Submit a request by internet:
1. 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 which INCLUDES printint and filling out a Photo Holder page (CHL-6) which can be found on the link Downloadable Forms. If you are NOT applying online, print CHL-85 and CHL-86 and bring to class. I can notarize them in class if you bring them with you.
  4. The DPS will mail you an application packet to take to class and your CHL instructor can help you with the process.
  5. Get your fingerprints made at www.ibtfingerprint.com. This company will scan your prints and send the file directly to the DPS. After March, 2011, this will be required and rolled prints will no longer be accepted.
  6. If you have questions call DPS at (800) 224-5744.
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 a training certificate (Form CHL-100), which you must both sign and you will submit with your final application mail-in.
Submitting your Application
1. Make sure all the forms that came in the application package are correctly completed.
2. Include a copy of the Form CHL-100.
3. If you have not paid online, send a personal check or get a cashier's check or money order for the license fee.
4. Photocopy everything before sending to the DPS.
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