Do You Still Need an LTC in Texas With Constitutional Carry?
Permitless carry is legal, but there are still real reasons to get a License to Carry in Texas.
Legally, you don’t need a Texas LTC to carry a handgun in most public places. But “don’t need” isn’t the same as “shouldn’t get.” The LTC still delivers real benefits.
Practical reasons to still get an LTC
- Reciprocity. The Texas LTC is honored in around 35+ other states. Permitless carry stops at the state line.
- Faster gun-store checks. LTC holders often skip the NICS wait entirely under the “Brady permit” exemption, meaning you walk out with your purchase quickly.
- Certain sensitive locations. Federal law and some specific Texas statutes carve out access differences for LTC holders (some Post-Sept-2021 changes narrowed these, so review current law).
- Proof of training. Employers, landlords, insurance carriers, and law enforcement view an LTC as documentation you’ve been trained and vetted.
- A cleaner encounter if you’re ever stopped. Presenting an LTC alongside your ID during a traffic stop signals to the officer that you’ve been through background screening and training. Reduces friction.
- Reduced legal risk. In a defensive-use investigation, LTC training documentation supports your claim that you understood the law when you carried.
The cost
Texas LTC application fee is $40, and our LTC class at FANG runs $75 including range fee. Fingerprinting through IdentoGo is another $10. Total under $130 for something that’s good for years.
The right to carry is worth exercising. Getting the LTC is worth doing.
Stay safe. Semper Fi.
Gunny
Straight talk: This is education, not legal advice. Gun law changes. Consult a Texas attorney for your specific situation, and always confirm current rules with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the ATF.
