For many Texans, the right to carry a firearm is a core part of their identity. But the reasons behind seeking a License to Carry (LTC) are as varied as the people of the Lone Star State. Before 2020, applying for and getting an LTC was considered after receiving experience shooting handguns and making the decision to start concealed carrying for personal defense. However, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced a wave of uncertainty that reshaped how many Texans think about their safety, their communities, and the importance of having an LTC. For many, the LTC is now their first step in gun ownership and is the beginning of the journey to responsible firearm ownership.
This shift in mindset reflects a broader societal change spurred by unprecedented events. The pandemic didn’t just alter our daily routines; it highlighted new vulnerabilities and prompted a re-evaluation of personal preparedness. For many, this led them to consider obtaining a Texas LTC for the very first time.
This post explores the changing mentality behind getting a Texas License to Carry. We’ll look at the pre-pandemic motivations, analyze what changed during and after COVID-19, and outline when and how you can obtain your own LTC.
What is a Texas License to Carry?
A Texas License to Carry (LTC) is an official permit issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that allows qualified individuals to legally carry a handgun, either openly or concealed, in most public places.
While Texas passed “Permitless Carry” (also known as Constitutional Carry) in 2021, allowing eligible citizens to carry a handgun without a permit, the LTC remains highly valuable. An LTC offers significant legal advantages, including the right to carry in more locations, reciprocal agreements with other states, and a smoother firearm purchasing process. It also signifies that the holder has undergone a background check and completed state-mandated classes, demonstrating a formal commitment to responsible firearm ownership.
The Pre-COVID Mentality for Getting an LTC
Before the pandemic, the decision to get a Texas LTC was typically driven by a steady and consistent set of motivations. These reasons were often proactive rather than reactive, born from a general desire for preparedness.
Common motivations included:
- Personal and Family Protection: The primary driver has always been the desire to protect oneself and loved ones. This was often seen as a fundamental right and a practical measure, like having a fire extinguisher at home. It was about being ready for a worst-case scenario, however unlikely.
- A Commitment to the Second Amendment: Many Texans pursued an LTC as a way to exercise their constitutional rights. It was a principled stance—a tangible expression of their belief in the right to bear arms.
- A Hobbyist’s Next Step: For firearm enthusiasts who enjoyed sport shooting or collecting, obtaining an LTC was a natural progression. It allowed them to carry their handguns to and from the range with fewer restrictions and added a layer of legal protection.
In the pre-COVID era, the journey to getting an LTC was usually a deliberate one. It was generally thought of as a logical progression of gun ownership, a step taken after becoming an experienced gun owner.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Shifted Perceptions
With the arrival of COVID-19 in early 2020, along with riots and defunding the police movements, a seismic shift in society was triggered that still lasts to this day. These events brought not just a health crisis but also widespread social and economic disruption. This new environment fundamentally altered the timing of when Texans started seeking a License to Carry.
The post-COVID mentality is characterized by a heightened sense of immediate vulnerability. Here’s what changed:
- Fear of Social Unrest: The pandemic led to empty store shelves, business shutdowns, and economic anxiety. Images of long lines and reports of supply chain disruptions created a palpable fear of social breakdown. Many people who had never before considered owning a firearm suddenly felt a pressing need to protect their families and property from potential chaos.
- Concerns Over Police Response Times: As emergency services were strained by the pandemic and civil demonstrations became more frequent, there was a growing concern that law enforcement might be overwhelmed or delayed. This fueled a sense of self-reliance, with many concluding they needed to be their own first responders.
- A Surge in First-Time Gun Owners: The uncertainty of the times drove a historic surge in firearm sales, with a significant number of purchases made by first-time buyers. For these new owners, getting an LTC was the logical next step to legally carry their firearm for protection and to receive essential safety training.
- Heightened Awareness of Personal Security: The “new normal” felt anything but normal. Working from home, social distancing, and changes in community dynamics made people more aware of their immediate surroundings. This hyper-awareness led many to seek an LTC as a practical tool for navigating a world that suddenly felt less predictable.
The motivation was no longer just about being prepared for a theoretical threat; it was about addressing an immediate and tangible sense of unease. The pandemic demonstrated how quickly the world could change, and for many Texans, an LTC became a symbol of control and security in a time of widespread uncertainty.
This has led to the LTC becoming the first step towards gun ownership for many. Instead of the LTC being a very deliberate decision after owning firearms and receiving training, the LTC is the first step for many, even before owning any guns at all.
As an Approved Online Course Provider for the Texas License to Carry online class, OnlineTexasLTC.com has helped over 70,000 Texans get their LTC. Our analysis of this mindset shift is based on years of conducting the LTC classes and speaking to thousands of these students.
When Should You Get a Texas LTC?
Given the legal landscape in Texas, deciding to get an LTC is a personal choice. While Permitless Carry allows eligible individuals to carry without a license, obtaining an LTC offers distinct advantages. You should consider getting an LTC if:
- You want to carry your handgun in more places. LTC holders can legally carry in some locations that are off-limits to unlicensed carriers.
- You travel frequently. An LTC is recognized in many other states, allowing you to carry legally when you travel.
- You want a more streamlined firearm purchase process. LTC holders can bypass the standard background check when purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer.
- You want legal knowledge and peace of mind. The LTC course provides crucial education on firearm safety, conflict de-escalation, and the laws governing the use of deadly force.
Ultimately, getting an LTC is a sign that you are a responsible, trained, and vetted firearm owner.
How to Get Your Texas LTC
The process for obtaining a Texas License to Carry is straightforward. It involves completing a state-approved LTC course, passing a shooting proficiency test, and submitting an application to the Texas DPS.
It is important to note that everyone, regardless of whether you own a handgun or experience level, can take the online LTC class. For the in-person portion though, you do need to know how to safely handle and shoot a handgun from 3 yards back to 15 yards.
- Enroll in an online LTC Course: Find a certified online course provider (such as OnlineTexasLTC.com) and complete the required online classroom training.
- Complete the In-Person Shooting Qualification: With a certified Texas LTC instructor, complete the proficiency demonstration and range instruction.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online application on the Texas DPS website and pay the required fee.
- Get Fingerprinted: Schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints taken electronically.
- Wait for Approval: Once your application is processed and your background check is complete, you will receive your LTC in the mail.
Secure Your Peace of Mind
The reasons for getting a Texas LTC have evolved, but the core principle of responsible self-defense remains the same. Whether your motivation stems from long-held beliefs or a newfound sense of uncertainty, an LTC provides the legal benefits, and peace of mind.
If you are ready to take the next step toward responsible firearm ownership, our state-certified course provides all the necessary information and knowledge to help you apply for your Texas LTC.
