At one time, concealed carry classes were in-person only in many parts of the country, including Texas. We’re pleased to report this is no longer the case, since online-accessible concealed carry classes have been legal in the Lone Star State since 2016, according to U.S. LawShield. Keep reading to learn more about online concealed carry classes and why they’re beneficial for legal and responsible gun owners.
HB 3784 Is the Relevant Law
This is the bill specific to online concealed carry classes officially passed by the Texas legislature in 2016. It made classes provided this way legal across the state. Online classes are similar to traditional ones. The main difference is you can conveniently learn what you need to know to obtain your permit or license remotely. Incidentally, the proper term for concealed carry classes, whether we’re talking about online or in-person, is license to carry. This is because the license you get after meeting all requirements—including the written exam and proficiency test—allows for both open and concealed carry in Texas.
Instructors Must Meet State Requirements
Instructors who teach in-person classes aren’t necessarily automatically qualified to teach classes that prepare you to get a handgun license online. Texas has specific requirements online instructors must meet to provide LTC classes online. Fortunately, finding an online-accessible class with qualified instructors isn’t too difficult. Just make sure to confirm it’s an official online class for the state of Texas and not one from another state offering non-resident concealed carry/LTC classes.
However, any Texas LTC instructor can complete the proficiency demonstration. The proficiency demonstration is the shooting qualification that must be taken after the online LTC class is completed. Students have 2 years from the completion of the online class to complete the proficiency demonstration and submit it to Texas DPS.
Online Classes Are Popular in Texas
Ever since online concealed carry classes became legal in Texas, they’ve been extremely popular with gun owners statewide. Additionally, it doesn’t matter where you live in Texas if you prefer to take a concealed carry class online. The caveat is the class you take must be approved statewide by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Online Concealed Carry Classes Offer Several Benefits
We mentioned earlier that online classes are similar to in-person ones, which you can still take if this is the option you prefer. But there’s one notable difference—online classes can be spaced out in any way that’s convenient for you. In fact, you can start and stop at any point with an online class as long as you get through the entire course. Online-based LTC classes offer additional benefits that include:
• Not having to worry about traveling to physical classrooms
• Quickly and easily gaining added knowledge about Texas gun laws
• Being able to go at your own pace
• Learning in the comfort of your own home
A license to carry or concealed carry permit is no longer required in Texas under certain circumstances. Even so, online classes and the LTC are beneficial because they offer a convenient way to brush up on gun safety laws and basics. This information ultimately makes you a more confident gun owner and user. Plus, having an LTC provides multiple legal advantages and protections, as well as comes in handy in states you visit where a license is required to legally carry and they recognize Texas LTCs.
Whether you already own a firearm or you’re considering purchasing one, it’s essential to know how to use it safely. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training available. Whether you simply need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot safely or you want to take a Texas CHL class, Online Texas LTC has what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2206.
