What are the steps I need to take to get my CHL here in Texas? Do you apply first then take the course if approved or do you spend all the money up front and then hope it wasn't a waste. What are the fees for the application and for the class?

Thanks
Chris

What is the application fee? is it just the $140 for new license fee? I am having a hard time finding all the information that i am looking for? i would like to apply with the state and get my approval on the application before spending the money on the class. is this how it normally goes?

Depemds on the trainer what you get. Some do the training, submit paperwork, do the phots, and fingerprints, etc...the whole thing for a set price.

Others do just the training and testing and you need to do the rest. Check around and be sure you ask questions if you are confused.

Personally, I think it is worth a few extra bucks to have someone else handle the paperwork, photos, etc. That way all you have to do is go through the course, take the test and qualify at the range.

Your best bet would be to go to a local gun shop or range and ask them. Most gun ranges around here hold CCW classes ever so often, so they will know exactly what steps you need to take, and can probably enroll you in a class too.

It's not like applying for a job. If you meet the qualifications, you get the license. There is no risk if you pass the class and aren't a felon or have a misdemeanor in the last 5 years.

You have to go get your prints on your own now. Brother said it wasn't too much of a pain though,

^
This.

Electronic prints only. Had mine done at the CC SO. Bullet Trap in Plano has CHL classes, and they'll do it all there.

Texas is "shall issue". If memory serves:
a)send in for application packet (TXDPS)
b)take class/fingerprinting/qualifying/complete aplication
c)submit application/documentation/payment
d)wait anxiously for the postman to bring you your license.

you have to have the class scores in the package when sent to the state. Where i got mine done at the age of 18 because I’m military i filled out all the paperwork he did the photos fingerprints and i took the class he gives you the scores to put in the package then send it off and within a month or so i received my license in the mail. To the state is $140 then whatever the person or gun shop charges for the class. but you only put the $140 in your package to the state, the fee for the class is paid to the instructor...hope that helps

As others have stated, the $140 is a State fee. The CHL instructor (individual or gun range) has a fee. Usually the instructor/range fee includes fingerprints, applications, help in filling out the applications (a good thing), and the class. Most times, your qualifying ammo is extra. I think most ranges charge from $85 to $120 for the course. So your total cost should be around $225 to $260 plus ammo. Part paid to the instructor; part paid to the State.

Why get a license? That just tells everyone, #1 you have a gun, and #2 you are carrying it. No license for me and besides someone stole all my guns. Let the judge sort it out if you ever need to.

FYI-Congress just passed the concealed carry reciprocity act, (today), that allows licensed concealed carry accross state lines in every state except Illinois. Make sure you abide by each state's laws though to keep out of trouble.

One thing not mentioned. If you are a veteran, provide your' DD214 when you send in your' state fee and it will only cost you $70. And also, in Texas, you are allowed to carry a loaded handgun in your' vehicle, as long as it is concealed and not on your' body, without a Concealed Handgun Permit.

Assuming you meet the qualifications.

Log onto the DPS CHL website.
Fill out the online application
Give them your CC for the State fee
Schedule an appointment with L-1 identity solutions for digital fingerprints. $10

You can do this before your class or after, no big deal. You have up to one year to complete your application.

Find an instructor.
The class is a minimum of 10 hours of classroom and qualifying at the range. There may or may not be a range fee depending on the instructor and range.

Sit through the class, shoot the qualifying, and send in your CHL-100 form when you pass. Then wait.

One thing I still see a lot of is instructors advertising packets and fingerprints. If you apply online you don't need a packet and fingerprints must be done at L-1. There are a couple of instructors that are L-1 licensed but most are not.

Check around. Prices I've seen run from $60-$150. Check out what you're willing to pay for.

The House passed the bill, not Congress. It is not law yet.

How does a license tell everyone you have a gun? You don't wear your license around your neck for all to see.

If it is concealed how does anyone know you are carrying?

Letting the judge sort it out is not going to work well for you.

That's the worst advice ever!

I think what he meant to say is that it lets the government know that you are a gun owner. Some people buy guns from flea markets and thru private individuals that dont do the FFL paperwork and the government would not otherwise know that they are a gun owner. When Great Britain and Canada began to abolish gun ownership, the first place they looked for gun owners, was in their own records of gun sales.

I stand corrected, I should have said "The House" passed the bill, not congress. Now it just needs to get through the Senate, hopefully it will & will become law.

apply on the DPS website. They will send you the packet. Take the class which includes instruction to fill out the paperwork. Do not attempt to fill it out on your own. the class should also have a practical exam. Which is live fire. Send in your packet to DPS and they will send you the license.

Just got mine. First step for me was signing up for class. I went to the Texas Handgun Academy. Application and fee is all done online.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlsindex.htm

Fingerprints HAVE to be taken with L1 Identity Solutions, they have many locations, mine was in Frisco. All other materials are given to you at the class, then you mail those in, they do a background check and I believe that was all. The place you take your class should be able to help you with all this also.

I'm all for purchasing firearms without registering (so that you don't "tell everyone") but are you advocating carrying in public (whether lawfully purchased or not) without a CHL in the state of Texas and breaking the law (assuming you're not on private property)?

I realize that being "outlaw" may seem cool to you in whatever town you live in, but letting the "judge" sort it out seems rather reckless (might i add that when that stray bullet of yours goes into an innocent bystander...you've just posted publicly on the internet your attitude for the prosecution to use against you).

Perhaps not the smartest sentiment nor internet post, i digress.

Just fill out the application online. My students say it is easy and takes about 15 minutes. Unfortunately I can't go in to look at the process since I am already in the system so I just have to take their word for it.

Paper applications are getting phased out. The DPS will probably always accept them but they do not just send them out anymore. I'd have to check but I think you can either download them or buy a copy. With the online application I just don't see any need for the paper copy anymore.

PM if you have more questions. I'm always glad to help...even if you don't take my class. You can also check out my website for more FAQs and details.

Let me put on my tinhat but I figure if you are on this website then the Government already knows about you. Whether you have a CHL, buy a gun from the box store, or have ever bought ammo or reloading components I don't see it makes much difference. Ever buy firearm related items with a credit card? Did you buy a hunting license?

While I like the idea of being under the radar I've long since given up that notion.



I won't hear the black helicopters until it is too late.