How Many States Can You get Legal In - Warning Long

[TEX]

This post was updated by TEX on 1-27-08

I have had my CHL since the inception of the program here in Texas. I have a four digit license number that starts with a six. I was an instructor the first couple of years, not because I thought I could get rich doing it, but because I wanted to be a part of spreading the faith, so to speak. For many years I did not have any additional CHLs. Then I found out I would be in New Hampshire for a while, and decided to obtain a NH permit because the Texas CHL was not recognized. It was ridiculously easy to get the NH license. In fact I have been told that it is easier for one to get a non-resident license from NH, than it is for a local resident to get one.

I found out, for me anyway, that non-resident CHLs are a bit like eating Lays Potato Chip – I can’t have just one. As sort of a hobby or project, I set out to see just how many states I could manage to legal carry in via non-resident licenses and their resulting direct or crossover reciprocity.

A long time ago, there were many states that would not recognize the Texas CHL, but would recognize another state’s CHL, even if the holder was not a resident of that state. After the New Hampshire license, the Florida license was the most effective one to have. But now, due to ever growing reciprocity agreements, it has become redundant. The most effective one now appears to be Utah and you can find Utah certified instructors here in Texas. At one time I had a Pennsylvania license, but then discovered they recognize the New Hampshire license so I did not,or will not, renew the PA license when it comes up for renewal.

Licenses I hold or have held in the past are; Texas, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Florida, Utah, Connecticut, and Maine. As I stated above, I let, or will let, the FL and PA licenses expire without renewing because they have become redundant. Recently, Nevada became available through a non-resident NH license.

With the license I now have and including the two states that don’t require a permit or license (Alaska and Vermont), I am legal in a total of 37 states. Although I am not totally sold on open carry, there are also a few states like West Virginia, Oregon, and Nebraska, where open carry is available in many situations.

There are still a few other states left where I can obtain a non-resident licenses, but either the cost is prohibitive (Massachusetts @ $100 per year - total rip off), or they require in-state application and class attendance (Iowa and Rhode Island).

There are a great many states that I can carry in, but will probably never travel in, so in some ways, the extent to which I have gone in obtaining licenses doesn’t make financial sense. However, I would not be the first guy to spend money on a self indulgent hobby or project. If you are on this web site at all, you can probably relate :)

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience, and what licenses you have and why you have them, etc. Also, interested in what states you think may become available in the future.

All of the licenses I have to date (7 total and letting 2 expire) were obtained without leaving the Lone Star State (Thanks to Bill Slater for Utah class). If Connecticut and Main would get on board with Texas, I could keep it down to just three licenses. I have hopes that Nebraska, Wisconsin and Oregon will eventually come around, but I am not holding my breath. I wonder how many students Thunder Ranch has lost because Oregon does not recognized Texas, nor any non-resident license. I don’t hold out any hope for states like California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington DC. Ideally, all states should be forced to recognize each state's CHLs just like they do motor vehicle driver’s licenses, but I am not holding my breath.

One thing that I have discovered is that very few police officers know which out-of-state CHLs their own state recognizes or which places are off limits to CHL holders while armed. This leads me to believe that if a certain state reconizes any out of state CHLs at all, you might slide with one that is not actually on their approved list. Just ask a local cop which ones are recognized here in Texas. I doubt 1 out of 100 know all. I have asked and most oficers know OK and LA, but get kind of lost after that. DPS officers seem to know the list better. It would actually easier for them to memorize which ones are not recognized and this list may have shrunk since I compiled it. Those not recognized are;

Vermont *
Michigan
Ohio
Maine
Rhode Island
Hawaii
New Hampshire


Thanks - TEX

[Mike1951]

Just one, New Hampshire.

I picked it up a few years ago because of some southern states and CO.

As you said, NH is now redundant as TX is now honored in the states that were important to me.

[Luggo1]

I'd like to bump an old thread.

Which additional states to Texas CHL holders need to maximize their carry states?

[Crossfire]

Utah buys you an additional 4.

Washington, Nevada, Ohio, and Minnesota.

[tomc]

Utah buys you an additional 4.

Washington, Nevada, Ohio, and Minnesota.

Minnesota will recognize a Texas CHL license, but not the other way. Go to http://www.handgunlaw.us/ and look at who recognizes Texas CHL.

[AggieMM]

Don't forget the map....

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... f=9&t=4738



Ryan

[Crossfire]

Utah buys you an additional 4.

Washington, Nevada, Ohio, and Minnesota.

Minnesota will recognize a Texas CHL license, but not the other way. Go to http://www.handgunlaw.us/ and look at who recognizes Texas CHL.

That IS correct, Tom. Minnesota is the only state with the backwards unilateral agreement. I don't know why we don't recognize them and make it reciprocal.

[TEX]

See original Post - TEX

[Keith B]

It looked for awhile like Nevada would be added via a Texas CHL when Nevada laws were changed, but there was some snag and I believe Texas did not show up on the approved list. It looks as though Nevada may however be available through a Utah license. I have not done an in depth check. Any one know the particulars?

TEX

As Linda mentioned in her post above, you get Nevada with reciprocity with a Utah permit, as well as Washington, Ohio, and Minnesota.

[Mike1951]

But if you need NH, it's very easy to get.

I got it 5 years ago to pick up 5 states that TX didn't then have reciprocity with.

I will not renew it.

It was $20 and a simple application.

[old farmer]

Hi,
I travel to Iowa every couple of years; currently I am waiting for my Texas CHL. I would like a Iowa permit. The Iowa gov. site indicate they issue out of state CHL without county restrictions (good old boys) but it does not tell how or who. I remenber on this forum post with someone able help with this problem. i.e. paperwork, hoops that need to be jumbed...

[Keith B]

Hi,
I travel to Iowa every couple of years; currently I am waiting for my Texas CHL. I would like a Iowa permit. The Iowa gov. site indicate they issue out of state CHL without county restrictions (good old boys) but it does not tell how or who. I remenber on this forum post with someone able help with this problem. i.e. paperwork, hoops that need to be jumbed...

Here is the info. You have to fill out their application and apply with the Commisioner. You will also have to show certification on the range. Propbably the best thing would be find a class there and see if they will do the paperwork for you.

IOWA Iowa Admin Rules
Iowa Statute 724.7 Nonprofessional permit to carry weapons.
Any person who can reasonably justify going armed may be issued a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons. Such permits shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety, which shall be readily distinguishable from the professional permit, and shall identify the holder thereof, and state the reason for the issuance of the permit, and the limits of the authority granted by such permit.
All permits so issued shall be for a definite period as established by the issuing officer, but in no event shall exceed a period of twelve months.

Iowa Statute 724.11 Issuance of permit to carry weapons.
Applications for permits to carry weapons shall be made to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides. Applications from persons who are nonresidents of the state, or whose need to go armed arises out of employment by the state, shall be made to the commissioner of public safety. In either case, the issuance of the permit shall be by and at the discretion of the sheriff or commissioner, who shall, before issuing the permit, determine that the requirements of sections 724.6 to 724.10 have been satisfied. However, the training program requirements in section 724.9 may be waived for renewal permits. The issuing officer shall collect a fee of ten dollars, except from a duly appointed peace officer or correctional officer, for each permit issued. Renewal permits or duplicate permits shall be issued for a fee of five dollars. The issuing officer shall notify the commissioner of public safety of the issuance of any permit at least monthly and forward to the commissioner an amount equal to two dollars for each
permit issued and one dollar for each renewal or duplicate permit issued. All such fees received by the commissioner shall be paid to the treasurer of state and deposited in the operating account of the department of public safety to offset the cost of administering this chapter. Any unspent balance as of June 30 of each year shall revert to the general fund as provided by section 8.33.
Iowa Administrative Code

4.4(4) Nonresidents of Iowa who wish to obtain a permit to carry weapons shall apply to the commissioner. The applicant shall:
a. Submit a fully and accurately completed application;
b. Submit a certificate of completion of a training program that includes qualifying on a firing range;
c. Submit two completed fingerprint cards;
d. Comply with the requirements of the Code;
e. Pay a fee as established by the Code;
f. Display an identification card as defined in rule 661—4.1(724).
IAC 10/21 /98

4.4(5) Prior to issuing the permit, the commissioner shall determine that the applicant is not a convicted felon, or otherwise prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm under either Iowa or federal law, by running a NICS check through the IOWA system. If the commissioner determines that a permit will be issued to a nonresident, the commissioner may restrict or limit the authority granted by the permit.

4.4(6) Nonresidents who wish to renew a permit to carry weapons shall reapply for the permit in the same manner and by the same procedures as provided in subrule 4.4(4). The renewal fee is established by the Code.