The Texas Department of Public Safety has proposed new rules that would require applicants for handgun carry licenses and certain other permits to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
The changes, filed in April and published in the Texas Register on April 24, would apply to both new applications and renewals for the state’s License to Carry (LTC) program. Applicants would need to submit documents such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or permanent resident card.
Those documents would be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to confirm eligibility under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
The proposal also extends the same requirement to handgun instructor certifications, private security licenses and registrations, ignition interlock device vendors, and other DPS-regulated programs.
Importantly, the rules would not affect Texas’ permitless carry law. Since September 2021, most adults 21 and older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm have been able to carry a handgun openly or concealed without any license. The LTC remains an optional permit that provides some additional benefits, such as reciprocity in other states.
A 30-day public comment period on the proposal ends May 24. If approved, the rules could take effect as early as late May. DPS says the update is designed to align state licensing with federal eligibility standards and maintain the integrity of the process.
No service disruptions or changes to existing license holders are expected during the review period.
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Importantly, the rules would not affect Texas’ permitless carry law.
Importantly, the rules would not affect Texas’ permitless carry law.
