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   To Apply Online: 
"CHL"= Concealed Handgun License
 
General Information for License Application:
  What Does This Mean?:  submitting a license application, or filing the necessary paperwork and then paying the state's licensing fee, is the first step to getting a concealed handgun license. The next step will be having your fingerprints taken followed by taking the concealed handgun course from a certified instructor.
  • The application includes information like your name, social security number, phone number, where you have lived or worked during the past 5- years, criminal history, psychiartric conditions, alcohol or drug treatment and payment of fees. 
  • There are (2) ways to submit your application to the DPS: Online or by Mail (see below)
  You Must pay the State Licensing Fee- at the time the application is submitted to the DPS- Click Here for details.  
  Schedule Your Fingerprints- every new applicant is required to submit electronic fingerprints to the DPS.
  • Moreover, the DPS will not allow you to schedule to your fingerprints until after they have received your license application.
  • Effective March 1st 2011, instructors & law enforcement agencies are no longer allowed to take CHL fingerprints.
  • Therefore, fingerprints must be taken by the DPS fingerprint designate L1 Solutions. This change has made it possible for the DPS to streamline the licensing process by minimizing the number of rejected fingerprints.
  Make Sure You�re Eligible before submitting your license application and look over the eligibility requirements carefully.
  • Remember, the State licensing fee is non- refundable...even when it is determined that an applicant is not eligible and will not be issued a license- Click Here for details.  
  Double Check Our List of Prerequisites before getting started. By studying our list of prerequisites, you will save you time, avoid confusion and be more efficient in the licensing process- Click Here for details.  
 
 

Applying Online:

Speed - is the major advantage to applying for your license online versus traditional snail mail. By applying online, you can also instantly schedule your fingerprints while completing the application online.

Credit Card is the only method accepted when applying online. 

 
 

Applying By Mail ("Paper Application"):

No Credit Cards for Applications by Mail- even though the DPS will not take a credit card for a paper application, you can actually pay the license fee by personal check, money order or cashier�s check. 

Application Materials- mail in / paper applications can be downloaded directly from the DPS' website. Or, we will provide the paper application packet materials you need the day of the course.

  • Champion Firearms- hosts a �how-to� seminar the morning of the course that will explain how to fill out the application. 
  • Once completed, you can mail this along with payment to the Texas DPS. 
  • The DPS will then mail you a confirmation letter making it possible to schedule your fingerprints.
  • After you�re fingerprints are taken, the licensing process will begin.
 
 

Renewal Application:

 Fingerprints or Photos � are only required for renewals when the FBI is unable to read the original print card. This is rare and occurs in approximately 1 out of every 100 renewals. 

Methods- you can go online to renew your license at the link provided at the top of this page or call the DPS to request a paper application (800-224-5744). 

Duration- you will be required renew your license every 5- years. 

 
 
  To Schedule Your Fingerprints:
  CHL Fingerprint