Truth in advertising re: CHL Application

[lbuehler325]

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 :(

[The Mad Moderate]

I wold of applied for an out of state one before and had it changed one to an in state after all your ducks we're in a row.

[Beiruty]

Your issue was with temp DL. It should arrive within the next 2 weeks after the temp is issued.

[Jumping Frog]

I applied online with an Ohio DL, took the L-1 fingerprints with an Ohio DL, and got my TX CHL. When I bought a home and got a Texas DL, I simply changed the address and DL of record on my CHL.

So what "unwritten rule" are you talking about?

[gringo pistolero]

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.

[tomtexan]

I'm not sure if I am understanding what the OP is getting at as far as residency requirements go but I have seen people comment before to whereas there is no minimum requirement of residency. Maybe I am wrong but I believe you have to be a resident for the six months preceding the application if I am reading this correctly.

GC §411.172. ELIGIBILITY. (a) A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed handgun if the person:
(1) is a legal resident of this state for the six-month period preceding the date of application under this subchapter or is otherwise eligible for a license under Section 411.173(a);
(2) is at least 21 years of age;
(3)

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetFo ... CHL-16.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is from the 2011-2012 handbook manual.

[MasterOfNone]

I'm not sure if I am understanding what the OP is getting at as far as residency requirements go but I have seen people comment before to whereas there is no minimum requirement of residency. Maybe I am wrong but I believe you have to be a resident for the six months preceding the application if I am reading this correctly.

GC §411.172. ELIGIBILITY. (a) A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed handgun if the person:
(1) is a legal resident of this state for the six-month period preceding the date of application under this subchapter or is otherwise eligible for a license under Section 411.173(a);
(2) is at least 21 years of age;
(3)

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetFo ... CHL-16.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is from the 2011-2012 handbook manual.

You posted part of the answer in what you quoted (in red above). The rest of the answer is in 411.173(a):

The department by rule shall establish a procedure for a person who meets the eligibility requirements of this subchapter other than the residency requirement established by Section 411.172(a)(1) to obtain a license under this subchapter if the person is a legal resident of another state or if the person relocates to this state with the intent to establish residency in this state.

[lbuehler325]

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.