Texas is launching a new online handgun licensing system Thursday, October 1, allowing residents to once again submit new License to Carry applications following a temporary shutdown while state records were transferred to the new platform.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said its new RSD Connect system will replace the state’s previous online licensing platform for License to Carry applicants, current license holders, and certified handgun instructors.
Beginning October 1, users will be able to apply for a new License to Carry, renew an existing license, and check the status of a handgun license online. Instructors will also be able to create and manage handgun licensing courses through the new system.
DPS said RSD Connect is intended to provide a more streamlined application process and easier access to licensing and certification information.
Applications Resume After Statewide Pause
The transition temporarily halted new online applications in September.
According to DPS, September 12 was the last day Texans could submit an LTC application through the previous system, while September 14 was the final day to submit supporting documents for an existing application.
New applications resumed October 1.
DPS said applications submitted before the scheduled shutdown will continue processing in RSD Connect rather than requiring applicants to start over.
The department’s Regulatory Services Division said the new platform is designed to offer a more streamlined application experience and easier access to license and certification statuses.
RSD Connect is also expected to eventually support other programs administered by the division.
Texas Still Has A License To Carry Program
Texas law no longer requires every lawful handgun carrier to obtain a state license.
House Bill 1927, which took effect September 1, 2021, allows certain people who may legally possess a firearm to carry a handgun in public without obtaining a License to Carry.
However, the law did not eliminate Texas’ LTC program.
The Texas State Law Library notes that permitless carry applies only to people who meet the legal requirements to possess and carry a firearm.
DPS continues to administer the licensing program, conduct criminal-history background checks, determine applicant eligibility, and issue licenses to qualifying Texans, according to the department’s handgun licensing overview.
Applicants must meet state and federal eligibility requirements, complete the required training, submit an application and supporting materials, and pay applicable fees, according to DPS application guidance.
Why Texans Still Get An LTC
Although Texas allows permitless carry in many circumstances, a License to Carry continues to offer benefits that unlicensed carriers may not receive.
According to DPS, those benefits include certain protections involving accidental possession of a firearm in secured airport areas and the ability to carry in some locations where different rules apply to unlicensed carriers.
An LTC can provide advantages in certain situations, including concealed carry-on qualifying college campuses and protections that do not apply to unlicensed carriers. It does not override Texas restrictions on places such as K-12 schools, polling places, courts, or other prohibited locations, and private property owners may still restrict firearms with legally effective notice.
Licenses may also be recognized by other states through reciprocity agreements or state law, although Texas license holders traveling outside the state must follow the firearm laws of the jurisdiction they are visiting. DPS cautions that a reciprocity agreement does not automatically authorize every form of handgun carry in another state.
A valid Texas LTC may also be used in qualifying circumstances as an alternative permit when purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer rather than undergoing a separate National Instant Criminal Background Check System check, according to DPS guidance for federal firearms licensees.
DPS lists the standard LTC application fee at $40, with a license generally valid for five years.
Fingerprint Fees Increase October 1
A separate change involving federal fingerprint fees also takes effect October 1.
The Texas DPS FACT Clearinghouse said the FBI portion of certain fingerprint transmission fees will increase from $12 to $15.
The FBI volunteer fingerprint fee will rise from $10 to $13.
The department cautions that fingerprint charges vary based on the type of applicant, agency, and purpose of the background check, meaning the listed fees do not necessarily apply to every fingerprint transaction.
LTC applicants who are required to submit fingerprints can find fingerprinting instructions through the state’s handgun licensing application guidance.
New System Opens Thursday
Beginning October 1, Texans will be able to access the new licensing platform through the DPS Handgun Licensing website.
The department said RSD Connect will allow applicants and current license holders to manage more of the licensing process online while giving instructors new tools to manage required handgun courses.
