How do I get a Texas Concealed Handgun License?

Texas is a 'shall issue' state. Which means that any person meeting the clearly defined eligibility requirements (see below) at the time of application shall be issued a license. This differs from a 'may issue' state, in which the requirements are not clearly defined and the final decision could be arbitrary and in the hands of a single individual who may decide to grant you a license. Or not.

You can start the application process online at the link above, and then take the training class or you can sign up for the training here and your instructor will provide the application paperwork for you.

When you apply online or take the training class you will receive a packet of application materials. You must submit to the Texas Department of Public Safety:

1. a completed application form (part of your application packet)
2. one or more photographs that meet the requirements of the department (such as a passport photo)
3. a certified copy of your birth certificate or other certified proof of age (Texas driver's license or state ID is acceptable)
4. proof of residency in this state (or other state if applying for a nonresident license)
5. two complete sets of fingerprints (two cards provided in the application packet - see Fingerprints below)
6. a nonrefundable application and license fee of $140 paid to the department (exceptions for active military, veterans, senior citizens, peace officers and the indigent)
7. evidence of handgun proficiency (provided by your instructor upon completing the training)
8. the three affidavits included in the application packet, signed and notarized
9. details of any criminal history
10. history of residence in a drug or alcohol treatment center, only if it occurred in the previous five years

Who is eligible for a Texas Concealed Handgun License?

Any person who:

1. is a legal resident of Texas (or another state when applying for a nonresident license)
2. is at least 21 years of age.
3. has not been convicted of a felony.
4. is not currently charged with a felony or Class A or B misdemeanor* or equivalent offense.
5. is not a fugitive from justice for a felony or Class A or B misdemeanor or equivalent offense.
6. is not a chemically dependent person.
7. is not incapable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun.
8. has not, in the five years preceding the application date, been convicted of a Class A or B misdemeanor* or equivalent offense.
9. is fully qualified under state and federal law to purchase a handgun.
10. has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making a child support payment administered or collected by the attorney general.
11. has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, a tax collector of a political subdivision of the state, or any agency or subdivision of the state.
12. is not currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, other than a restraining order solely affecting property interests.
13. has not, in the ten years preceding the date of application, been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony, and:
14. has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact in the application.

See the 2009 CHL Handbook for more information.

Where can I carry? Are there places that I can't go when armed?

A person licensed to carry a concealed handgun in Texas may carry in most public places, with some exemptions that apply to all citizens whether licensed or not. Do not carry:

1. on the physical premises of a school or where a school-sponsored activity is taking place
2. on the premises of a polling place on the day of an election or when early voting is taking place
3. on the premises of any government court or offices used by the court
4. on the premises of a racetrack
5. in or into a secured area of an airport
6. within 1000 feet of the premises of a location designated as a place of execution on a day that a sentence of death is to be imposed on the premises and notice was given that going withing 1000 feet of the premises with a weapon was prohibited, or possessing a weapon withing 1000 feet of the premises was prohibited

Additionally, licensed citizens must avoid carrying:

a) in a manner that exposes the handgun. It must remain concealed.

1. on the premises of a business licensed to sell alcoholic beverages and which derives 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption
2. on the premises where a high school, collegiate or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place
3. on the premises of a correctional facility
4. on the premises of a hospital or nursing home
5. in an amusement park
6. on the premises of a church, synagogue or other established place of religious worship

c) at any meeting of a governmental entity

d) while intoxicated

or any location that displays a sign with language identical to the following:

"Pursuant to section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by holder of license to carry a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (concealed handgun law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun"

This text must appear in block letters at least one inch high, in contrasting colors, both in English and Spanish and be displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public.

What is the training class like?

The training guidelines are established by the state. The class must be at least 10 but not more than 15 hours, and cover handgun use,  proficiency and safety, nonviolent conflict resolution, the laws that relate to weapons and the use of deadly force,  and proper storage practices for handguns that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child.

The proficiency demonstration is a timed course of fire. You will fire a total of 50 rounds at varying distances and time intervals into a standard B-27 target, which will be scored by your instructor. You must score at least 175 of a possible 250 points.

At the end of the day you will take the written exam. If a passing grade of 70% or better is achieved and you have demonstrated proficiency with your handgun your instructor will issue a certificate of proficiency. You will send the original certificate to the Department of Public Safety with your application paperwork, photographs, fingerprints and application fee.

The wait for processing is about 60 days. You will receive a confirmation letter from DPS acknowledging receipt of your application and a PIN number. You may use the PIN number on the DPS website to monitor progress of your application.