One document, downloaded the same day you finish your coursework: that’s the LTC-104 Certificate of Training, and it’s the piece of paper Texas DPS actually needs before it will process your License to Carry application. East Texas Security Training Academy (ETXSTA) built an online course for Laredo residents that gets you to that certificate quickly, without giving up any of the substance required by state law.
What the Online Course Actually Covers
The classroom portion is entirely self-paced and works on any device. You’ll go through:
- Texas firearm laws and regulations
- Use of force and self-defense law
- Safe firearm handling and storage practices
- Non-violent dispute resolution
- Proper interaction with law enforcement while carrying
That’s only half of what Texas requires, though. The second half — a live shooting proficiency test — has to happen in person.
The Range Day
You’ll schedule this with an ETXSTA-certified instructor in Laredo or a nearby location. The course of fire is set by the state:
- 3 yards – 20 rounds
- 7 yards – 20 rounds
- 15 yards – 10 rounds
Fifty rounds in total, and you need to land 70% of them to pass. If you don’t pass on the first try, Texas gives you up to three attempts at both the written and range portions within a 12-month window. Also worth flagging: your certificates of training and proficiency are valid for two years, but they must still be current on the day you actually submit your LTC application — plan your range day accordingly.
Who Doesn’t Need the Range Test?
Active-duty military members and veterans with a qualifying range score or proof of firearms familiarization training from the last ten years, along with state correctional officers and county jailers who trained on the job, are exempt from the shooting test — the online classroom course is all they need.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have no felony conviction
- Have no Class A or B misdemeanor conviction within the past 5 years
- Not be subject to a protective or restraining order
- Have no criminal charges pending
- Not be chemically dependent
- Be qualified under state and federal law to possess a handgun
- Be of sound mind
- Not be finally determined delinquent on child support
The LTC Still Matters, Permitless Carry or Not
Texas allows constitutional carry, but a license still buys you things permitless carry can’t: reciprocity with 37 other states, added legal protections, entry to some locations that don’t allow permitless carriers, and no NICS background check delay when purchasing from a dealer. ETXSTA is proud to serve as a trusted training provider for Laredo families who want that added peace of mind.