Permitless handgun carry begins Sep. 1 in Texas

Known as “Constitutional Carry” by its supporters, a new law passed by the Texas Legislature earlier this year allows anyone 21 years or older, who isn’t prohibited from having a firearm, to carry a handgun without first obtaining a license.

The state currently requires gun owners to obtain a License to Carry (LTC) if they want to carry a handgun in public - either openly or concealed. The process for getting a license includes a background check, classroom training, and a range qualification.

The new law won’t get rid of the LTC, but will instead, largely make it optional.

“There’s still advantages to having that License to Carry,” said LoneStar Handgun owner Josh Felker, “but it got rid of the necessity for the most part.”