Concealed Carry Needs: Do I Still Need an LTC in Texas?
For those living in Texas, you already know that as of September 1, 2021, permitless carry (also known as Constitutional carry) became legal with the passing of HB 1927. This was signed in by Governor Abbott and legally allows anyone over the age of 21 to legally carry a firearm without a permit or license to carry. Does that mean you don’t need an LTC at all? We set out to answer that question and hopefully, we can help you understand the latest update in firearms. Once you are equipped with that knowledge, find the best handgun deals, holsters for sale, ammo online, and all your open or concealed carry needs at GrabAGun!
License to Carry
A license to carry is a gun owner’s documentation that proves you are legally permitted to purchase and carry a firearm. As of 2021, Texas residents are able to carry daily without needing a valid LTC as well. Of course, you’ll still need a holster as well as proper safety precautions like safes and cases. Before answering the question–do you need an LTC in Texas–it’s important to review the law as it stands currently.
Who Can Carry Without a Permit?
All the same rules apply to firearm owners. Only those with clean criminal records and are 21 years or older (or 18 for military personnel) can legally own/carry a firearm. Anyone disqualified under federal law is also restricted from purchasing a gun for sale. In fact, the DPS has listed all the restrictions on its website.
Where Can I Carry With/Without a Permit?
The places where carrying a handgun is not permitted have not changed with this new law. Common examples of such places include:
- A polling place while voting is taking place
- A government meeting open to the public
- A courthouse, except when specifically authorized to do so
- A place where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting/interscholastic event is being held
- A racetrack
- A correctional facility
- An access-controlled airport terminal
- An amusement park
- A bar
To clarify: even if you have a license to carry in the state of Texas, you will not be allowed to openly carry a firearm at locations like those listed above. Concealed carry is a different story. Additionally, private property owners still have the right to accept or refuse patrons carrying handguns. Again, the Texas DPS has a complete list of prohibited places on its website. So…
Do I Still Need an LTC for my Concealed Carry Needs?
The long and the short of it is, despite the new law allowing for permitless carry, obtaining your license to carry is still highly recommended. If you intend to carry daily, it is your responsibility to know the local laws and regulations to carry a firearm, and LTC classes are simply the best place to do that. Whether it be for open carry or concealed carry needs, license to carry classes are invaluable. From them, you’ll learn information about proper care, safety, and storage for your firearm. There are several other reasons to get your LTC as well.
Purchasing a Firearm
With an LTC, the process of buying a firearm is much easier and much faster. Without an LTC, you’ll be subject to a background check for every gun you wish to purchase.
Travel Between States
Many states have something called reciprocal agreements. This, very simply means, “If I can carry in your state, you can carry in mine.” Only 36 states accept the current Texas LTC, so if you are traveling, these are places where you’ll be able to legally continue carrying your gun.
Interactions with Law Enforcement
Police officers in Texas can use anyone’s driver’s license to look up if they have a valid LTC. Without that LTC, depending on the reason why law enforcement has contacted you, it could be a while before things are figured out.
Concealed Carry Needs and the LTC
Okay, let’s summarize. As of September 2021, it is legal to openly carry a permitted firearm without a license. However, just because you aren’t necessarily required to get an LTC, that doesn’t mean you should go without. A license to carry potentially grants you better access to places while also protecting you in the long run. Still, at the end of the day, acquiring a license to carry is your choice. Should you decide to get one for yourself, make sure to check out GrabAGun’s online catalog. We have gun deals, ammo online, as well as new arrival Glock handguns for sale and Ruger handguns, daily that you won’t want to skip! Satisfy all your open and concealed carry needs at GrabAGun today.
–Kellie Krevosky