Legal Requirements to Receive a Texas CHL
A Texas Concealed Handgun License may be issued to any person who:
- Is a legal resident of this state for at least 6 months. (As of September 2009, you must establish residency in Texas to get a Texas driver's license, which in turn is a requirement for making a CHL application.)
- Is at least 21 years of age. (The course certificate is good for 6 months, so you can complete the course up to 6 months prior to your 21st birthday.) New Exception: Active duty or honorably discharged US Armed forces veterans may apply at age 18. However, the military 'underage' CHL is not recognized by some of the reciprocal states.
- Has not been convicted of a felony, including a deferred adjudication. If you were convicted of a felony, and the offense is no longer considered a felony in that jurisdiction, you may qualify for a CHL -- Unless the legislature changes its mind again. Unfortunately, if you have a class A misdemeanor that is now a felony, that disqualifies you now. Deferred adjudication for a non-violent felony may only disqualify for 10 years.
- Is not currently charged with a class A or B misdemeanor or an offense of Disorderly Conduct, or under information or indictment for a felony.
- Is not a fugitive from justice for a class A or B misdemeanor or felony.
- Is not chemically-dependent. (Note: 3 DWI convictions in any 10 year period is considered prima facie evidence of chemical dependence. 2 may get your application "extra scrutinty".)
- Is a person of sound mind. (Rephrased from the double-negative in the Texas Penal Code.)
- Has not, in the 5 years preceding the date of application been convicted of a class A or B misdemeanor of Disorderly conduct.
- Is fully-qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun. (Brady Law)
- Has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making a child support payment administered or collected by the attorney general.
- Has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, the tax collector of a political subdivision of the state, or any agency or
subdivision of the state. (Under a really strict interpretation of this part, it would include unpaid library fines! However, this only applies if it has come to the attention of a court.)
- Has not been finally determined to be in default on a student loan made under chapter 57 of the education code. (This has been repealed effective September 2009)
- Is not currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting the spousal relationship, other than a restraining order solely affecting property interests.
- Has not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application, been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law of the grade of felony. (This applies to crimes committed as a juvenile.)
- Has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in application or request for an application.
- Has not been convicted of two drug or alcohol class A or B misdemeanors in the 10 years preceding the date of application.
Questions? Email me at Instructor@chl-tx.com, or call the number above (best time to call is usually noon hour or between 4:30-8:00pm) |
|