Texas has always walked an independent road when it comes to gun rights. From wide-open ranches to packed city ranges, firearm ownership is culturally embedded here. For gun owners who acquired a License to Carry (LTC)—formerly the CHL, or Concealed Handgun License—that license can’t run on autopilot. It expires. It needs renewing. And unless you’re ready to roll the dice with assumptions about Constitutional Carry, decoding the Texas handgun license renewal process is essential.
I’ve helped hundreds of Texans—ranchers, business owners, retired law enforcement, single moms, and Vietnam veterans—renew their licenses. I’ve sat across DPS counters. I’ve walked people through confusing website steps. And today, I’m going to share everything you need to navigate the process confidently and efficiently, without ending up in legal limbo.
Whether your handgun license is approaching expiration, already lapsed, or you’re unsure what current laws mean for you, this is the comprehensive, boots-on-the-ground guide to renewing your Texas LTC.
🧭 Understanding the Texas Handgun License Landscape
Before diving into renewal specifics, we need to unpack Texas handgun terminology—it’s more than wordplay. You’ll see terms like LTC, CHL, concealed carry permit, handgun license, and gun license used interchangeably. Here’s the simple breakdown:
| Term | Definition | Still Used? |
|---|---|---|
| CHL (Concealed Handgun License) | Original term for the license, focused only on concealed carrying. | Phased out; grandfathered holders still use the term. |
| LTC (License to Carry) | Expanded license that permits both open and concealed carry. | Current legal terminology. |
| Texas handgun license | Colloquial catch-all term for CHL/LTC. | Commonly used online and in conversation. |
So when we talk about the “Texas handgun license renewal,” we’re really talking about renewing your LTC.
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🔁 Who Needs to Renew Their Texas Handgun License?
Even though Texas became a permitless carry state, that doesn’t mean the LTC is obsolete. Here’s why tens of thousands of Texans still choose to renew each year:
- Carrying in certain states through reciprocity agreements
- Bypassing background checks when buying firearms
- Enhanced legal protections during traffic stops
- Access to gun-free zones (schools, hospitals) with proper signage exemptions
- Peace of mind during travel or public carry
So if you’re asking, ‘Do I still need an LTC in Texas?’—legally, no. Practically? That’s a hard yes for many responsible carriers.
LTC Renewal Is Required If:
- Your current license is due to expire within six months.
- You want to retain reciprocity in other states.
- You value legal protection and law enforcement recognition.
- You carry frequently and want streamlined legal backing in ambiguous situations.
📅 When to Renew Your Texas LTC
The Texas Department of Public Safety allows you to renew your License to Carry up to 6 months before your current license expires. The earlier, the better.
| Status | Action |
|---|---|
| Up to 180 days before expiration | ✅ Eligible to renew online |
| After expiration but within 12 months | 🔁 Late renewal possible (extra fees apply) |
| More than 1 year expired | ❌ Must apply for a new original license (start from scratch) |
🎯 TIP: Set a phone reminder 6 months before your LTC expiration date so you don’t miss the renewal window.
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📝 How to Renew Your Texas Handgun License: Step-by-Step Online Process
The DPS renewal portal is fairly straightforward—if you know where to click and what documents to gather. Here’s the no-fluff walkthrough:
1. Gather Required Info
You’ll need:
- LTC Number (on your license card)
- Current driver’s license or ID
- Last four digits of your social
- Valid email address
- Credit/Debit card for payment
- Supporting documents if you’re military, a veteran, or have disabilities
2. Visit the DPS Renewal Page
Go to the official website:
👉 https://txdpsscheduler.com (or search for “Texas LTC renewal online”)
Click on ‘Renew License’ and log in or create an account.
3. Complete the LTC Renewal Application
This involves updating personal information, confirming eligibility, and answering legal background questions (felonies, restraining orders, mental health involvements, etc.).
4. Upload Documents (if Needed)
- Military ID or DD-214
- VA disability letter
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree)
5. Pay Your Renewal Fee
Standard Fee: $40
Discounted Fee Examples:
| Qualifier | Fee |
|---|---|
| Active Military | Free |
| Veterans | $25 |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | $35 |
| Indigent (proof of eligibility needed) | $0 |
Use Visa, Mastercard, AmEx—online processing is secure.
6. Wait for Approval & Mail Delivery
Once submitted, most applicants receive confirmation via email. The updated license typically arrives by mail within 7–45 days.
✔️ Eligibility Criteria for LTC Renewal in Texas
To renew, you must meet the same core criteria as when you originally applied.
You must:
- Be 21 or older (or 18 if active military)
- Have no felony convictions
- Maintain sound mental health and judgment
- Reside in Texas or qualify under military residency exemptions
- Be legally allowed to possess a handgun under federal law
Renewal applications do not require any new fingerprinting if you renewed online and haven’t had a criminal history change.
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⏳ What If My Texas Handgun License Expires?
It happens. Life gets busy. But you’re not banned for good.
If Expired < 12 Months Ago
- You can still renew online with a late fee.
- You cannot legally carry while the license is expired.
- You don’t need to retake the LTC course or get new fingerprints (unless requested by DPS).
If Expired > 1 Year
- Your license is void.
- You must start over—submit an original LTC application.
- This includes the certification class, fingerprints, and background checks.
🤔 Constitutional Carry vs Texas LTC Renewal: What’s the Difference?
Texas passed a constitutional (permitless) carry law. That means you don’t need a license to carry a handgun IF:
- You’re 21+
- You legally qualify to own a firearm
- You carry in a holster
- You’re not in a prohibited area (like federal buildings, schools)
BUT…
There are real-world limitations.
| Situation | Constitutional Carry | Texas LTC |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocity with other states | ❌ | ✅ |
| Bypass background check on gun purchase | ❌ | ✅ |
| Carrying in businesses with 30.06/30.07 signage | ❌ | Sometimes allowed |
| Traveling between states | Risky | Secure |
| Higher legal scrutiny if stopped | Likely | Less likely |
Bottom line: The LTC holds significant advantages for serious carriers and travelers.
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📋 Top FAQs About Renewing a Texas Carry License
❓ Can I renew my Texas LTC online?
Yes. Most renewals are completed entirely online unless your background has changed or DPS requests further documents.
❓ How long does LTC renewal take in Texas?
2 to 6 weeks on average. Delays may occur if additional verification is required.
❓ What if I changed my name or address?
Update your details online before renewing. Enter changes in your renewal form and upload supporting documents.
❓ Do I need to retake the classroom course?
No, unless you’re applying for a new license (over 1 year expired). There’s no refresher course or re-test required for standard renewals.
❓ How do I know if DPS approved my LTC renewal?
You’ll receive email confirmation. You can also log into your DPS account to view application status.
🧠 Real-World Tips from LTC Instructors, Attorneys & Veteran Gun Owners
- ‘Print all confirmations and emails.’ DPS lost a veteran’s file once—we used his email receipts to expedite the correction.
- “Don’t push off renewal even if you’re not carrying lately.” Laws can change fast. You don’t want to re-apply from scratch just because you lapsed.
- ‘If you’re military or a veteran, dig out your DD214 at the start.’ Folks often try to upload photos of worn-out paper IDs — DPS can reject low-quality scans.
- “Constitutional Carry doesn’t replace knowledge of the law.” I had a client arrested at a school parking lot assuming permitless carry covered them. It didn’t.
📍 Local Considerations: City-Based Renewal Help
While renewals are typically online, some cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin have proactive communities and organizations to assist renewals—especially for seniors and vets.
| City | Resource |
|---|---|
| Dallas | North Texas LTC Workshops (monthly renewal help) |
| Houston | Harris County Sheriff Gun Safety Week (license aid) |
| Austin | Capitol LTC Legal Seminars |
| San Antonio | CHL holders meet at Bracken Range for updated info |
⚖️ Final Thoughts: Renew or Regret?
The convenience of Constitutional Carry might tempt some LTC holders into letting their licenses expire. But as a seasoned firearms instructor and legal observer, my advice is clear:
Renew your LTC.
It’s the safety net if anything goes wrong. It’s your passport across state lines. It’s legal documentation that carries authority when the unexpected happens. Whether you’re a hunter, a truck driver, a suburban dad, or a first-time female carrier learning from a grandparent—renewing your license is not just paperwork.
It’s responsibility in motion. It’s staking your claim as a law-abiding, proactive gun owner in Texas.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Start renewal up to 6 months before expiration.
- Renew online with your LTC number, license info, and payment.
- Avoid license lapses—the process gets more complex afterward.
- Consider the full advantages of holding an LTC even in a permitless carry state.
- Use DPS’s official site to avoid scams or misinformation.
- Upload required documents cleanly—image quality matters.
🔒 Stay legal, stay protected, and carry smart.
If this guide helped you navigate the process or avoid costly missteps, share it with a fellow LTC holder. Whether you’re renewing in Austin or Amarillo, we’re all part of the same responsible firearm community in the Lone Star State.
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