securely, like a KYDEX holster molded to your exact gun.

Listings come from public business information and instructor submissions. Laws change, so confirm current requirements with the official state agency before you apply. This page is not legal advice. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

CCW Classes in Texas

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Top Gun Range

Nagel's Gun Shop

Texas Gun Experience

LoneStar Handgun

Defender Outdoors Shooting Center

Nardis Gun Club - "The Original" - HOURS: USE COMPANY WEBSITE

Nardis Gun Club at Alamo Ranch Hours: use company website

Frisco Gun Club

Buck & Doe's Mercantile

Nardis Gun Club at Rolling Oaks - For Hours go to nardisgunclub.com

Bullet Hole Gun Range

Go Strapped Firearms Training

Tactical Safety Institute

Hunter Ed

Texas Gun Club

Shady Oaks Gun Range

Central Texas Gun Works (CTGW)

Mission Ridge Range & Academy

Gritr Range

Security Tactics Academy

Tactical Fitness Austin

4Ward Defense Firearms + Training

Big Iron Handgun License Training

Rooftop Shooting Range

BTO Range & Training Center

Train Protect Defend

Operation Shield

Lone Star Shooting Sports

Valor Defense Academy

P3 Specialized Training LLC & Hp Security &Patrol

Bracken Guns

East Texas Tactical Firearms Training

Best Shot Range

Texas Concealed Carry Institute

Texas Handgun Academy

Templar Defense TX

GUNNS' Training Academy and Services, LLC

Extreme Tactics & Training Solutions

Lone Star Pistol Training Academy

Defensive Solutions of Texas

P³ Training And Consulting

Critical Defense Group- Professional Training Services

Guardian Training Agency

McKinney Firearms Training

Stay Ready Training Academy

Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas

Lone Star Tactical Supply

Texas Concealed Carry, LLC

Armor Plate Protection Services

1840 Inc

Texas LTC Training Academy-Houston

San Angelo Firearms Learning Center

Magnolia Hunting Supply

My Own Defender LLC

DefendFit

Educated Arms

Lone Star Tactical Training

All My Sons Self Defense LLC

RAK Armory, LLC

Modern Gladiator Defense LLC

Condition 1 Combat Center

Mac's Gun Shop Inc

Guns N More

Helotes Tactical Firearms

Freedom Defense Tactical

Chandlers Concealed License to Carry Classes

Proactive Defense

Armored Boar Gunworks LLC

Guardian Defense LLC

Aslan LTC & Gun Safety Training LLC

At Her Defense, LLC | San Antonio Firearms Training for Women

River City Tactical

Chandler's Gun Shop & Shooting

Texas Gun School

Freedom Defense Training, LLC

LTC Austin - Firearms and Training

Online Texas LTC

DCK Outdoor Range & Training Facility