DPS CHL Processing Delays: Meeting Report

[bdickens]

What might one of those states be?

[seamusTX]

Florida seems like the best bet for a non-resident license with Texas reciprocity.

- Jim

[Rayden]

Florida seems like the best bet for a non-resident license with Texas reciprocity.

- Jim

How would one satisfy the FL resident requirement, if any? Do I need to take a course in Florida then send in the packet like I did in Texas?

[seamusTX]

No. You don't need to go to Florida. They don't have courses as Texas does. They require a hunting safety course, NRA handgun safety certificate, or other training which I don't know off the top of my head.

http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/weapons/apply.html

- Jim

[Charles L. Cotton]

The funding for the CHL program at to be at least revenue neutral (no profit or loss to the State) or revenue positive (profit) from the beginning. The fees were set high enough at the beginning that the state made money on the program, but the money doesn't go to DPS. It goes in to the general fund. With the various fee reductions now it's probably much closer to revenue neutral.

Chas.

[soccerguy59]

Good info. This does not take into consideration, replacement licenses for lost, change of address, etc. My wallet was stolen with DL and CHL 3 weeks ago. I sent my request and money for replacement 2 weeks ago and have not seen anything. Has anyone had any recent experience with a replacement, how long did it take?

Just proof in the value of an out of state license, I would be able to continue to carry if I had one.

[asleepatthereel]

Good info. This does not take into consideration, replacement licenses for lost, change of address, etc. My wallet was stolen with DL and CHL 3 weeks ago. I sent my request and money for replacement 2 weeks ago and have not seen anything. Has anyone had any recent experience with a replacement, how long did it take?

Just proof in the value of an out of state license, I would be able to continue to carry if I had one.

Your situation brings up what may be a stupid question. Can we get a duplicate/extra CHL just in case its lost/stolen? I can see why this may or may not be a good idea. Good if its needed and you have another locked up safely, bad if it falls into someone elses hands. Also bad if the card is not somehow serialized so that DPS can tell if its the stolen one or not.

I guess if Texas doesnt offer extra plastic, the only alternative to waiting for a replacement is to have another states plastic.

I still dont see why we cant get it replaced at the DMV. I suppose because it would make it easier and more efficient. Man, I need to quit being so bitter.

[Venus Pax]

I still dont see why we cant get it replaced at the DMV. I suppose because it would make it easier and more efficient.

I agree that this is something that should be handled with little inconvenience at DPS offices.

[KBCraig]

Random thoughts...

1. We're way past the Katrina spike. We saw faster processing times during that spike than we're seeing now. Does not compute. (I admit that the anecdotal evidence self-reported on this forum does not constitute a scientific sample.)

2. Texas DPS processes million of DLs per year, but less than 100k CHLs. Several of the processes are duplicated (ID verification, initial background (warrant) checks, physical manufacture and mailing of the card, etc.). Surely some of this could be consolidated for efficiency.

3. I support having the CHL Division be a self-supporting agency. I feel the same about all state agencies: they should be revenue-neutral, supported by direct fees first, general taxes second. Twelve years in, with record numbers of applications, is CHL Division actually supported by fees collected? More importantly, do they generate excess that is put into the general fund, rather than being reserved for Division use?

[Rayden]

No. You don't need to go to Florida. They don't have courses as Texas does. They require a hunting safety course, NRA handgun safety certificate, or other training which I don't know off the top of my head.

http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/weapons/apply.html

- Jim

Does anyone know if California is easier and not having the delays like Texas? I checked Florida and it does not reciprocate with California, where I need to travel to in the summer.

[seamusTX]

As far as I know, California does not have non-resident permits or reciprocity with any other state.

- Jim

[HankB]

I'm just about 6 months away from my second renewal, so this is timely information - I will NOT be waiting until the last minute!!!

This also illustrates one of my pet peeves with government - they are required by law to do something (in this case, process applications and issue CHLs or deny for cause) but if they fail, THERE IS NO PENALTY.

Yet if I am required by law to do something - insure my car, report for jury duty, file a change-of-address in a timely manner - then I will suffer a penalty if I fail to do so.

This makes me want to use language that would draw the ire of moderators, so let's just say I am not happy when I read about things like this which go on . . . and on . . . and on.

[Skiprr]

As far as I know, California does not have non-resident permits or reciprocity with any other state.

Yep, Rayden; Jim is correct. California honors no other state's concealed carry permit, and you must be a resident of the State of California to apply for a California CCW license (http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/pubfaqs.htm).

It is a "may issue" state, unlike Texas, Florida, Utah, and others that have "shall issue" policies. In California, you contact your county Sheriff's office or metro Police department to get the CCW ball rolling. There is a statewide, standardized application, but the final approval authority lies with the law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction you live. They may issue or refuse to issue at their discretion; anecdotal evidence indicates it is far easier to get a permit in some counties and jusrisdictions than others.

California is one of those states that has firearm laws that me leave me scratchin' my head. You gotta do some hoop-jumping just to buy a handgun, including having to go to a Department of Justice certified instructor to take and pass a Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) course, basically "register" your new handgun via a state Dealer Record of Sale process, pay a separate Firearms Safety Testing fee (you have to demonstrate to the dealer your ability to safely operate the firearm even though you have to bring in your valid HSC with you), and pay a separate Safety and Enforcement fee. Whew. Oh, and individuals can't sell a gun in a private transaction: you gotta go through a licensed firearm dealer and all requirements and fees apply, just as if you were buying a new gun.


And if you move to California and intend to bring handguns you currently own with you? Well, then you are considered by the State of California to be to be a personal handgun importer. You may bring your otherwise California-legal guns with you (remember, 10-round maximum magazine capacity), and you have to report all handguns to the Department of Justice within two months. I don't know what the recent micro-stamping law is going to mean to this in the future.

We may be dealing with some permit issuance delays out of Austin, but still I say: God Bless Texas!

[getusumtx]

Here is my question..I got out of the army 6 months ago,Honorably discharged. I am applyin for my lisc under the veteran 365 days all state fees waived rule,if for some reason my application gets kicked back and i have to submit something else(ie fingerprints),will i still get that exception? Basicly,what is the date that has to be within 365 days? the date of issue,or the date i sent the first application in. thanks!

[Skiprr]

Here is my question..I got out of the army 6 months ago,Honorably discharged. I am applyin for my lisc under the veteran 365 days all state fees waived rule,if for some reason my application gets kicked back and i have to submit something else(ie fingerprints),will i still get that exception? Basicly,what is the date that has to be within 365 days? the date of issue,or the date i sent the first application in. thanks!

First, thank you for your service to the United States.

Next: Good question. IANAL, but HB 233 states, in part: "...50% reduction in fees if the applicant for the license is a veteran who, more than 365 days preceding the date of the application..."

So I think it's pretty clear the discount is driven off the application date, not the issuance date. That said, I can't comment if that means the date the application was first received, or the date the application is accepted. My opinion would be the latter, meaning that if the fingerprints are rejected or some other application no-no occurs, it is the date the completed application is accepted that drives the discount.

Hopefully, with six months yet to go on that fee deferral, this won't be something you'll have to worry about.

DPS processing hasn't slowed up that much.