Texas License to Carry

The state-mandated course required to obtain a Texas License to Carry. The classroom portion is done online, through a provider with whom we have negotiated a discount:

texascarryacademy.com/vendors/mckinney-firearms-training-llc/
DO NOT try to log in.

(If you have done the online part through another provider, just register for the range training, Step 3 below).

After finishing the online course, you will come to the range for an hour for a Range Training module, and the Proficiency test. You can also do the online course after the range training. My paperwork is different.

Also required, separately, are a background check and fingerprinting. We will guide you through the entire process.

Please note that this is not a class for beginners. You need to be able to load and shoot a handgun, without assistance.

Cost:  $90.00 (both parts combined), or $45.00 (Proficiency only).

Proficiency offered as private session: $80.00

Handgun License Class: Reserve a space now!

Step-by-Step Guide

Location
We operate a private range a few miles E of Plano.

Eligibility
Each student must determine for themselves their eligibility to obtain a License to Carry. Please review eligibility requirements closely before registering, as we cannot be responsible for this. The DPS makes the final determination on these matters.

A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed handgun if the person:

• is a legal resident of Texas
• is at least 18 years of age
• has not been convicted of a violent felony
• has not been convicted of a non-violent felony for 10 years
• has not been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor for 5 years
• is not currently charged with the commission of a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or equivalent offense, or an offense under Sec. 42.01 of the penal Code (Disorderly Conduct) or equivalent offense
• is not a fugitive from justice for a felony or Class A or Class B misdemeanor
• is not chemically dependant (a person with two convictions within the ten year period preceding the date of application for offenses (Class B or greater) involving the use of alcohol or a controlled substance is ineligible as a chemically dependant person. Other evidence of chemical dependency may also make an individual ineligible for a Texas CHL)
• is not incapable of exercising sound judgement with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun
• has not, in the five years preceding the application, been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or an offense under Section 42.01 of the Penal Code (Disorderly Conduct) or equivalent offense
• is fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun
• has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making child support administered or collected by the attorney general
• has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, state treasurer, tax collector of a political subdivision, Alcohol Beverage Commission or any other agency or subdivision
• is not currently restricted under a court protective order subject to a restraining order affecting a spousal relationship
• has not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application, been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law in the grade of felony
• has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in an application submitted pursuant to Section 411.174 or in a request for application submitted pursuant to Section 411.175

Process

1. Determine your eligibility
2. Know how to shoot already, and own a gun, any caliber. You should know how to safely handle a gun, and load and unload it. You will be tested on basic shooting skills. I can teach a beginner enough in one session to pass the Proficiency test, but you won't learn that in the CHL class. Unless you are a very experience shooter, you might consider practicing the Proficiency Test beforehand. The target (B-27) is available at all commercial ranges. The course of fire is here.
3. Sign up for the LTC class (formerly known as CHL). You will be sent links to start the application with the State, to schedule fingerprinting, and to start the classroom module online on any device. You will do the class work from home, then come to the range for the range training and Proficiency (it is not that hard). Send the Certificate of Training and any items of supporting documentation listed on your checklist to the DPS.
4. You can also upload those items to the DPS website (if you can scan them into a PDF).
5. Wait. The average time is 2-3 weeks.

Training
The State of Texas is very supportive of the License to Carry program, and makes it as easy as possible, within the parameters required to balance public safety and Constitutional rights. State law mandates the eligibility requirements, fees, the content of the course, the written test, the proficiency test, and all paperwork, as well as licensing of individuals to teach License to Carry classes.

The classroom part is now done entirely online, takes about 4 hours to complete, and consists of several modules, covering

• Laws that relate to carrying a handgun
• Laws that relate to use of deadly force
• Handgun use and safety
• Non-violent dispute resolution
• Proper storage practices for handguns

The written test is short, and includes multiple-choice and true-false questions only. Anyone who pays attention to the presentations should have no problem with it.

The shooting proficiency test is done after an hour of range training. You will be shooting at a large target, at a close distance. Few people have any trouble with it, but if necessary, we will work with you until you can pass it easily. If you want to practice it beforehand (recommended), the course of fire is here. On the standard B-27 target, shown at right, everything in the 8, 9, and 10 rings counts 5 points. The 7 ring counts 4 points, and everything outside the 7 ring (but inside the silhouette) counts 3 points. All other shots count zero.

The caliber requirement has now been eliminated, so people are now allowed to use pistols chambered in such exotic calibers as 5.7x28 and .17 HMR, although these are either rare or expensive. A more common caliber in this range is the iconic .22 LR. There are many .22 pistols and revolvers to choose from, but many of them are very small, like the Beretta "Bobcat". Something the size of a cell phone is not a good choice for a shooting test. If you elect to go this way, I would recommend a longer gun, like one of these:

• Browning Buckmark
• Ruger Target (Mark IV recommended)
• S&W Victory
• Glock 44

Keep in mind that the .22 is still not generally considered to have sufficient stopping power for self defense. Another option, though harder to find, is the .22 Magnum (.22 WMR), which is very close to the .380 ACP in FBI penetration tests.

Please do not bring a single-action .22 revolver! Those are distinguished by a loading gate on the right side, instead of a cylinder that swings out for loading. People bringing a .22 for the Proficiency are usually not experienced enough to understand the danger in loading a single-action revolver, and I do not want to take the risk.