Do I Really Need a texas LTC?

CAN I CARRY IN OTHER STATES?

THE SHORT ANSWER: It depends.

Your right to carry a handgun without a license in Texas is based on Texas law and generally does not extend to other states. Every state has its own firearms laws, licensing requirements, and reciprocity agreements. What is legal in Texas may not be legal elsewhere.

WHERE CAN I CARRY WITHOUT AN LTC?

If you choose to carry without a license, you must know the locations where carrying a handgun is prohibited, even when no sign or legal notice is posted. Certain places remain off-limits under Texas law whether or not a person holds a license.

Even if you decide not to apply for an LTC, taking a firearms law or LTC course can provide valuable information about:

• Legal carry

• Prohibited locations

• Use-of-force laws

• The responsibilities that come with carrying a handgun

TRAVELING OUTSIDE TEXAS

If you plan to carry while traveling outside of Texas, do your homework before you go. Research the laws of each state you will visit, including:

• Whether that state recognizes a Texas LTC

• Where carry is prohibited

• Duty-to-inform requirements

• Any other restrictions that may apply

Reciprocity agreements apply only to Texas LTC holders, not to those carrying without a license. Texas DPS maintains reciprocity information, but anyone who carries is responsible for knowing and following the laws of the state where they are carrying.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK OFFICIAL STATE RESOURCES AND CURRENT RECIPROCITY INFORMATION BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.

A map showing where a Texas License to Carry (LTC) is recognized can be found online by searching for "Texas LTC Reciprocity." Several maps and resources are available that indicate which states recognize a Texas LTC and which do not. Official reciprocity information is also available through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In addition to reciprocity benefits, a Texas LTC may provide several other advantages, including:

• Serving as a secondary government-issued form of identification.

• Allowing eligible firearm purchases from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) without a separate NICS background check, subject to applicable federal and state laws.

• Providing certain exemptions related to the Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act for licensed individuals in Texas.

• Additional legal and practical benefits available to Texas LTC holders.

Because firearms laws can be complex and change over time, we highly recommend attending a live LTC class to learn about current laws, reciprocity, use-of-force considerations, and the responsibilities associated with carrying a handgun.