How to Get an Open Carry Permit in Texas

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Reality of Open Carry in Texas
3. Eligibility Requirements for the Texas LTC
4. The Step-by-Step Process to Getting Your Permit
5. Gear for Open Carry: The Holster is Mandatory
6. Understanding Prohibited Locations
7. Myths vs. Facts About Texas Carry
8. Training for the Real World
9. The Responsibility of the Carrier
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Introduction

Stepping out into the Texas backcountry or navigating the brush of the Hill Country requires more than just a good pair of boots and a reliable map. For many outdoorsmen, personal protection is a fundamental part of their kit. Whether you are concerned about remote trail safety or simply want to exercise your second amendment rights while moving through your daily life, understanding the legal landscape of carrying a firearm is vital. At BattlBox, we prioritize preparation and education, and if you want curated gear delivered monthly, choose your BattlBox subscription.

In Texas, the law regarding how you carry a handgun has shifted significantly in recent years. While "permitless carry" is now a reality, obtaining a formal License to Carry (LTC) remains a smart move for the serious enthusiast. This guide covers the specific requirements, the application process, and the gear considerations for those looking to secure their permit, including what belongs in your everyday carry setup. We will break down the steps to ensure you are legally compliant and tactically prepared.

Quick Answer: To get a Texas License to Carry (LTC), which allows for open carry, you must be at least 21 years old (with some exceptions for military), complete a state-approved 4-to-6 hour training course, pass a shooting proficiency test, and submit an application with fingerprints to the Texas Department of Public Safety. While Texas allows permitless carry for most legal adults, the LTC provides additional benefits like reciprocity in other states and a simplified process for purchasing firearms.

The Reality of Open Carry in Texas

For years, Texas required a license for both concealed and open carry. That changed in September 2021 with the passage of House Bill 1927, often called the Firearm Protection Act or "Constitutional Carry." This law allows most law-abiding citizens age 21 and older to carry a handgun, either concealed or openly in a holster, without a permit.

However, "permitless" does not mean "unregulated." There are still many reasons why an experienced outdoorsman or a dedicated student of self-reliance would choose to get a formal permit. That same preparedness mindset is a big part of The Survival 13, BattlBox's framework for essential survival priorities. The Texas License to Carry (LTC) is the official document that grants you several advantages that a permitless carrier does not have.

Why Get an LTC if Permitless Carry is Legal?

If you spend time traveling across state lines for hunting trips or camping adventures, reciprocity is your biggest motivator. A Texas LTC is recognized by dozens of other states. Without it, your right to carry stops the moment you cross the state line. Additionally, having an LTC allows you to bypass the federal background check wait times when buying a new firearm from a dealer, as the license itself serves as proof of a cleared background.

There is also the matter of prohibited locations. Licensed holders have slightly more leeway in certain areas, such as lower-tier government meetings or on some college campuses, compared to permitless carriers. If you're building for that broader kind of readiness, the Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection is the natural next stop.

Permitless Carry vs. Licensed Carry (LTC)

Key Takeaway: While Texas allows permitless carry, obtaining an LTC offers legal advantages, broader carry locations, and interstate reciprocity that are essential for the active traveler and outdoorsman. If you want the larger readiness picture first, What Does a Prepper Do? is a useful companion read.

Eligibility Requirements for the Texas LTC

Before you start the application process, you need to ensure you meet the legal criteria set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Texas is a "shall-issue" state, meaning if you meet the requirements, the state must issue you the license.

The primary requirements include:

• Age: You must be 21 years of age. Active-duty military members or honorably discharged veterans can apply at age 18.
• Legal Residency: You do not technically have to be a Texas resident to get a Texas LTC; non-residents can apply as long as they meet all other criteria.
• Criminal Record: You must not be a convicted felon. There are also restrictions regarding Class A or B misdemeanors within a certain timeframe (usually five years).
• Mental Health: You must not have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or have certain diagnosed psychiatric conditions that preclude safe firearm handling.
• Substance Use: You cannot be a "fugitive from justice" or be chemically dependent on drugs or alcohol.
• Child Support: You must be current on child support payments and other state-collected taxes.

The Step-by-Step Process to Getting Your Permit

Getting your permit is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. It is best to think of this as a three-part mission: paperwork, education, and verification.

Step 1: Submit the Online Application

Your first move is to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. You will fill out the formal application, pay the state fee, and provide your demographic information. Once submitted, the state will provide you with a checklist of the remaining items you need to complete.

Step 2: Schedule and Attend a Training Course

You must complete a state-approved LTC training course. This course is usually 4 to 6 hours long. Many instructors now offer the classroom portion online, which covers Texas laws regarding firearms, non-violent dispute resolution, and the safe storage of handguns. However, you will still need to meet an instructor in person for the shooting portion. If you want gear curated for a setup like that, choose your BattlBox subscription.

Step 3: Pass the Shooting Proficiency Test

The proficiency test is not a tactical combat course; it is designed to ensure you can safely handle and fire your weapon accurately. You will fire a total of 50 rounds at a "B-27" silhouette target. The test is broken down into three distances:

1. 3 Yards: 20 rounds fired.
2. 7 Yards: 20 rounds fired.
3. 15 Yards: 10 rounds fired.

You must score at least 175 points out of a possible 250 to pass.

Step 4: Get Fingerprinted

Texas uses a third-party service (usually Identogo) for electronic fingerprinting. Once you apply online with the DPS, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your fingerprinting appointment. This is used for the background check.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

Once your training is complete, your instructor will give you an LTC-100 or LTC-101 form. You will upload this, along with any other required documents (like military discharge papers if applicable), to the DPS portal. After that, you wait. The state typically processes applications within 60 days.

Gear for Open Carry: The Holster is Mandatory

In Texas, if you choose to carry your handgun openly, the law specifically requires it to be in a holster. This is a critical safety point. You cannot simply tuck a pistol into your waistband or carry it in your hand. The holster is there to protect the trigger and ensure the firearm stays secured to your body.

When choosing a holster for open carry, you need to consider retention. Retention refers to how the holster holds the gun in place. For concealed carry, "friction retention" (Level 1) is common because the clothing helps hide the gun. For open carry, many experts recommend Level 2 or Level 3 retention. These holsters have physical locks, such as a thumb break or a button, that must be deactivated before the gun can be drawn. This prevents someone from easily grabbing your firearm from behind.

For the support side of your kit, our flashlights collection is a practical place to build around visibility and low-light awareness.

Essential Carry Gear Checklist

• The Firearm: A reliable handgun you have practiced with extensively.
• The Holster: A high-quality OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster with active retention.
• The Belt: A dedicated gun belt. A standard dress belt will sag under the weight of a loaded handgun, causing the holster to flop and making the carry uncomfortable or unsafe.
• The Ammunition: High-quality defensive rounds for carry, and "target" rounds for practice.

At BattlBox, we emphasize that the best gear is useless if you don't know how to use it. Carrying a firearm openly makes you a more visible target for both bad actors and concerned citizens. Investing in a professional-grade holster and a stiff belt is non-negotiable for anyone serious about EDC (Everyday Carry).

If you also want a compact ignition backup, Pull Start Fire Starter is a straightforward option.

For a broader view of ignition options, our Fire Starters collection fits the same mindset.

Note: Before you carry openly in public, spend time at the range practicing your draw from your specific holster. Ensure you can clear any retention devices smoothly and safely every single time.

Understanding Prohibited Locations

Even with an LTC, you cannot carry a firearm everywhere in Texas. The state has specific "off-limits" areas that apply to everyone. Carrying in these areas can result in serious legal trouble, including the loss of your license.

Common Prohibited Locations Include:

• Schools: Premises of a school or educational institution (unless you have specific authorization).
• Polling Places: On the day of an election or during early voting.
• Courts: Any government court or offices used by the court.
• Racetracks: Places where pari-mutuel wagering on horse or dog racing occurs.
• Airports: The secured area of an airport (past the TSA checkpoint).
• Bars: Any establishment that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. Look for the "51%" sign.
• Sporting Events: Professional or high school sporting events.

Texas Signage: 30.05, 30.06, and 30.07

Texas uses specific signs to notify carriers where they are not welcome.

• 30.05 Sign: Relates to permitless carry. If you see this, permitless carry is prohibited, but LTC holders are often still allowed (unless other signs are present).
• 30.06 Sign: Prohibits concealed carry for LTC holders.
• 30.07 Sign: Prohibits open carry for LTC holders.

If you are open carrying and see a 30.07 sign, you must either cover your firearm (conceal it) or leave the premises. If both 30.06 and 30.07 are posted, you cannot carry there at all.

Bottom line: Knowing where you cannot carry is just as important as knowing how to carry. Always scan the entrances of businesses for state-mandated signage to stay within the law.

Myths vs. Facts About Texas Carry

There is a lot of misinformation regarding Texas gun laws, especially since the permitless carry law took effect. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions.

Myth: "Open carry" means I can carry my rifle down the street in my hand. Fact: While long guns have different rules, open carry of handguns specifically requires a holster. Carrying a handgun in your hand in a public place can be considered "deadly conduct" or "disorderly conduct."

Myth: Since Texas has permitless carry, I don't need a background check to buy a gun anymore. Fact: Federal law still requires background checks for all sales from a licensed dealer (FFL). An LTC only allows you to bypass the phone-call portion of the check because you have already been vetted by the state.

Myth: I can carry into a bar as long as I don't drink. Fact: In Texas, if an establishment is a "51% business" (meaning they make most of their money from alcohol), it is a felony to carry a firearm inside, regardless of whether you are drinking.

Training for the Real World

Passing the state-mandated proficiency test is a minimum standard. It proves you aren't a danger to yourself at the range, but it doesn't prepare you for a high-stress encounter in the wild or an urban environment.

If you want a deeper framework for everyday readiness, How Do You Carry Your EDC? is a useful companion read.

If you are carrying for self-defense, your training should include:

1. Situational Awareness: Learning how to spot threats before they become emergencies. This is your first line of defense.
2. De-escalation: The best way to win a fight is to not be in one. The LTC course covers this briefly, but it’s a skill worth mastering.
3. Weapon Retention: If you are open carrying, you must be prepared for someone to try and take your gun. Taking a basic retention or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class can provide the physical skills needed to keep your weapon secure.
4. First Aid: If you carry a tool that can make holes, you should carry a tool that can plug them. We often include trauma kits and medical gear in our missions, and the Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight .9 Medical Kit is a strong example.

The Medical and Safety collection is the broader home for that same kind of preparedness.

If you want a bigger-picture fire plan, The 15-Item Expert Survivalist Fire Kit Checklist is a smart next read.

A compact tool like the Grim Workshop Bushcraft EDC Survival Card is another good reminder that readiness often comes from small, simple gear.

Key Takeaway: The permit is the beginning, not the end, of your training. True self-reliance comes from a combination of the right gear, legal knowledge, and consistent practice.

The Responsibility of the Carrier

Carrying a firearm openly is a significant responsibility. You become an ambassador for the firearm community. This means your demeanor should be calm, professional, and non-confrontational. In Texas, the culture of gun ownership is deeply ingrained, but that doesn't mean you won't encounter people who are uncomfortable with the sight of a handgun.

Choosing to open carry requires a high level of discipline. You must be hyper-aware of your surroundings and your gear. If your holster is worn out, replace it. If your belt is sagging, upgrade it. The goal is to be a "hard target" while remaining a respectful member of the community.

We often see members of our community transitioning from basic camping to more advanced bushcraft and survival training, and the Bushcraft collection reflects that same progression.

That transition usually comes with a deeper respect for the tools they carry. A handgun is a tool, and like the Opinel No. 8 Stainless Steel Folding Knife, it requires respect, maintenance, and skilled handling.

We also see that same practical mindset in a tool like the SOG Camp Axe, where durability and purpose matter more than flash.

Conclusion

Obtaining your Texas License to Carry is a worthwhile investment for any resident or visitor who takes their personal safety seriously. While the state has made it easier than ever to carry without a permit, the benefits of the LTC—including reciprocity, legal clarity, and faster firearm purchases—make it the gold standard for responsible gun owners. By following the steps of applying, training, and testing, you ensure that you are not only legally protected but also fundamentally capable of handling your firearm.

True preparation isn't just about having the permit; it's about having the right gear and the right mindset. Whether you are building an EDC kit or preparing for a week in the wilderness, Mission 134 - Breakdown shows how that mindset looks in a real BattlBox mission. We are dedicated to delivering the gear and the expertise you need to navigate the world with confidence. Adventure. Delivered.

Bottom line: Start your LTC application today, invest in a high-retention holster, and never stop training. Being a responsible carrier is a lifelong commitment to safety and skill. Choose your BattlBox subscription.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to carry a handgun openly in Texas?

As of September 2021, most legal adults 21 and older can carry a handgun openly in a holster without a permit under Texas "permitless carry" laws. However, obtaining a License to Carry (LTC) is still recommended for reciprocity with other states and for carry in certain restricted areas.

How long is the Texas LTC class?

The state-mandated training course for a Texas License to Carry must be between 4 and 6 hours long. This does not include the time required for the shooting proficiency test, which is typically conducted at a firing range immediately following the classroom portion.

Can I take the Texas LTC course online?

Yes, Texas allows the classroom portion of the LTC course to be taken online through state-approved providers. However, even if you complete the classroom work online, you must still meet with a certified instructor in person to complete the shooting proficiency demonstration.

What happens if I fail the shooting test?

If you do not pass the shooting proficiency test on your first attempt, most instructors will allow you to retake the test. However, you may need to pay additional range fees or seek remedial training if you are struggling with the fundamentals of safety and accuracy.