Qualifications
1. Be a resident of Texas or apply for a Nonresident CHL at http://www.txchia.org/txioutst.htm.
2. Be 21 years old.
3. Have a clean criminal history, including military service and recent juvenile records.
4. Not be under a protective order.
5. Not be chemically dependent.
6. Not be of unsound mind.
7. Not be delinquent in paying fines, fees, child support, student loans, etc.
8. Be eligible to purchase a handgun by completing the NICS check.
More information on the specifics of qualifying are available on the Texas Department of Public Safety site at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/.
Applying for the License
There are two preliminary steps to the application process, completing an application and taking a training course. These are concurrent; you can do either one first or both at the same time.
A. Completing an Application. There are two ways to approach this part of the process:
1. Submit a request by mail:
a. Obtain the postcard Request for Application from a firearms dealer or DPS office, or download it at http://www.txchia.org/txapcard.htm. Fill it out and mail it to TDPS.
b. They will run a quick background check and, if there aren't any problems, send you an application package.
c. Fill out the forms in the package.
d. Obtain passport photos and fingerprints, following the instructions in the application package. You must obtain photos before going for fingerprints.
e. If you have questions your training course instructor should be able to help.
2. Submit a request by internet:
a. Visit the Concealed Handgun Licensing & Instructor Certification site at http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdps/chl/common/jsp/welcome.jsp.
b. You will need:
* Your Social Security Number.
* Your Texas Drivers License or Texas Identification card.
* A valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).
c. Complete the online process.
d. Obtain a package of application forms from your CHL instructor.
e. If you have questions call DPS at (800) 224-5744.
B. Taking a Training Course:
1. Find a DPS Qualified Instructor. TCHA member instructors http://www.txchia.org/inst.htm are listed on this site.
2. Take the training course. It will require 10 to 15 hours, and includes a written examination and a shooting practical. You must pass both with a score of 70% or better.
a. The written exam covers law, nonviolent conflict resolution, and handgun use and storage. It is not mainly about shooting.
b. The shooting practical requires you to fire fifty rounds from a handgun of .32 caliber or greater, including 20 shots at three yards, 20 at seven yards, and 10 a fifteen yards. If you qualify with a semi-auto you will be able to carry any legal handgun. If you qualify with a revolver you will be able to carry any handgun, including a revolver or derringer, except for a semiauto.
3. After you pass both tests the instructor will issue a training certificate, suitable for framing, and two copies of Form 100, which you must both sign.
C. Submitting your Application:
1. Make sure all the forms that came in the application package are correctly completed.
2. Include the first copy of the Form 100. Do not send in the second copy or the certificate.
3. If you have not paid online, get a cashier's check or money order for the license fee.
4. Photocopy everything (not required but wise).
5. Send the package to DPS, and wait while they check your background and process your application. If there are no problems it will take about 60 days.
6. When you receive your Concealed Handgun License check it over to make sure the information is correct. If you need to modify your license to change your name or address or to go from an NSA (non semiauto) to an SA (semiauto) license, or replace a lost or destroyed license, the forms are available online at http://www.txchia.org/formlist.htm.