Free Guide to Texas Concealed Carry License Requirements

Understanding Texas Concealed Carry License Basics

A Texas Concealed Handgun License (CHL), now officially called a License to Carry (LTC), is a document issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety that allows a person to carry a concealed handgun in public. Texas has issued these licenses since 1996, when the state first passed its concealed carry law. As of 2023, Texas has issued over 1.9 million licenses to carry, making it one of the largest concealed carry populations in the United States.

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The license itself is valid for five years from the date of issuance. This means that once you receive your license, it remains valid through that five-year period unless it is revoked or suspended by the state. The license is a wallet-sized card that you must carry with you whenever you carry a concealed handgun. Texas law requires that you have both the license and a valid photo identification with you at all times when carrying a handgun.

Understanding what a License to Carry actually does is important. This license permits you to carry a concealed handgun on your person in most public places throughout Texas. It does not permit open carry of a handgun (carrying visibly), though Texas did pass open carry legislation in 2015 for license holders. The license is specific to handguns and does not cover long guns like rifles or shotguns. Additionally, even with a valid license, there are specific locations where carrying a handgun remains prohibited by state law.

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains records of all active licenses. You can verify your own license status through the DPS website, and law enforcement can check the validity of any license during a traffic stop or other interaction. If your license is ever suspended or revoked, you will be notified, though the reason for suspension or revocation varies based on changes in your circumstances or legal status.

Practical Takeaway: Before pursuing a License to Carry, understand that this document permits concealed handgun carry in most—but not all—Texas locations for five years. Familiarize yourself with the basic definition so you know what you're learning about in the rest of this guide.

Statutory Requirements for License Holders

Texas law establishes specific requirements that a person must meet to be issued a License to Carry. These requirements are written into Texas Penal Code Section 46.02 and the Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter H. The state legislature has defined who may legally hold a license and who cannot. Understanding these requirements is the first step in determining whether the license is something you might pursue.

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To hold a License to Carry in Texas, you must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement is non-negotiable under current Texas law. Some limited exceptions exist for active military members who are at least 18 years old, but the general rule is 21. You must also be a resident of Texas or a member of the U.S. military stationed in Texas. Residency is typically shown through documents like a Texas driver's license, a utility bill, a lease agreement, or tax documents. The key point is that the state wants to know you have a genuine connection to Texas.

Additionally, you must not have been convicted of a felony. Texas defines felonies as crimes punishable by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. If you have ever been convicted of any felony under Texas law or any other state's law, you will not be issued a License to Carry. This is a permanent bar unless the conviction is later expunged or pardoned through the official legal process. Misdemeanor convictions generally do not prevent you from holding a license, though certain specific misdemeanors—particularly those involving violence, drugs, or family violence—may create obstacles.

You also must not have been diagnosed with certain mental health conditions and adjudicated as mentally incompetent, or been committed to a mental health facility. The state looks at official court records and mental health commitments, not merely a diagnosis. Furthermore, if you have an active protective order or restraining order against you, you cannot hold a license. You must also not be subject to a court order that prohibits you from possessing a firearm.

Practical Takeaway: Review these core requirements carefully. If you have a felony conviction, are under 21, do not reside in Texas, have an active protective order, or have been officially committed to a mental health facility, additional investigation into your specific situation may be necessary before pursuing a license.

The License Application Process and Required Documents

The process of requesting a License to Carry involves submitting an application to your county sheriff's office or to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas law allows for two pathways: you may apply through your local county sheriff, or you may apply through the DPS directly. Many people choose their county sheriff's office because it is often more convenient and local. The application process has been streamlined significantly since 2015 when the state passed permitless carry legislation for long guns, though the License to Carry itself still requires the formal application process for concealed handgun carry.

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To begin the process, you will need to gather several documents. You will need a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a Texas driver's license, passport, or military ID. You will also need proof of residency in Texas, which can be shown through documents like a recent utility bill, lease agreement, property deed, or voter registration card. The proof of residency must show your name and current address. Additionally, you will need to provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The state uses this information to conduct background checks through the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The application form itself is called the LTC Application form or DPS Form CHL-1. This form requests personal information including your full legal name, date of birth, physical description, distinguishing marks or scars, and emergency contact information. You must declare on the form that you meet all statutory requirements, including having no disqualifying felonies, mental health commitments, or protective orders. Making a false statement on this form is a crime. You will also need to pay a fee. As of 2024, the state fee for a License to Carry is $40 for a five-year license, though some county sheriffs may charge an additional processing fee.

Once you submit your application along with your documents and fee, the sheriff's office or DPS will conduct a background investigation. This investigation includes checking state and federal criminal history databases, mental health records, and protective order records. The sheriff's office or DPS has up to 60 days from the date of application to make a determination. If they approve your application, you will be issued your License to Carry. If they deny your application, they must provide you with written notice stating the reason for denial. If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to request a hearing.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your photo ID, proof of residency, and Social Security Number before going to your county sheriff's office to apply. Complete the application form accurately and truthfully, as false statements create legal problems. Plan for the process to take 30 to 60 days from the time you apply.

Locations Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited

Even with a valid License to Carry, Texas law prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in certain locations. Understanding these prohibited locations is critical, as carrying in a prohibited location is a crime that can result in arrest and criminal charges. The state law lists specific categories of locations where even license holders cannot carry a handgun, and these rules are very specific.

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Schools and school property are completely off-limits for concealed handgun carry, with rare exceptions. This includes public schools, private schools, and even school buses. The only exception is that a person who is licensed and who resides on school property may carry a handgun in their own residence, even if that residence is on school grounds. Government buildings are also prohibited. This includes courthouses, legislative buildings, and most city or county office buildings. However, the rules for government buildings are somewhat more flexible than schools—a government agency has the authority to post signage allowing license holders to carry in that specific building, though most do not.

Private property owners have the right to prohibit concealed handgun carry on their property. If a business posts a sign saying that handguns are not permitted, or if the owner or manager verbally tells you that firearms are not permitted, you must comply. Carrying in violation of the property owner's prohibition is trespassing and possibly a criminal offense. Common locations where this comes up include movie theaters, shopping malls, restaurants, and retail stores. Check