So I often get asked what is Difference between CHL & LTC.
Even if you’ve been a long-time gun owner in Texas, certain terminology can be perplexing—or, at the very least, make you question if there’s something you’re missing. A CHL, or concealed handgun license, and an LTC, or license to carry, are frequently used interchangeably. The weapons education experts at LTC Austin, a leading provider of CHL online classes, explain the differences between CHL and LTC in the Lone Star State.
License to Carry a Handgun Concealed (CHL)
Until 2017, the license required to carry a weapon in Texas was referred to as a “concealed handgun license,” or CHL. The term “concealed firearm license” is used in certain other states to refer to the same thing. A CHL allows the possessor to legally carry a handgun as long as the weapon is not seen or displayed.
Carrying Permit (LTC)
The term “concealed handgun license” was formally changed to “license to carry” (LTC) a handgun in Texas in 2017. Because open carry became allowed in Texas in 2016, this conclusion was taken. It makes logical to refer to this license as a license to carry because it now covers both hidden and open carry. As a result, the answer to the question of what is the difference between CHL and LTC is that there is none. In Texas, these words all refer to the same thing.
An interesting mix of old and new
The confusion over CHL and LTC originates from the fact that some gun owners in Texas continue to refer to themselves as “CHL” despite the fact that the official word has been “LTC” since 2017. Also, if you hear someone speak to a concealed handgun “permit” or another version that uses the word “permit” instead of “license,” they’re still talking about a carry permission.
License Requirements for CHL/LTC
The procedures for acquiring a license to carry that includes open carry, regardless of whether you prefer the term “CHL” or “LTC,” are the same. In Texas, there are three basic CHL/LTC requirements:
- Traditional in-person classes are available;
- Online classes are also available.
- A proof of proficiency, regardless of how you complete the needed classes
When you’re ready to get your Texas License to Carry (LTC), make sure you choose a premier training provider. Conceal Carry Academy and LTC Training Texas are committed to offering the best firearms training possible. When they need information on firearms safety or they want to take a Texas LTC class, gun owners trust the expertise of the pros from Conceal Carry Academy. If you have questions about any aspect of gun ownership in Texas, contact us today!
