If you are searching for how much does it cost to get a Texas LTC, the goal is usually not to read ten conflicting forum threads. You want a clear answer, the current Texas process, and a practical next step. This guide explains the issue in plain English and shows how the Online Texas LTC Class fits into the licensing process.
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Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Texas LTC
The standard Texas DPS application fee for an original LTC is currently $40, but that is not the entire cost of getting licensed. Most applicants should also budget for the required training, the in-person proficiency portion, fingerprinting, and any optional range or equipment fees. Some applicants qualify for reduced state fees under special conditions.
Ready to get started? Start your Online Texas LTC Class today with First Shot Training.
Table of Contents
Start With the State Fee
Texas DPS currently lists the standard original LTC application fee at $40. DPS also offers reduced fees or exemptions for some special conditions, such as certain military categories and other qualifying applicants. The state fee is separate from training and fingerprint expenses.
Because fee rules can change, check the current DPS fee information immediately before applying.
The Online Class Is a Separate Cost
The required classroom education is provided by an instructor or approved Online Course Provider, not by DPS as part of the state application fee. Course prices vary by provider.
First Shot Training connects students to an approved online course provider so they can complete the classroom portion from home. The current enrollment price is shown on the enrollment page, which is better than hardcoding a price into an evergreen article.
Plan for the Proficiency Portion
Most online-course students still need the in-person range instruction and handgun proficiency demonstration with a qualified Texas LTC instructor. That instructor or range sets its own fee.
Depending on the range, there may also be separate charges for lane time, eye and ear protection, target supplies, handgun rental, or ammunition. Ask the instructor what is included before the appointment.
Take the next step: Start your Online Texas LTC Class today with First Shot Training.
Fingerprinting Has Its Own Fee
DPS requires fingerprints for original LTC applicants. Fingerprinting services charge a separate fee. DPS directs applicants to the approved fingerprinting process after the application is submitted.
What a Realistic Budget Should Include
Instead of looking only at the $40 state fee, make a simple checklist: state application, online or in-person classroom training, proficiency appointment, fingerprinting, and any range-specific costs. That gives you a much more accurate picture of the total.
Do Not Choose Training on Price Alone
The cheapest class is not automatically the best value. You want a course that is approved, easy to follow, available when you need it, and clear about what happens after you finish. A confusing course can cost more in time than a small price difference saves.
Why This Question Matters Before You Enroll
People usually search for how much does it cost to get a Texas LTC because one unanswered detail is keeping them from moving forward. That is exactly the kind of question worth answering before you spend time on the rest of the process. The goal is not to pressure someone into a class that does not fit. The goal is to make the process clear enough that an eligible student can make a confident decision.
For most students who have already decided they want a Texas LTC, the online classroom portion is the easiest part to start. It removes a scheduling barrier while still requiring the same serious attention to Texas law, handgun safety, nonviolent dispute resolution, and safe storage.
What to Verify Before You Enroll
Before you enroll, make sure you understand the difference between the classroom requirement, the in-person proficiency component, and the DPS licensing process. Those pieces work together, but they are not the same thing. Check the current DPS training and application pages if your situation involves an unusual eligibility issue, special condition, or documentation requirement.
A good rule is simple: use First Shot Training and other educational resources to understand the process, then use Texas DPS as the authority for current licensing requirements. That keeps convenience and accuracy working together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting for every other LTC step to be perfect before starting the classroom education.
- Assuming an online class means the entire first-time licensing process is online.
- Choosing a course without confirming that the underlying provider is approved for Texas LTC classroom training.
- Forgetting that the state application, fingerprints, and proficiency steps are separate from course enrollment.
- Focusing only on passing instead of learning the legal and safety material.
Most delays and confusion come from mixing up separate parts of the process or relying on stale information. Keep your documents organized, use current official sources, and complete one requirement at a time.
A Practical Next-Step Checklist
- Read the quick answer in this guide and decide whether the Texas LTC still fits your goal.
- Review the current Texas DPS page linked in this article for any rule that applies specifically to your situation.
- Start the approved online classroom portion when you are ready to complete the education requirement.
- Plan the proficiency, application, fingerprinting, and supporting-document steps that apply to you.
- Keep copies of training and application records until the license process is complete.
This approach is intentionally simple. You do not need to memorize every DPS page before you start the class, but you should understand which parts of the process are training, which are state administration, and which depend on your individual eligibility.
Why First Shot Training Starts With Education
First Shot Training’s primary recommendation is to begin with education because the LTC class has value beyond checking a box. The course introduces the legal framework, safe-handling responsibilities, conflict-avoidance concepts, and storage expectations that go with carrying a handgun responsibly.
The online format makes that education easier to schedule, but it does not make the responsibility smaller. An eligible student can learn from home, then move through the remaining Texas requirements with a clearer understanding of what the license means and what it does not mean.
How the Online Texas LTC Class Fits Into This
The online classroom option is designed to make the education requirement easier to fit into real life without watering down the responsibility that comes with the license. Texas DPS allows the classroom portion through an Approved Online Course Provider. First Shot Training connects students to an approved provider so they can complete that classroom requirement on a flexible schedule.
The online class is not a shortcut around Texas requirements. It is a convenient way to complete the education portion. Most first-time applicants still need to complete the applicable proficiency requirement, DPS application, fingerprinting, and supporting-document steps. Texas DPS makes the final decision on licensing eligibility.
Helpful First Shot Training Resources
Start with the Online Texas LTC Class page.
See how the Texas LTC process works from start to finish.
Read the Texas LTC and CHL FAQ.
Review our guide to getting your Texas License to Carry online.
Learn how the Online Texas LTC Class works from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Texas DPS application fee for a standard original LTC?
Texas DPS currently lists the standard fee as $40, subject to change and special-condition discounts.
Is the online LTC class included in the DPS fee?
No. Training is a separate cost.
Is the shooting qualification included with the online course?
Usually not. The online course covers the classroom portion; the proficiency appointment is completed with a qualified instructor and may have a separate fee.
Do fingerprints cost extra?
Yes. DPS says fingerprint services charge a separate fee.
Are there discounts on the state application fee?
Yes. Texas law provides reduced or waived fees for some special conditions. Verify current DPS eligibility and documentation.
Official Texas Sources
For current, authoritative details, always confirm with the official Texas sources below:
- Texas DPS: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing/faq/application-faqs
- Texas DPS: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing/ltc-fingerprint-and-photo-information
- Texas DPS: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/handgun-licensing/special-conditions-military
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. First Shot Training is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. While we make every reasonable effort to ensure the information we publish is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, laws, regulations, licensing requirements, reciprocity agreements, and government policies may change without notice. You are responsible for verifying current information with official government sources before relying on any information contained in this article. If you have questions regarding how the law applies to your specific circumstances, consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
