TexasCHLforum.com

gringo pistolero wrote:It sounds like the solution is apply before you surrender your out of state license or after you get your plastic DL, because the temporary paper DL might not work with the online system. The best solution is apply before you move, and wait until the Texas CHL arrives before getting a Texas DL, especially if your prior state's CHL becomes void when you give up residency there.

Agreed. Lesson learned. Hopefully, I will have it all straightened out in a couple of weeks. Still, good to know for anybody who's planning on relocating to TX.

The rules being cited above about 6 month residency have been retracted. Don't let that hold you up in applying if you believe it still applies.

So, I came to TX about 1.5 months ago for a new job as a "visitor", living in a hotel, maintaining my KY residency. In that time, and up until just before closing on my home in TX, I maintained my KY residency (my KY CDW has reciprocity).

The CHL rules now stipulate there is no residency time limit (i.e. you can apply as soon as you establish TX residency). Knowing this (or at least believing I knew this), I took my CHL class last month... before I had a TX Driver's License.

This is where the truth in advertising comes in. Rule: no minimum residency requirement. Interpretation: I can submit my application the same day I get my TX Drivers License. Reality: Not so much an accurate way for transplants coming in to TX to read the rule.

So, a couple of requirements must be met to submit one's CHL application through DPS. One is your L-1 finger prints. The L-1 website did not recognize my TX Drivers License #, telling me that my information had not made it into the system yet. As disappointing as that was, it was sort of a moot point, because one must have a TX Drivers License and a TX License Audit Number, which is not on my paper temporary Driver's License (which could take 30 - 45 days for delivery).

All in all, I think its pretty safe to say that there is an unwritten residency requirement :(