Concealed Handgun Licensing
Texas Department of Public Safety
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“Three Ways to Apply!” When it comes to applying, CHL applicants have options.
Option 1 – Apply Online *RECOMMENDED* (Fastest and most Reliable)
Applicants can take full control of the application process, from beginning to end.
You must be at least 21 years of age (18 for military), and have the following:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your Texas Driver License or Texas Identification card
- A valid credit card e.g. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. (These charges are separate than charges for the course, ammunition, and range fees.)
From the CHL website applicants can:
- Complete & submit the CHL web application (https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/txapp/txdps/chl/)
- Submit the application fee
- Schedule electronic fingerprints with L1
- Find a CHL instructor
Then complete the application process by mailing in supplemental documents and proof of CHL course.
Option 2 – Download Application & Forms
Applicants who aren’t sure about applying online can still take advantage of our online resources.
From the CHL website applicants can:
- Download, print, and fill out the application and supplemental forms
- Find a CHL Instructor
Then complete the application process by mailing in the paper application, supplemental documents, any applicable fee, fingerprints (electronic or paper) and proof of CHL course. (Note: Applicants cannot schedule electronic fingerprints until their application is received by the Department.)
Option 3 – “One Stop Shopping” With CHL Instructors
For applicants who want the convenience of “one stop shopping,” instructors can still offer the full array of application services by printing applicant packets.
Since DPS is making the application and forms available to the public on the CHL website, DPS will discontinue mailing packets to instructors. However, if the student chooses the convenience of “one stop shopping,” instructors can opt to pass on the cost of printing to their students.
Notes:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Fees & Required Documents (PDF)
Photos
- Submit passport photos on the required CHL-6 Photo Holder/ID Signature form. Do NOT send them with the merchant’s Photo Holder sleeve. This results in a delay in the CHL application process. The CHL-6 form is available on the CHL website
- TXDPS no longer requires signatures on the back of photos by either the applicant or the fingerprint technician. Photos will not be rejected for lack of signature
- Applicant photos will not be accepted if the applicant is wearing eye glasses
Fingerprints
Effective March 1, 2011, the Department will require applicants to submit electronic fingerprints with original applications. At this time, the State approved vendor is L-1 Enrollment Services (L-1). See Fingerprint and Photo Information page for additional information and instructions.
Texas Concealed Handgun Licenses for Out of State Residents
In compliance with Title 37, Texas Administrative Code §15.25, the Department of Public Safety is no longer issuing Texas identification cards to non-residents effective September 19, 2006. This affects out-of-state concealed handgun license holders, who will no longer be able to submit a Texas identification card number with their applications. For the near future, the Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau will be issuing concealed handgun licenses to non-residents with a ‘blank space’ in the TX DL/ID # field. These licenses are valid and will be replaced once a permanent solution is implemented. Please note that this change only applies to non-residents. Valid concealed handgun licenses for Texas residents must still contain a valid Texas driver license or identification number in the TX DL/ID # field.
Initial Course $125.00
Initial Course for NPS Graduates $100.00
Renewals $125.00
Renewal for NPS Graduates $75.00
CHL in conjunction with another course $25.00
These fees are for this CHL 12-hour course. The State charges an additional licensing amount. Register at www.npstrainingschool.com to reserve your seat.
You need shooting glasses, hearing protection, baseball style hat, close toed shoes, a handgun; .32 caliber or bigger, 50 rounds of ammunition to qualify, and 40 rounds if you choose to participate in the optional warm-up/training drills. Firearms rental available.
GC§411.185. RENEWAL
GC§411.188. HANDGUN PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau
Regulatory Licensing Service MSC 0245
Texas Department of Public Safety
PO Box 4087 Austin, Texas 78773-0245
Phone: (512) 424-7293 or (512) 424-7294
Helpline: (800) 224-5744