Even with Texas poised to become a constitutional carry state, the requirements for obtaining a license to carry in order to take advantage of its benefits and protections still apply. It’s important to know what these are so you don’t run into any unexpected roadblocks while seeking an LTC. Below, the firearms education pros from Online Texas LTC, a premier provider of Texas license to carry online classes, go over some of the common circumstances and situations that may result in you not being able to qualify for an LTC in Texas.
Being Convicted of a Class A or Class B Misdemeanor
Simply having been convicted of a class A or B misdemeanor at some time in the past won’t automatically disqualify you from getting an LTC in Texas. However, misdemeanors of this nature will make you ineligible for an LTC if you were convicted of incidents fitting either category within the past five years. For example, if you had a DUI within the past five years, you wouldn’t be able to obtain an LTC in Texas.
According to Texas DPS, dismissed charges as well as charges sent to deferred adjudication within the past five years are still considered a conviction. If you already have an LTC and you’re convicted of a class A or B misdemeanor, your license will be suspended for five years. After that time, you’ll be able to apply for a new LTC.
In some situations, an arrest is made but charges are dropped at some point before prosecution. Texas doesn’t consider this to be a conviction. Therefore, you would still be able to obtain an LTC in this case.
Being Behind on Child Support Payments
Texas’s official website states being behind on child support payments is another reason you would be considered ineligible for an LTC. In this case, if you have an existing LTC and you fall behind on child support payments, your license would be suspended until you become current with your payments, provided any other circumstances that would disqualify you from having an LTC don’t apply.
Not Meeting Basic LTC Requirements
One other thing that disqualifies you from having an LTC in Texas is not meeting the basic requirements for a license to carry. To apply for an LTC in Texas, you’ll need to:
• Be at least 21 years old*
• Meet federal qualifications to be a legal gun user/owner
• Have a valid state-issued ID card
• Meet other qualifications to legally own and use a handgun
*You can be under 21 to obtain an LTC if you’re an active military member or a victim of domestic violence
LTC Requirements for Listing Arrests
When you fill out an LTC application in Texas, you’re required to list any arrests on your record. Reduce the risk of application delays by including the following information about arrests if this applies to you:
• Copies of the disposition for each arrest
• The nature of the offense and the date of the arrest
• The location of the arrest
• The final disposition
You’ll also need to mention any cases that involved probation or deferred adjudication on your application. If required information or related documentation isn’t provided, your LTC application may be denied or marked as “incomplete” until all required information is included.
If you meet eligibility requirements and you’re ready to get your Texas LTC, make sure you choose a premier training provider. Online Texas LTC is committed to offering the best firearms training possible. When they need information on firearms safety or they want to take a Texas online LTC course, gun owners trust the expertise of the pros from Online Texas LTC. If you have questions about any aspect of gun ownership in Texas, give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
