Apply for TxCHL while deployed

[barryc]

Greeting and apologies up front if any of this is answered elsewhere, I did search.

I am currently deployed, on active duty, Texas resident. I have filled out the online portion of the application for CHL but wonder if there is anyway that I could complete the rest of the process and have the license by the time I return next year? I ask this because my wife and I plan a large road trip to sort of celebrate as soon as I return and I would like to legally carry.

I have a range card, can send in the LES and copy of the ID as per the instructions but the difficulty is the 4 hour block of instruction and the fingerprinting.

I am simply curious why any of the other sets of fingerprints I have on file in various places do not work (we do fingerprints with the DL now yes, the army has a set) but I digress. Is there a way to accomplish the fingerprint portion and send it in? I could certainly get some of the CID guys or MP guys to hook me up?

What about the 4 hour instruction bit? Is there anyone that offers such online? Sounds like a far fetched question but I gotta ask. Can I use the instruction certificate I previously had for a Utah CC to meet the requirement?

Last question. Lets just assume none of what I ask above is correct and I redeploy with the online app done but I still need fingerprints and a 4 hour class. Is it possible to sorta knock that out fast and turn it in with the rest of the packet and get it turned around quick enough to allow me to legally carry on our trip like two week turn around?

Thanks in advance for any answers and suggestions.

[Keith B]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for your service.

Unfortunately you must take the classroom portion and do it in Texas, there is no way to do it otherwise and no option for using another states qualification to certify. Also, new fingerprints are required no matter how many other sets they may have taken before.

So, if you are back in Texas on leave or TDY you may be able to find someone who can give you the class and get fingerprinted while in state. Otherwise you will just have to wait until you get back to Texas.

[bigity]

Also keep in mind you can take the class before you start the application process, IIRC they are good for one year after the class date to use for LTC purposes.

[Keith B]

Also keep in mind you can take the class before you start the application process, IIRC they are good for one year after the class date to use for LTC purposes.

The class is good for 2 years. Online application is only good for one year.

[Pawpaw]

You would probably be better off getting a non-resident license from another state, such as Florida.

Your best resource for research will be http://www.handgunlaw.us/ They do a very good job of keeping the info current. Of course, you need to verify the information on each state's website.

You can create a map showing which states will honor a permit from, say Florida here: http://www.handgunlaw.us/LicMaps/ccwmap.php

[barryc]

Thank you for the replies. Based upon what you have said and pointed me to and considering that I will be in Texas less that a week upon my return before we strike out AND considering that all the states we will visit are covered by the Florida permit I will attempt to go that route with a non-resident. The process seems easy enough and doable via mail it seems.

Thanks all!

[TreyHouston]

Thank you for the replies. Based upon what you have said and pointed me to and considering that I will be in Texas less that a week upon my return before we strike out AND considering that all the states we will visit are covered by the Florida permit I will attempt to go that route with a non-resident. The process seems easy enough and doable via mail it seems.

Thanks all!

I wish you the best while you're deployed and a safe trip while you're at home! It's people like you that make me proud! Thank you for your service

[ldj1002]

I think it is pitiful this man can't get done what what he is asking while out of state serving and protecting our country. Legislation needs to be changed. Tx should be ashamed to ask a man to get a non resident license.

[casp625]

I think it is pitiful this man can't get done what what he is asking while out of state serving and protecting our country. Legislation needs to be changed. Tx should be ashamed to ask a man to get a non resident license.

Every person is required to take an in-class portion. Qualifications can be waived with proper military handgun proficiency. If there was someone in his unit that was a CHL instructor, I bet that would qualify, else he would have to wait until he was on leave or re-deployed.

[twomillenium]

The classroom portion must still be taken within the Texas borders.

[casp625]

The classroom portion must still be taken within the Texas borders.

Is that written anywhere? I was reading through GC 411 Subchapter H. and it looks like the only requirement is the instructor is certified in Texas and approved by DPS. Hence, if someone in his deployed unit was a Texas certified instructor, maybe it would count?