Texas License to Carry Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the Texas License to Carry, a 51x51mm (2x2in) photo used for United States (USA) license to carry applications. Meeting every specification below — correct dimensions, head height, background and expression — is essential to avoid rejection and get your application processed the first time.

Key Features:

• Country: United States (USA)
• Jurisdiction: Texas
• Document Type: License to Carry
• Issued by: Texas Department of Public Safety
• Primary Specifications: 51x51mm (2x2in), not retouched, on photo paper. 2 identical prints. Needed only without a Texas driver license or ID.

Photo Checking Standards for Texas License to Carry

When you choose the Texas License to Carry, the following are checked automatically:

1. Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
2. Head Size and Position: Full face, chin to crown.
3. Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
4. Lighting and Contrast: The face is evenly lit, without harsh shadows or glare.
5. Facial Expression: A neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.

6. Obstructions: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.

7. Background: The background must conform to the specified color (usually white or light gray) and be free of shadows.

8. Lighting and Contrast: The face must be evenly lit without harsh shadows or glare.
9. Facial Expression: A neutral expression with closed mouth is required.
10. Obstructions: Glasses (if allowed) must not have glare; no red-eye, and no hair covering the eyes.

Common Rejection Reasons

Photos for the Texas License to Carry are often rejected for:

• Wrong size or head size: the photo is not 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square, or the head is too large or too small.
• Too old: it was not recent.
• Wrong background: it is not plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns, or it has shadows.
• Glasses, hats or glare: not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.
• Poor lighting: shadows across the face or background.

• Expression: smiling with teeth showing, or eyes not fully open.

• Poor Lighting: Harsh shadows on the face or background.

• Incorrect Background: The background color is not correct or has patterns/shadows.
• Improper Expression: Smiling, frowning, or having teeth visible.
• Glasses Glare: Reflections on eyeglass lenses.
• Head Size: The head is either too large or too small within the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size photo does the Texas License to Carry need? A: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square. Full face, chin to crown.

Q: How recent must the photo be? A: Recent.

Q: What do I submit? A: 2 identical prints on photo-quality paper, in a sealed envelope (form LTC-6).

Q: Can I wear glasses or a hat? A: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.

Q: What background is needed? A: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: Choose the Texas License to Carry on our main page and upload a photo; it is sized, framed and checked against these rules automatically.

Q: Can I smile in this photo? A: No, a neutral expression with a closed mouth is required for almost all official ID photos.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: You can easily generate a compliant photo by selecting this standard on our main page.

Official Specs & References

For the most up-to-date and legally binding guidelines, refer to the issuing authority: Texas Department of Public Safety.

Official Reference: Texas License to Carry – Official Photo Requirements

What the authority asks for (our summary):

• Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
• Head: Full face, chin to crown.
• Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
• Glasses and headwear: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.
• How recent: Recent.
• What to submit: 2 identical prints on photo-quality paper, in a sealed envelope (form LTC-6).
• Not retouched.
• Only if you have no Texas driver license or ID; otherwise DPS uses your license photo.