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Requirements To Apply

Review the Eligibility Requirements before you begin the process.  If you do not meet the requirements there are no refunds for the class or application fee paid to the state of Texas.

Online Application For DPS


If You Are A Non Texas Resident:

NEW APPLICANTS: Steps To Apply For Your CHL

(not necessarily in this order) must be completed before you can submit your final application to DPS:

1. Go to DPS website and submit your online application:
https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/txapp/txdps/chl/  or google TX DPS CHL.  At the end of the application form (after you pay the state's fee), you will print out a receipt of your payment and a checklist of other required items to be included in your packet. You will recognize this sheet by the huge barcode at the top of the page. SAVE AND PRINT THIS SHEET.  It must be mailed in with the remainder of the application materials after you have taken the class.  Once you have completed step 1 you only have ONE YEAR to complete the remaining steps or you will forfeit your application fee to TX DPS

2. Register for and take a CHL class. You must pass the written test and the shooting test. Once you have passed both sections of the class we will provide you a Completion Certificate (CHL-100).  CAPS offers a regular schedule of classes in Cedar Park and  Fort Hood, registration links can be found on the home page. 

3. Obtain two passport photos.  We provide photos as part of our class fee for our regularly scheduled classes.   We do not provide photos for private classes, unless it is a group of 10 or more.  You can go to Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, etc to obtain photos. We will also provide you the Photo Holder/ID Signature Form and envelope for your pictures.

4. Fingerprints: DPS NO LONGER ACCEPTS ROLLED-INK PRINTS. You must get your fingerprints taken at an L1 Identity contracted provider. They are the sole provider of DPS-authorized fingerprint services.  You MUST make an appointment for your fingerprint session with L1, they do not accept walk ins. Go to the website: http://www.ibtfingerprint.com/ or call 1-888-467-2080 to schedule an appointment.  Your prints will automatically be submitted to DPS.  This step can be done anytime after you complete step 1

5. Submit your packet to DPS with all necessary materials: Reciept/Checklist, CHL-100, photos, photo holder form.  Your checklist may include additional items depending upon your own circumstances, such as proof of military status, court records for prior criminal history, proof of citizenship, etc.

RENEWAL APPLICANTS: Steps To Apply For Your Renewal CHL

1. Go to DPS website and submit your online application:
https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/txapp/txdps/chl/  or Google TX DPS CHL.  At the end of the application form (after you pay the state's fee), you will print out a receipt of your payment and a checklist of other required items to be included in your pakcet. You will recognize this sheet by the huge barcode at the top of the page. SAVE AND PRINT THIS SHEET.  It must be mailed in with the remainder of the application materials after you have taken the class.  Once you have completed step 1 you only have SIX MONTHS to complete step 2 or you will forfeit your application fee to TX DPS.

2. Register for and take a CHL class. You must pass the written test and the shooting test. Once you have passed both sections of the class we will provide you a Completion Certificate (CHL-100).  CAPS offers a regular schedule of classes in Cedar Park and  Fort Hood, registration links can be found on the home page.  APPLICANTS WHO ARE ON THEIR THIRD RENEWAL ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE A CLASS.

3. Submit your packet to DPS with all necessary materials: Reciept/Checklist, CHL-100, photos, photo holder form.  Your checklist may include additional items depending upon your own circumstances, such as proof of military status, court records for prior criminal history, proof of citizenship, etc.

**The Department will attempt to utilize existing prints on file for renewal applications. However, if the prints on file do not meet current quality standards, new fingerprints must be submitted electronically. 
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TX CHL Qualification
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Criminal
Background Check

If you need to obtain your criminal background please contact the office below for instructions

108 Denson, Austin TX 78752
(512) 374-1746
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
$24.95 Fee Fingerprints
Check Cash or Check Only
NO CREDIT CARDS

DPS Customer Relations

TX DPS is dedicated to providing world-class customer care and information to the public.  The Call Center hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Outside of our normal hours of operation, send us an email and one of our Customer Service Representatives will respond at their earliest convenience.

Phone:1-800-224-5744  
Email: rsd_customer_relations@txdps.state.tx.us

Additional states that recognize the TX CHL

Texas has agreements with several other states where we can carry concealed.  It is your responsibility to be aware of the laws of the states you are traveling in.  Below are just few of several websites to reference reciprocity and related weapon laws.

www.handgunlaw.us
www.uscarry.com
www.opencarry.org

Send Application Packet to DPS

Mail Delivery:  Recommend certified mail with signature
REGULATORY LICENSING SERVICE MSC 0245
TEXAS DEPARTMENTOF PUBLIC SAFETY
PO BOX 4087
AUSTIN TX 78773-0245

Range Qualification

Revolver or Semi Auto?

If you qualify with a revolver you will only be licensed to carry a revolver.  We highly recommended you qualify with a semi-auto so you may choose to carry either a semi-auto or revolver.  Pistol must be a .32 caliber or higher for the Range Qualification.  After you get your license you may carry any caliber.

What to bring to the Range

.32 or higher handgun & 2 Mags
50 rounds of ammo
Eye Protection (sunglasses ok)
Ear Protection
Hat
Appropriate weather gear
Closed toe shoes
Ladies- avoid V-neck shirts.  Hot brass is not cool!

Gun Rental

$25 includes use of 9mm semi-auto handgun and ammo (If you do yet own a handgun, or would just like to use one of ours)

The Course of Fire

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    3 yard line - 20 shots:
  • 1 shot in 2 seconds, 5 times
  • 2 shots in 3 seconds, 5 times
  • 5 shots in 10 seconds, once
    7 yard line - 20 shots:
  • 5 shots in 10 seconds, once
  • 1 shot in 3 seconds, 5 times
  • 2 shots in 4 seconds, once
  • 3 shots in 6 seconds, once
  • 5 shots in 15 seconds, once
    15 yard line - 10 shots:
  • 2 shots in 6 seconds, once
  • 3 shots in 9 seconds, once
  • 5 shots in 15 seconds, once

    Must score 175 to pass

Ammo accepted for use on most ranges
Blount, Inc, CCI
Hornandy MFG Co.
Federal Cartridge C.
Olin/Winchester 
PMC
Remington Arms Co.
Fiocchi of America, Inc
Accurate/Ultra Max
 4W Ammunition
 Black Hills
 NO RELOADS  PLEASE


Military Exemption For Range Qualification

Active Duty Military or Veteran with a range qualification within (5) five years can opt out of the range portion of class.  You must provide a copy of the range qualification to us, and also include a copy with your application packet.  If does not imply that your class hours will be less than 10 hours. 

§ 411.1881. EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION FOR CERTAIN PERSONS.  

(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, a person may not be required to complete the range
instruction portion of a handgun proficiency course to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license issued under this subchapter if the person:
    (1)  is currently serving in or is honorably discharged from:               
    (A)  the army, navy, air force, coast guard, or marine corps of the United States or an auxiliary service or reserve unit of one of those branches of the armed forces;  or(B)  the state military forces, as defined by Section 431.001;  and        

    (2)  has, within the five years preceding the date of     the person's application for an original or renewed license, as applicable, completed a course of training in handgun proficiency or familiarization as part of the person's service with the armed forces or state military forces.