| How (exactly) do you get a Texas Concealed Handgun License... I will preface this section with a few observations and "reluctant predictions" for the future of CHL (in Texas anyway...). When Texas first instituted the Concealed Handgun/Right to Carry Program in 1996 it was considered unknown territory and seriously untested (beyond Florida). The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which was put in charge of the program in the very beginning had their misgivings and were initially reluctant, feeling that this would open up all sorts of problems from law enforcement contact to people "shoot'n each other in the streets", an old west scenario if you will. When I became an Instructor (late 1997) I was in a class of about 150 Instructors and the Troopers in charge of the certification made no qualms about those fears (very candid). They also took the time to let us know that so far (at almost 2 years) things were going better than expected. Two years later (my first recertification) the "head honcho" in charge of the program in the same auditorium stated to all who attended that he had been wrong about these fears and that the program thus far (4 years at that time) had been a resounding success and furthermore less than 1% of a % (fast approaching 100,000) of those licensed had even been involved in any altercation. In conclusion, he also pointed out that his opinion was that those who were licensed were far less apt to be involved in any criminal activity if nothing else due largely in part to the education the program provided. Now, it's no secret that Texas (at this time) has the most time "in class", comprehensive education mandated to be no less than 10 hours and no longer than 15. To some this is considered to be unnecessasary and excessive. I disagree, not because I make money off of it (I bust my a**) but because of what can happen if you are what I like to call "informationally unarmed". Too many derive their experience from TV, movies and what they heard their Grandpa say once and the reality of a incident involving a firearm and a shooting are far more sobering and downright unpleasant than most are willing to deal with in reality. Recently there has been a noticable decrease in those said "hoops" I spoke of earlier and the systematic whittleing away of certain requirements or streamlining the process to (in my opinion...) get more licensed, which if nothing else means more state revenue(!). And less emphasis on the role of the Instructor beyond (currently) the class and qualification, which even that has changed for certain renewals (third time). Much focus (I think) is starting to shift to the obvious success of the program and what I perceive to be a systematic (and potentially dangerous) "trimming of the fat" of what used to be required and in my opinion made sense more often than not. I fear an eventual retro-active decrease in what is required to achieve the license and who knows I may be an endangered species 4-5 years down the road if they go totally online or discontinue the program requirements altogether in lieu of "other" states that require no "in class" certification or even a proficiency exam(!) to carry a firearm (not good, trust me). All of this has for lack of a better word "ham-stringed many instructors as we can no longer economically offer an "all-in-one" (services) class beyond the class itself and to some who are less fortunate, a place to qualify. What started off as an explanation turned into a rant, I apologize... Anyway this is what you need to know.... You are eligible for a CHL if you are 21 years of age (technically, you can take a class if you are within 6 months of your 21rst birthday), however you still cannot apply until you are of age. No history of a Class A, B, or Class C (Criminal Mischief) misdemeanor's in the last 5 years. No felonies that are NOT deferred (10 years if they are). No history of Domestic Violence (period!!!), No history of Alchohol or Controlled Substance Abuse (you are considered legally dependent if you have had 2 violations in the last 10 years), No history of Psychiatric Problems limiting sound judgement or requiring medication to achieve that end. (pretty standard stuff...) ** The only way to get around a felony is if it has been expunged or pardoned (or deferral). Resident of the state substantiated by a Texas Drivers License or ID Card (you can get a non resident CHL however). Bottom line, if you feel you can pass the state and federal background checks you are more than likely "good to go" If you feel like you are not sure you are more than welcome to call me and I will do my best to "clear the mine field" of doubts you may have. Most of the time, in my experience, 85-90% of those who are worried, should'nt be. Okay.... If you've gotten this far the rest is just logistics... You will need to do the following, and the good news is this all translates to a more expediant class experience (still no less than 10 hours though but not as long as it used to be). Online application through www.texasonline.com that will take you to "other services" then "Concealed Handgun Licensing" and then to the application process. Warning!!! To get a new License it is $140.00 if you do not have any special considerations (over 60 or military) be careful of the Instructor option (it gets a lot of people in trouble and they end up paying too much, unless that is what you are wanting). Once you have completed that part print off (multiple copies) of the "bar code" and save it in your mail (this is what you and your information have been reduced too) This is what will be sent with your class certification and pictures to the DPS after you take the class (with me hopefully). You will need to get your passport photos done ("passport" is just a discriptor and has nothing to do with an actual passport, just the criteria for the picture (you can get these done a number of places and is typically not an issue). Finally....Fingerprints This was the real "bust in the chops" for not only the applicant but also the Instructor as they will no longer (at all) take inked fingerprints and now require that the service be done through a company called L1 Solutions and is only available through select locations throughout the DFW area (check online). As the fingerprinting in ink was sometimes subject to the physical limitations of the applicant or the technician involved (age, perspiration, medical), this process eliminates a huge percentage of prints that were routinely and predictably rejected time and time again (very lengthy and frustrating process) for many. The good news is that in conjunction with the application information (required at the time of printing) the prints are automatically "sent" via the internet to the DPS and saved to a file awaiting the hard copy information (bar code, class certification, photos) you will send after completion of the class. Admittedly it has its positives (more footwork, less potential for delays). Notary... Apparently is no longer an issue as it is now done online as part of the actual application and is now (somehow...) "implied", I do not particularly understand that (as the whole purpose is to have a witness to the event and acknowledgement of what you are getting into (said with a hint of sarcasm....). Oh well, it is what it is. Couple of side notes; #1 You are not licensed to carry until you have it phyically in hand delivered from the state to you (and on your person while carrying). #2 All "New" (initial) licenses are for 4 years and expire on your birthday after the 4th year. As an aside, it has been my experience that people hear and read what they want to, and you might want to give this another "once over" as in the long run will help diminish the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma of all this. Further questions? Please contact me at davehammers@lonestarcdt.com or... Call 214-356-7487 Thanx, Dave |
LoneStar Civilian Defense Technoloigies
Okay...
In the beginning the state of Texas
had a pretty detailed and specific
process involving a number of
"hoops" you had to jump through
to get your Concealed Handgun
License and in an endeavor to
make it a one stop shop "turn key"
experience most truley successful
CHL Instructors developed a
system (through a lot of hard work)
and curriculum to provide all these
services in one or sometimes two
days and all at the same location.
This was handy and made the
process substantially less "painful"
and inconvenient. Typically
fingerprints, photos and notary
would be all done in one location.
Recently things have changed and
the state has imposed certain
mandatory requirements (some
good, some...not so good).
This page is dedicated to how to
exactly go about getting your CHL
in Texas and hopefully circumvent
and minimalize any unforseen
complications.
A personal observation...
First of all, I want you to take my
class (that's a given...) and I am a
firm believer in being honest and
complete (as I can), full disclosure.
I'm not gonna lie, their are places
that provide all of these services
onsite.
What I provide is what these
places typically cannot, a very low
stress, comfortable enviornment,
the time needed to get it done and
get it done right, and personal one
on one attention. Just you and me
(and whoever...) having "a day" of
it. (couch enviornment) Most of the
folks I have taught come into the
class not knowing what to expect
(indifferent, is a good discription)
and the common remark at the end
of the day is that it went faster than
they thought it would.
Furthermore, it has been my
experience that people do not
really read (anymore) and
comprehend what they are reading
(skim), so take your time on this
page and truley understand what
is written and explained here. If
there are any further questions or
you would like to "phone
interview" me please feel free to
give me a call and I will do my best
to win your business.
'nuff said,
Dave
In the beginning the state of Texas
had a pretty detailed and specific
process involving a number of
"hoops" you had to jump through
to get your Concealed Handgun
License and in an endeavor to
make it a one stop shop "turn key"
experience most truley successful
CHL Instructors developed a
system (through a lot of hard work)
and curriculum to provide all these
services in one or sometimes two
days and all at the same location.
This was handy and made the
process substantially less "painful"
and inconvenient. Typically
fingerprints, photos and notary
would be all done in one location.
Recently things have changed and
the state has imposed certain
mandatory requirements (some
good, some...not so good).
This page is dedicated to how to
exactly go about getting your CHL
in Texas and hopefully circumvent
and minimalize any unforseen
complications.
A personal observation...
First of all, I want you to take my
class (that's a given...) and I am a
firm believer in being honest and
complete (as I can), full disclosure.
I'm not gonna lie, their are places
that provide all of these services
onsite.
What I provide is what these
places typically cannot, a very low
stress, comfortable enviornment,
the time needed to get it done and
get it done right, and personal one
on one attention. Just you and me
(and whoever...) having "a day" of
it. (couch enviornment) Most of the
folks I have taught come into the
class not knowing what to expect
(indifferent, is a good discription)
and the common remark at the end
of the day is that it went faster than
they thought it would.
Furthermore, it has been my
experience that people do not
really read (anymore) and
comprehend what they are reading
(skim), so take your time on this
page and truley understand what
is written and explained here. If
there are any further questions or
you would like to "phone
interview" me please feel free to
give me a call and I will do my best
to win your business.
'nuff said,
Dave
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Things you need to know
Times, they have'ah changed...