Assuming you’re of legal age, all you’ll need to legally carry or conceal a handgun in Texas is a license to carry (LTC). To obtain this license, you’ll need to take an in-person or online course and meet the other requirements stipulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Today, the firearms education pros from Online LTC, a premier provider of LTC and CHL online classes, focus on what might happen if you avoid taking any type of LTC class.
You Won’t Have a License to Carry
The one thing that will certainly happen if you avoid taking any type of LTC class in Texas is that you won’t have a license to carry. This is because to receive your LTC, you’ll need to complete the training requirement, which can be met in one of two ways:
• Online classes – Since 2017, Texas has allowed training classes to be taken online through approved course providers, which you may find appealing because classes can be split into 20-minute segments and completed at your own pace.
• In-person classes – Classes can be taken in person, but you’ll need to complete the 5–6 hour class in a single day.
You Won’t Be Able to Do the Proficiency Demonstration
You can’t skip the training requirement and just go to the proficiency demonstration in Texas. This is true even if you’re already proficient at using firearms correctly and safely. To complete the shooting part of the license requirement, you’ll need a certificate of completion that states you finished an online or in-person course. The shooting qualification is fairly basic, so you won’t need to be an expert to pass.
You Could Face a Class A Misdemeanor Charge
This is completely dependent upon the circumstances involved. The Texas legislature eliminated criminal penalties for not displaying an LTC in 2009. However, this only applies if you have an LTC but don’t have the physical card in your possession. You could be charged with a class A misdemeanor—unlawful carrying of a weapon—for carrying a handgun in public without a license.
You’ll Miss Important Information Every Gun Owner Should Know
Another thing that might happen if you avoid taking an LTC class in Texas is not being up to date on important gun-related information. According to the Texas DPS website, classes typically cover:
• Details about the most recent gun-related laws in Texas
• Updates on use of force and weapons laws
• Tips for safe handling and handgun storage
• Advice on nonviolent dispute resolution
Purchasing Firearms May Take Longer
You don’t specifically need a license to carry if you’re purchasing a firearm in Texas. However, some places where you can purchase firearms in the Lone Star State will waive the background check if you have an LTC and fill out the necessary paperwork. This can make the purchasing process less time-consuming.
You Could Have Less Peace of Mind
By taking an LTC class, you’ll get the added peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re legally able to open or conceal carry anywhere in the state. Plus, a valid Texas LTC is also recognized in many other states as long as there is reciprocity—the legal term for recognizing licenses from other states.
When 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. Whether they need information on firearms safety or they want to take a Texas LTC online 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.
