TEXAS - Concealed Carry Permit Process

How Do I Apply for a Texas Concealed Carry Permit?

DOWNLOAD the application form or SUBMIT an online application.

SCHEDULE an appointment for fingerprinting. All fingerprints must be submitted through L-1 Enrollment Services.

COMPLETE classroom training.
Pass the written exam and pass a shooting proficiency demonstration.

SUBMIT the Certificate of Training to the Department of Public Safety to complete the online application.
OR MAIL your application to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Concealed Handgun – MSC 0245
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0001

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX – You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

What are the Fees and Terms?

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

Download Application >

Online application >

Replacement License >

What Are the Texas License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An Applicant Must:

Be a legal resident of Texas for 6 months or have relocated with the intent to establish residency in the state
Be at least 21 years of age, 18 if a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard or discharged under honorable conditions
Have not been convicted of a felony
Have not been charged with the commission of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense, or of an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code, or equivalent offense, or of a felony under an information or indictment
Not be a fugitive from justice for a felony or a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense
Not be chemically dependent
Be capable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun
Not, in the 5 years preceding the date of application, have been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor or equivalent offense or of an offense under Section 42.01, Penal Code or equivalent offense

Be fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun
Not have been finally determined to be delinquent in making a child support payment administered or collected by the attorney general
Not have been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, the tax collector of a political subdivision of the state or any agency or subdivision of the state
Not be currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, other than a restraining order solely affecting property interests
Not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application, have been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony
Not have made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in an application submitted pursuant to Section 411.174
Meet all federal law requirements

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits

Out-of-state residents must supply a color copy, front and back, of a state driver’s license or ID card and a proficiency certificate not greater than 2 years old from a course approved by the Texas Dept. of Public Safety. Applications may be submitted online or via mail.

RESIDENCY CHANGES

Moving to Texas and would like to apply for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Texas issues resident and non-resident licenses, so you can apply for your license at any time. In order to apply for a resident license, you need to be a legal resident of Texas for six months or have relocated with the intent to establish residency in the state.

NAME/ADDRESS CHANGE FORM >
LOST/STOLEN PERMIT >

Moving from Texas and have a Texas resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Texas license remains valid? If a person with a Texas license to carry establishes residency in another state, the license is valid until it expires provided he or she submits the Name/Address Change Form.

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Texas?

4-6 hours of Classroom or Online Instruction in:

Laws that relate to weapons and to the use of deadly force
Handgun use and safety, including use of restraint holsters and methods for secure carrying of openly carried handguns
Non-violent dispute resolution
Proper storage practices for handguns, including practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child
The range instruction part of the course must include an actual demonstration by the applicant of the applicant’s ability to safely and proficiently use the applicable category of handgun. An applicant may not be certified unless he or she demonstrates, at a minimum, the degree of proficiency that is required to effectively operate a handgun

The shooting test requires 50 rounds of ammunition fired at three distances:

3 yards – 20 rounds fired

7 yards – 20 rounds fired

10 yards – 15 rounds fired

The proficiency examination must also include a written (or online portal) test concerning the subjects listed above, as well as the physical demonstration of proficiency in the use and safety procedures of one or more handguns and in handgun safety procedures.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Texas?

You will usually be notified about 6 months before your license expires to renew it. Handgun license renewals can be submitted 6 months prior to the expiration date of the license. Renewals can be made up to 12 months after the expiration date of license. Renewal applications made after 12 months from the expiry date will be treated as a new application.

DOWNLOAD the application form or SUBMIT an online application.

COMPLETE the application and PAY the fee.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX – You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

The USCCA has the CCW Permit Resources You Need

Learn the Skills You Need to Protect You & Your Family

Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand Texas Gun Laws and Texas concealed carry reciprocity with other states.