<P> "Information regarding any psychiatric, drug, alcohol, or criminal history" is required only from new users . Renewals are required every five years, but are granted without further inquiry into or update of this information . </P> <P> An eligible person wishing to obtain an LTC (formerly CHL) must take a State - set instruction course taught by a licensed instructor for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 6 hours, covering topics such as applicable laws, conflict resolution, criminal / civil liability, and handgun safety, and pass a practical qualification at a firing range with a handgun . The caliber requirement was repealed on September 1, 2017 . Such courses vary in cost, but are typically around $100--$125 for new applicants (usually not including the cost of ammunition and other shooting supplies; the practical qualification requires firing 50 rounds of ammunition). They may then apply, providing a picture, fingerprints, other documentation, and a $40 application fee (as of September 1, 2017; previously $140 and $70 for renewals),--active and discharged military are eligible for discounts--to the DPS, which processes the application, runs a federal background check, and if all is well, issues the permit . Permits are valid for five years, and allow resident holders to carry in 29 other states (nonresidents may carry in all but four of those), due to reciprocity agreements . Discounted LTC fees vary from $0 for active duty military (through one year after discharge), to $25 for military veterans . </P> <P> Public four - year universities (as of August 1, 2016) and public two - year colleges (as of August 1, 2017) must allow concealed carry in campus buildings as well . Universities will be allowed to designate certain sensitive areas as "gun free zones"; these will be subject to legislative analysis . </P> <P> While a permitted resident of Texas (or a nonresident holding a recognized permit) is generally authorized to carry in most public places, there are State and Federal laws that still restrict a permit holder from carrying a weapon in certain situations . These include: </P>

What do you need to get a gun permit in texas