Using you Concealed plastic as identification at places.

[TexasAggie09]

Unless I need two IDs or lost my TDL, I will never voluntarily show my CHL. Don't want more people than necessary knowing I am carrying. My buddy tried to use it at a local bar when buying a pitcher and they would not take it. Even though he wasn't carrying, he's lucky the bar didn't call the cops on suspicion. Would have been a no-ride situation, but still, why risk the 10-minute hassle?

[The Annoyed Man]

I used my CHL to good effect a few days ago back in California (currently posting from Flagstaff), both because I thought it was funny, and because it opened an avenue for educating someone.

I was at a U-Haul dealership in Pasadena, and I needed to rent a trailer just for the day. Because I had an out-of-state ID, they required a 2nd photo ID. I grinned and pulled out my CHL. The woman's eyes got real big. I reassured her that I was not currently carrying at pistol, as that would be illegal in California, and these permits only get issued to law-abiding people. At first, she was hesitant to accept it as ID, but I assured her that it is a state-issued photo ID, recognized by the state of Texas as valid ID. I then used the opportunity to educate her about what is required of applicants to get one, and about the crime statistics for CHLs that have accumulated over the last 16 years. The capper was when I used my thumb over my right shoulder to indicate my wife sitting out in the car and said "She carries too. Lot's of women in Texas carry a firearm. It empowers them, and it is the one thing that makes them the physical equal of a 230 lb. musclebound rapist."

By the time I was finished, she was genuinely curious and interested, and not a little bit miffed that her own state doesn't permit a woman to be fully emancipated that way. I told her, "if you don't like it, blame the Democrats in your legislature and vote Republican from now on," and I left. That political dynamic may not be universally true in Texas, but it is almost certainly true in California, where every single effort to trample the 2nd Amendment originates in the Democrat party.

[speedsix]

...good encounter...and you din't even call her a sheep...Kalifornia may send after you for inciting the natives to freedom...

[rm9792]

I had thrown out the wrong DL (the new one) so the one I had at Bank of America in Lewisville was expired so he wouldn't accept it (I have no idea why a DL expiration suddenly makes the name, picture and address expire but, oh well).

I asked this same question of an Officer working the door at a bar and he said that it was because it is not illegal to have a fake ID with expired dates but you will get arrested if the dates are current. He said that kids will get the ID in hopes the doorman doesnt check the expiration. Also called "novelty id's".

[Dragonfighter]

I had thrown out the wrong DL (the new one) so the one I had at Bank of America in Lewisville was expired so he wouldn't accept it (I have no idea why a DL expiration suddenly makes the name, picture and address expire but, oh well).

I asked this same question of an Officer working the door at a bar and he said that it was because it is not illegal to have a fake ID with expired dates but you will get arrested if the dates are current. He said that kids will get the ID in hopes the doorman doesnt check the expiration. Also called "novelty id's".

Ohhhh.

[Excaliber]

I used mine every time I was asked for ID on a recent trip from Houston to NC. I gave it to TSA at the airport both going and returning. They did not even bat an eye at it. The four other times I had to show it no problem at all except one lady wanted my DL not my CHL while I was ordering drinks at the bar. I told her I could not understand her because her accent was so heavy and asked her manager to come over. I told him if it is good enough to get me on that plane it sure is good enough to accept for an adult beverage purchase... All went well after that.

Many don't read the title on the document. They just figure it's another state's driver's license.

[tanker1983]

I have used it when asked for 2 forms of ID. Twice, the person said "Oh kewl, I have mine too, what do you carry?" or to that effect. I can also see a potential for someone seeing it saying "Don't carry in here" then you have been given notice. I do have to say i gave it one place just for the pucker effect, lol.

I agree about the notice. I am Retired US Army and always have that ID on me. I would be reluctant to present my CHL unless absolutely necessary.

[tbrown]

Don't use it at secure chemical plants, especially after the parking lot bill goes in effect.

[Winchster]

So does anyone have any idea why it isn't considered primary ID by the state of texas?

[HotLeadSolutions]

What's actually hysterical about this entire discussion is that our own DPS doesn't recognize our CHL as a primary form of identification. It falls in the supporting category and must be accompanied by at least one other supporting document along with the secondary document ( birth certificate ) in order to get a DL.

That's what I think is ridiculous. I've been printed, background run, and all the other hoopla we go through and it's not even recognized on par with my DL?

The way it was explained in our CHL Instructors course was:

YOU provided the photo...They can not be 100% sure that photo is of you....

[Mike1951]

So does anyone have any idea why it isn't considered primary ID by the state of texas?

You might see this change after Sept 1st. Under the newly passed Voter ID bill, a CHL is one of the accepted forms of ID to vote.

[Grog]

At a bank a couple of years ago I had a snotty woman for another picture ID besides my DL. Out came my NC armed security card, my company ID, my County Emergency Management ID AND my Sams Club card.

[snatchel]

haha Sams club card. I love mine!

Never used CHL as an ID, but I work for prometrics testing center and have people use their's as a second ID all the time.