Texas CHL Application Process
I am asked fairly often where to go and how to apply for the Texas License to Carry / Concealed Handgun License and how to submit the paperwork. The Texas DPS website is not the most intuitive and can be frustrating to navigate. This also makes it difficult to explain the process without being able to see the website. The same goes for the Texas LTC/CHL Renewal process. I’ll explain it all here. Let’s get started.
New Applications:
Note: The online application can be started before or after you have completed the LTC/CHL class.
What you will need:
- DL/ID Number
- Credit Card/Debit Card
- Previous addresses for 5 years prior to application.
- Previous job history for 5 years prior to application, including the business addresses.
- All previous criminal history. This includes all arrests regardless of the outcome. Dates of charges, county and disposition date will be needed.
- LTC-100 Certificate. You do not have to have this to complete the application. It is submitted after the application is already started. This is the certificate provided by your instructor after completing the LTC Class.
Step 1 – Apply Online
Go HERE to begin the Texas DPS license to carry / concealed handgun license application.
Unless you are returning to the site to check the application status, select the “Apply” button under “New Users” at the bottom of the page.
Once the application has been completed, it is recommended to save a copy of the confirmation page at the end. You should also receive an email confirmation from DPS. Usually the email address from the DPS will have “RDS” in it, which stands for regulatory services. I have seen these emails go to the spam folder before, so just keep an eye out for it.
Step 2 – Fingerprinting:
All fingerprinting is done through a private company, Identogo. Unfortunately, even if you have been fingerprinted by them in the past, you will still have to go again for the LTC/CHL. In the confirmation email received, there is a link to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting with Identogo. They do not accept walk ins. You must schedule an appointment and pay ($10).
Signing up through the Identogo website is fairly easy and self explanatory. The one spot that people get confused on is the page that asks for the type of documents you will bring for identification. Read the options carefully. See the screenshot below and choose the same highlighted blue option if you have/will use a US State Drivers License (most common form of ID).
Identogo will then send the fingerprinting paperwork to the state for you. The big inconvenience with Identogo is that they only have a few locations in the area. Based on Google maps, it appears they have a total of 4 locations for the entire Austin and surrounding areas.
Step 3 – Submit LTC-100 / LTC-101 Certificate
The LTC-100 is the form received after completing the LTC/CHL class. If an online LTC class was taken, an LTC-101 should have been issued. The LTC-101 is only complete and ready to submit once the shooting qualification has been taken as well.
These forms should never be submitted to DPS until after the online application has been started with the above steps. It is possible to submit the forms before the application has been started, but DPS will not know what to do with it as there will be no account to attach it to.
A. Start by going HERE. This link will take you directly to the DPS RSD (regulatory services division) for handgun licensing and LTC-100/CHL-100/LTC-101 submission.
B. Follow the images below for the step-by-step instructions.
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