Moving to Texas, need help with CHL questions

[wweisbrod]

Hi all!

I was directed to this forum from another for more info on TX and CHL information.

I'm looking for help/tips on how to go about moving to TX, and stay legal to carry while my residence changes. I currently have an Iowa Resident permit to carry weapons, and an out of state concealed license from Utah. I have every intention of taking the TX class/test/shooting requirements when I'm able to. I'm just not sure how to go about doing this and still retain my right to carry in TX until I can get my TX license (which I understand can take months)

I tried emailing RSD_Customer_Relations@txdps.state.tx.us for iformation, and they actually told me to contact Utah and ask them! Below is my correspondence with this email....


Not much help I'm afraid, they actually told me to contact Utah with questions on Texas law...nice


Initial email:

Hello,

I'm currently a resident of Iowa, age 43, and am likely going to be transfered to Dallas in the next month or two. My question concerns concealed carry in TX after I move.

I currently have an Iowa weapons permit, and an out of state Utah concealed carry permit.

If I move to Texas, and get a Texas drivers license before I get around to getting a Texas concealed permit, will I still be able to carry in Texas with either my Iowa or Utah license? Or, will I need to get the Texas concealed permit before I switch my residence to Texas?

I'll be moving near downtown Dallas and I would like to be able to carry if/when I feel the need.

Please let me know the best way to go about this legaly in my situation.


Their response...

Thank you for giving the Department the opportunity to respond to your email regarding your Texas Concealed Handgun license.

Once you get a Texas driver license, you will also need to get a Texas CHL license in order to legally carry. This includes taking all the training here in Texas with one of our instructors. We do not transfer licenses, nor do we recognize out of state training for the purposes of obtaining a Texas CHL license.

Should you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please contact Concealed Handgun Licensing Customer Relations at 1-512-424-7293.




This I responded with:


Does this mean the Utah non-resident license I have now is no longer valid for a Texas resident? I was seeing online where there is an attempt to stop this, but I don't see where it is law yet.

I'm trying to figure out the best plan of action to cover my bases when moving there and still be allowed to carry.


Their brilliant response:


Thank you for giving the Department the opportunity to respond to your email question regarding a Texas Concealed Handgun license.

I would highly recommend you contact Utah at 801-965-4445.

Should you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please contact Concealed Handgun Licensing Customer Relations at RSD_Customer_Relations@txdps.state.tx.us or 1-512-424-7293.

[Keith B]

First off, welcome to the forum and soon to be Texas!!!

Your non-resident Utah license should be valid until it expires on the date shown on your current license. At time to renew it you will need to have a license from the state you have residence in, or you will not be able to renew it.

So, until expiratiion you should be valid to carry in Texas by following Texas laws. Here is a good refernce http://www.handgunlaw.us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

[MasterOfNone]

The safest bet is to get your TX CHL before moving. You can apply online, then take a trip to TX for the class and fingerprints. That may be an option if your are planning to visit before moving. Of course, you will have to spend $25 to change your address once you move.
DPS probably referred you to Utah because Utah passed a law this year that prohibits applying for or renewing a Utah non-resident license after 5/10/2011 and 1/1/2012, respectively, if you do not have a license from your state of residence. If you would need to renew between 1/1/2012 and getting your TX CHL, you could be without a license. Otherwise, you should be OK.
Also, Texas recognizes Iowa licenses. If Iowa allows you to keep their license after you move, it should cover you as well.

[wweisbrod]

Thanks Keith, is much appreciated.

That was my take on the current state of the out of resident Utah license, but I wasn't sure. Googling only goes so far and I wasnt able to find anything new/current on whether TX was still persuing, or had passed a law requiring a local TX license.

As for the Utah license, Utah did actually send me a mailed notice stating the new law, but pointed out that any current license was grandfathered.

I'll be sure to get a TX license asap just so I feel better about it though

[Keith B]

Also, you may want to check. You possibly can convert your Iowa license to a non-resident license by changing the address to Texas. Not sure if you have a professional or non-professional license, but you could check with the state and see if that is possible. Texas will honor a non-resident Iowa license.

Another note, you will need to change your address on your Utah license to show your Texas address. Since they have changed their laws on not issuing licenses to someone who doesn't have a resident permit for that state, I am not sure how that would affect your being able to change the address, but i would think since it is not a renewal, but just an address change they should process that. You can contact them here about how to change it. and here is the link on how to change your address http://publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/CFAddChg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wweisbrod]

Keith:

That is a good point, I never thought about updating my address with Utah, and wether they would invalidate my license on the spot since I wouldn't have a TX license at that point yet.

I used your info and sent them off an inquiry via their online forum. I'll update when I get a response.

Thanks for everyones help!

[wweisbrod]

The safest bet is to get your TX CHL before moving. You can apply online, then take a trip to TX for the class and fingerprints. That may be an option if your are planning to visit before moving. Of course, you will have to spend $25 to change your address once you move.
DPS probably referred you to Utah because Utah passed a law this year that prohibits applying for or renewing a Utah non-resident license after 5/10/2011 and 1/1/2012, respectively, if you do not have a license from your state of residence. If you would need to renew between 1/1/2012 and getting your TX CHL, you could be without a license. Otherwise, you should be OK.
Also, Texas recognizes Iowa licenses. If Iowa allows you to keep their license after you move, it should cover you as well.

Unfortunately Iowa only issues professional out of state permits. My Iowa permit will no longer be any good once I obtain a TX drivers license.

[A-R]

Welcome to the forum and (soon) to Texas

when you do get it all figured out, look up fellow forum member HotLeadSolutions .... he is a DFW area Realtor and CHL instructor (us Realtor/CHL instructors have to help each other out ... Daniel, where's my referral fee? )

[MasterOfNone]

(us Realtor/CHL instructors have to help each other out ...

I need to get me one of those combo titles. Think "IT/CHL Instructor" would confuse people?

[wweisbrod]

Guess that makes me IT/CHL Wannabe

I'll be in Dallas this coming Monday through Friday to check out our Datacenter there and look for a new apartment. Not looking forward to the apartment search to be honest.

[MasterOfNone]

Guess that makes me IT/CHL Wannabe

I'll be in Dallas this coming Monday through Friday to check out our Datacenter there and look for a new apartment. Not looking forward to the apartment search to be honest.

Yeah. The apartment search sucks. We got our first here blindly online because of a short-notice move. Worked out OK, but the complex went downhill after a while. What area are you looking at?

[wweisbrod]

Our DC is right downtown Dallas, so somewhere near there I guess. One person recomended Irving, but I'm waiting till I get there to look around for myself. I'll also talk to a few others that work there and look for recomendations.

[Running Arrow Bill]

Others currently living in the DFW area will probably give you some sage advice that is "current".

On the other hand...

Irving is OK in some parts. Stay away from Oak Cliff and South of I-20 which includes the Fair Park area and other degenerate places. Also, consider the serious traffic congestion 24/7 on Central Expressway (I-45) if you commute to your DT office. At one time the Love Field Airport area and Mockingbird Lane area was "ok" with older settlements.

IMO I don't see any location within an "easy" commute to DT Dallas. You could also think about the "Mid Cities" area (e.g., Arlington, Grand Prairie, etc.)...still a commute.

FYI, Central Expressway was "obsolete" as soon as it was built. They will never get it up to speed to handle all the serious traffic since it goes right through major business/industrial, etc., areas.

Dallas traffic is a nightmare (but probably not as bad as Houston).

Good luck and welcome to Tejas as soon as you can get here..."Y'all take care now...ya hear?"

Bill

[Greybeard]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like the guys above have got ya headed in the right direction. One more tip: Don't buy a barbeque sandwich from anyplace that also sells minners.

[Pawpaw]

Others currently living in the DFW area will probably give you some sage advice that is "current".

On the other hand...

Irving is OK in some parts. Stay away from Oak Cliff and South of I-30 which includes the Fair Park area and other degenerate places. Also, consider the serious traffic congestion 24/7 on Central Expressway (I-45) if you commute to your DT office. At one time the Love Field Airport area and Mockingbird Lane area was "ok" with older settlements.

IMO I don't see any location within an "easy" commute to DT Dallas. You could also think about the "Mid Cities" area (e.g., Arlington, Grand Prairie, etc.)...still a commute.

FYI, Central Expressway was "obsolete" as soon as it was built. They will never get it up to speed to handle all the serious traffic since it goes right through major business/industrial, etc., areas.

Dallas traffic is a nightmare (but probably not as bad as Houston).

Good luck and welcome to Tejas as soon as you can get here..."Y'all take care now...ya hear?"

Bill

I fixed the only error I saw. I know it's a small point, but it could make a major difference to someone who does not know the area and is just looking at a map.