LTC License Validation Website

[kg5ie]

Anyone else hearing about a new website/ phone line set up by RSD for FFLs to validate LTC licensees? Supposed to prevent firearm sales to someone with an invalid LTC.

[Grayling813]

Received an email from TSRA about it.

[Pawpaw]

Here's a link to the letter DPS sent to FFLs. It includes the URL for the validation page.

http://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff ... ChkLtr.pdf

[Grayling813]

Just tried it with my LTC number so it’s available to anyone.

[KLB]

Just tried it with my LTC number so it’s available to anyone.

Yep, mine worked, too.

[Grayling813]

Anyone else hearing about a new website/ phone line set up by RSD for FFLs to validate LTC licensees? Supposed to prevent firearm sales to someone with an invalid LTC.

I have never heard the term "invalid LTC". What does that mean? I know my LTC will become invalid the day after it expires. And if it is revoked by LE, it cannot be invalid because it will cease to exist.
I might just be dense today, please forgive my old brain.

From the TSRA email:

A valid Texas LTC may be used as an alternative permit under 18 U.S.C. § 922(t) to authorize a firearm transfer without the otherwise required national instant criminal background (NICS) check. However, in some instances, an LTC may have been revoked, but the actual card may not have been surrendered by the license holder. In such instances, the LTC should not be used as an alternative permit. While the department is not aware of an invalid LTC used in such a manner, providing FFLs with a convenient avenue to verify an LTC is an important safeguard to prevent such action.

[joe817]

Just tried it with my LTC number so it’s available to anyone.

It's available to anyone that has your LTC number. To that, I can agree.

[kg5ie]

Doesn't that violate the statute that says RSD won't release LTC data without a court order?

[jmorris]

Doesn't that violate the statute that says RSD won't release LTC data without a court order?

You've already provided all the data by giving the seller your LTC. The website just validates that the LTC is valid,

[C-dub]

I'm not entering my number into that thing since I know it's valid.

However, for those that have, after you enter it what happens? Does it only indicate validity or does it also give any other personal information? If it does I don't like that AT ALL.

It won't take long for someone to set something up to randomly or sequentially enter numbers and come up with a complete list of Texas LTC holders.


EDIT: I'm still eating my breakfast and waking up this morning. I just tried it making up an 8 digit number and all it says is that is the following:

This license may be used as an alternative permit under 18 U.S.C. § 922(t) to purchase a firearm as of 11/15/2019.

I've tried a few and haven't found an invalid one yet.

[Papa_Tiger]

I'm not entering my number into that thing since I know it's valid.

However, for those that have, after you enter it what happens? Does it only indicate validity or does it also give any other personal information? If it does I don't like that AT ALL.

It won't take long for someone to set something up to randomly or sequentially enter numbers and come up with a complete list of Texas LTC holders.

I didn't enter my number but typed in a random number that looked like it could be in sequence. All that came back was a message stating that "License number XXXXXXXX is valid." No other information, just the LTC number that had been entered and a note that the number was currently valid.

[AJSully421]

I am alright with it... after all, we are allowing someone to bypass a NICS check with this card. If you are an FFL, the very least that you should do is train your employees on the security features of a Texas ID and LTC card, and then use this website to verify that an LTC is valid.

I have a PowerPoint presentation on license security features. If anyone wants it, pm me your email address.

[joe817]

I'm not entering my number into that thing since I know it's valid.

However, for those that have, after you enter it what happens? Does it only indicate validity or does it also give any other personal information? If it does I don't like that AT ALL.

It won't take long for someone to set something up to randomly or sequentially enter numbers and come up with a complete list of Texas LTC holders.

EDIT: I'm still eating my breakfast and waking up this morning. I just tried it making up an 8 digit number and all it says is that is the following:

This license may be used as an alternative permit under 18 U.S.C. § 922(t) to purchase a firearm as of 11/15/2019.

I've tried a few and haven't found an invalid one yet.

That's what popped up for me when I entered my number. Yikes! Anyone with a random number generator can eventually get all the hits they desire.

That's scary. Good bye confidentially.