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Tactical Defense
1. Do I have to be a Texas resident?
No, but if you do not have a Texas driver's license, you need to get a Texas I.D. card from the DPS
2. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen?
No, but you must be able to prove your immigration status and provide proof of residence for the previous 6 months. In addition, you must be able to understand, read, and write English well enough to pass the written test and fill out the application.
3. What is the minimum age requirement?
You must be 21 years old to get a CHL, unless you are active duty or honorably discharged from any branch of the military, reserves, or National Guard. Then you must be at least 18.
4. What if I have an arrest record?
If you have a felony conviction, you are permanently ineligible (with a few exceptions). A Class A or Class B misdemeanor will make you ineligible for 5 years from the date of conviction, not the date of the offense. (A DWI is at least a Class B misdemeanor). Even if you received a deferred adjudication or probation, it still counts as a conviction.
5. Can I get a CHL if I cannot legally buy a handgun?
No. Excluding the military age exemption, you must be eligible under the Brady laws to purchase and own a handgun. If you have ever been convicted of a crime of domestic violence, or if you have a dishonorable discharge from the military, you will not be eligible.
6. What other eligibility requirements must I meet?
You must not be dependent on drugs or alcohol.
You must not be in default on a student loan, child support, taxes, or any other payments to a state agency.
You must not be currently restricted by a protective restraining order.
You must not currently have any charges pending against you.
Handgun Licensing Service at: 1-800-224-5744