Between DFW International Airport traffic and a packed Irving calendar, carving out a full day for firearms training isn’t realistic for most people. ETXSTA built its online Texas License to Carry (LTC) course for exactly that problem — complete the state-required classroom instruction on your own schedule, then handle the live-fire requirement locally.
Texas LTC Eligibility Requirements
Before you enroll, confirm you meet Texas’s requirements for licensure. To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Not have been convicted of a felony
- Not have been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor within the past five years
- Not be subject to a protective or restraining order
- Have no criminal charges pending against you
- Not be a chemically dependent person
- Be eligible to possess a handgun under both state and federal law
- Be of sound mind
- Not have been finally determined to be delinquent in child support obligations
Two Steps to Your License
ETXSTA’s course follows the two-part structure required by the Texas Department of Public Safety: self-paced online instruction, followed by an in-person shooting proficiency test.
Online Instruction, On Your Schedule
- Texas firearm laws
- Use-of-force and self-defense law
- Safe handgun handling and storage
- Non-violent dispute resolution
- Proper interaction with law enforcement while carrying
Log in and out as your day allows — the module picks up right where you left off, so a busy week in Irving won’t slow you down.
The Live-Fire Test
Once the online portion is complete, you’ll schedule a session with a certified instructor in Irving or a nearby location to complete the shooting proficiency test. The course of fire is:
- 3 yards – 20 rounds
- 7 yards – 20 rounds
- 15 yards – 10 rounds
That’s 50 rounds total, and a passing score requires hitting at least 70% of the target area. If your first attempt doesn’t go as planned, Texas gives you up to three tries at both the written and range exams within a 12-month period.
Some Applicants Can Skip the Range Test
Active-duty military members and veterans who have a range score or documented firearms familiarization training from within the past 10 years, along with state correctional officers and county jailers who completed firearms training as part of their job, are exempt from the in-person shooting portion and only need to finish the online classroom course.
Why Bother With an LTC When Texas Already Allows Permitless Carry?
Texas’s constitutional carry law lets most eligible adults carry without a license, so an LTC isn’t required — but it still comes with real advantages:
- Reciprocity with 37 other states when you’re traveling
- Certain legal protections and advantages an unlicensed carrier doesn’t have
- The ability to carry in some locations that permitless carry doesn’t cover
- Skipping the NICS background check when purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer
As soon as you finish the online coursework, you can instantly download your LTC-104 Certificate of Training — the official Texas DPS document required for your license application. Keep in mind that certificate is valid for two years, so plan to submit your LTC application before it expires.
Training Locally with ETXSTA
ETXSTA combines a state-approved online curriculum with instructors who know the DFW-area range options, so scheduling your live-fire test near Irving is simple. Whether you’re carrying for the first time or renewing your commitment to responsible ownership, our course is designed to get you licensed without disrupting your week.