Qualifications

1. Be 21 years old. (Members and former members of the armed forces must be 18.)
2. Have a clean criminal history, including military service and recent juvenile records.
3. Not be under a protective order.
4. Not be chemically dependent.
5. Not be of unsound mind.
6. Not be delinquent in paying fines, fees, child support, student loans, etc.
7. Be eligible to purchase a handgun by completing the NICS check.
8. Complete required training.

Applying for the License

1. Completing an Application. There are two ways to approach this part of the process:
   1. Submit a request by mail:
      1. Your instructor should have application packages for mail submission. As an alternative you can also obtain the postcard Request for Application from a firearms dealer or DPS office, or download it (PDF) from our site. Fill it out and mail it to TDPS. They will run a quick background check and, if there aren't any problems, send you an application package.
      2. Fill out the forms in the package.
      3. Obtain passport photos and fingerprints, following the instructions in the application package. You must obtain photos before going for fingerprints.
      4. If you have questions your training course instructor should be able to help.
   2. Submit a request by internet:
      1. Visit the Concealed Handgun Licensing & Instructor Certification Site at http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdps/chl/common/jsp/welcome.jsp.
      2. You will need:
         • Your Social Security Number.
         • Your Texas Driver License or Texas Identification card.
         • A valid credit card. (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express)
      3. Complete the online process.
      4. DPS will send you the application forms to complete. The forms available through CHL instructors cannot be substituted.
      5. If you have questions call DPS at (800) 224-5744.
2. Taking a Training Course
   1. Find a DPS Qualified Instructor. TCHA member instructors 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.
      1. The written exam covers law, nonviolent conflict resolution, and handgun use and storage. It is not mainly about shooting.
      2. 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 shoot a semiauto 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 two copies of Form 100, which you must both sign.
3. 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.
   3. If you have not paid online, you may send a personal check, cashier's check, or money order for the license fee. You may pay cash at DPS headquarters in Austin. NOTE: It is a very bad idea to bounce a check on the Texas DPS.
   4. If you're a belt and suspenders type, like me, photocopy everything.
   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 recieve your Concealed Handgun License check it over to make sure the information is correct.

Good luck! And why not become a TCHA member.