Introduction
In Texas, obtaining a License to Carry (LTC), previously known as a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), is relatively straightforward. The process has been made even more convenient with the option to complete much of it online. If you’re in Arlington, TX, and are considering getting your LTC, this guide will walk you through the steps required to apply for and obtain your license, all while doing most of the work from the comfort of your home.
1. Understand the Basic Requirements
Before starting the application process, it’s essential to make sure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for an LTC in Texas. You must:
– Be at least 21 years old (18 years old if you are active duty military or a veteran).
– Be a legal resident of Texas for at least six months prior to applying (unless applying as a member of the military).
– Have no felony convictions or pending charges.
– Not be under any legal restrictions that prohibit you from owning or carrying a firearm.
– Be capable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun.
Additionally, applicants with certain mental health diagnoses or those who have been convicted of certain Class A or Class B misdemeanors may be ineligible.
2. Complete the Online Training Course
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) allows residents to complete the mandatory LTC course online with RedZone LTC. This is a four to six-hour training session that covers key topics such as:
– Texas gun laws.
– Non-violent dispute resolution.
– Firearm safety and handling.
– Proper storage and transportation of a firearm.
Several DPS-certified instructors offer online courses. When choosing a course, ensure that it is approved by the Texas DPS. RedZone LTC’s course fee $49 and this includes the exam.
During the RedZone LTC online course, you’ll learn everything needed to be a responsible gun owner in Texas. At the end of the course, there will be a 25-question multiple-choice exam. Once you pass this exam, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, which you’ll need to submit with your LTC application.
We promise you will have an exceptional online experience using RedZone LTC to start your certification for your LTC!
3. Schedule the Shooting Proficiency Test
While the coursework can be completed online, you will still need to complete a shooting proficiency test in person. You must demonstrate your ability to safely handle and fire a handgun. This test must be conducted by a certified LTC instructor.
In Arlington, you can find local gun ranges that offer proficiency tests for LTC applicants. Some ranges even have partnerships with online LTC course providers, making it easier to book your proficiency test as soon as you finish the online portion. During the test, you’ll be evaluated on:
– Proper firearm handling.
– Accurate shooting within a specific range.
– Safe loading, unloading, and carrying of the firearm.
Expect the proficiency test to cost between $30-$50. Most tests can be completed in about an hour.
### Popular Gun Ranges in Arlington:
– **Shoot Smart**
– **Range USA Arlington**
– **Alpine Shooting Range (just outside Arlington)**
4. Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed your online course with RedZone LTC and passed the shooting proficiency test, it’s time to submit your LTC application to the Texas DPS. Here’s how:
1. *Go to the Texas DPS website ([LTC Application Page](https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/ltc/)).
2. Fill out the online application form – You’ll need to provide:
– Your name, date of birth, and other personal details.
– Your certificate of completion from the online course.
– Your shooting proficiency test results.
– A valid form of identification (like a Texas driver’s license).
3. Pay the application fee – The standard fee is $40, but certain applicants (such as veterans or law enforcement officers) may qualify for a reduced fee or waiver.
5. Schedule Your Fingerprinting Appointment
Texas law requires LTC applicants to submit their fingerprints for a background check. After submitting your application, you’ll receive instructions on how to schedule a fingerprinting appointment through Identogo, the DPS-approved fingerprinting service.
The cost for fingerprinting is about $10. You’ll need to bring identification to your appointment, and once completed, your fingerprints will be automatically sent to the DPS for review.
6. Await Background Check and Approval
After submitting your application, completing your fingerprints, and providing all necessary documentation, your application will go through a background check. The Texas DPS will check for any criminal history or factors that might disqualify you from receiving a license.
This process can take up to 60 days, though many applicants receive their approval much sooner. Once approved, your License to Carry will be mailed to you.
7. Receive Your LTC and Carry Responsibly
Once you receive your Texas LTC, you’re legally allowed to carry a handgun either openly or concealed in most places throughout Texas. However, it’s important to always respect local laws, private property rights, and any signage prohibiting firearms in certain establishments.
Key Points to Remember:
– You must still carry your LTC card when you are carrying a handgun.
– Pay attention to “30.06” and “30.07” signs in Texas, which prohibit concealed or open carry in certain places.
– You must notify law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm if stopped or approached by an officer.
Final Thoughts: Choosing What’s Best for You
Getting your License to Carry in Arlington, TX, is a streamlined process that can largely be completed online, making it more convenient than ever. By following the steps outlined here, you can confidently apply for your LTC, complete the necessary training, and exercise your right to carry a handgun responsibly.
Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or just new to carrying, the process is designed to ensure that you are well-educated on firearm safety and the laws governing carrying in Texas. Stay safe, stay informed, and always carry with responsibility.
If you have any questions or need additional resources, Arlington’s local gun ranges and certified instructors are great places to start for more personalized guidance.
Start Getting Your LTC Online Today
Once you decide which type of holster you would like, you should next get your License to Carry with our easy online class! Go to RedZone LTC and start today!
– Convenience: Complete the coursework at your own pace from home.
– Flexibility: Fits into your schedule without the need for in-person classes.
– Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than traditional in-person classes.
