Obtaining a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in Texas is more expensive, and more involved, than most states.
It requires sitting through an 8 hour class which covers where you can and cannot carry and laws relating to the use of deadly force, and a range qualification (easy for most people who shoot regularly). The class is actually rather informative and most instructors do a good job of keeping it interesting. Most places charge $100-150 for the class, which includes helping you fill out the paperwork and providing the photos and fingerprints required.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) processes all CHL applications for the state (in contrast to North Carolina where IIRC permits are issued by the county sheriff). There is supposed to be a 60 day limit on processing the application, which DPS has been having trouble meeting due to high demand for permits recently. There is a $140 application fee for first-time permits; I believe that there is a 50% discount for veterans and senior citizens.
Renewals are every 5 years and consist of a shortened class and a range qualification; the fee to DPS for renewals is $70.
Many people complain about the variety of off-limits places in Texas, but it is quite reasonable compared to North Carolina (which IMHO has one of the most ridiculous lists of off-limits places). The highlights include:
- School premises (defined as buildings only)
- Courtrooms and court offices
- School or professional sporting events
- Establishments that get more than 51% of their income from sales of alcohol for on-premises consumption
In order for businesses to make themselves off-limits, they must post a Section 30.06-compliant sign (explained
here).
Note also that government buildings are not off-limits; in fact notice under Section 30.06 is void legally if posted at an otherwise non-prohibited government facility (of course federal facilities are under a different set of rules).
One other note--open carry is prohibited. Intentional failure to conceal by a CHL holder is illegal (note this does not prohibit unintentional printing or other circumstances where your weapon may become expose accidentally).
A good forum with many posters who are very knowledgeable about Texas CHL and firearms issues is
TexasCHLforum.com.
