Why is it such a PAIN to get a TX CHL?

[PUCKER]

I say this because I've had a TX CHL for a few years (original plus renewals, one or two? can't recall). Well, it came up for renewal again and I waited too long to renew it - why? The hassle (from what I recall the renewal wasn't as bad as the original license but it was still a pain). So I had to start fresh, meaning just like I was getting a new license (interesting sidenote, I still have the same CHL number as my original). I took the class from Crossfire and I also decided to apply for the Utah CFP. The Utah paperwork is a BREEZE! Seriously, easy, easy, easy! From what I recall it's ONE form along with a fingerprint card (or two?) AND it's CHEAPER, essentially half price: $65.25 and it's for FIVE years.

So - why is it such a pain/hassle for the TX CHL? Back in '96 or so I purchased a submachine gun, did all of the NFA paperwork and it was MUCH easier and less complicated than the TX CHL Application and Process. Seriously, it's way overcomplicated in my opinion. Especially when you compare it to Utah and other highly-restricted firearm transactions (NFA items). Are other states better/worse when it comes to the CHL application and process?

I say all of this because I see on this fine forum that people make mistakes on the paperwork quite a bit of the time...it seems that the more you have to fill out, the more papers/forms that you have to submit, sign here, notarize this, etc that the higher the odds of something being wrong are. It's almost like it's set up to fail for many folks. My dad took the class with me at Crossfire, they (Crossfire - Linda and Marty) walked all of us through all of the forms, etc. To be 100% sure that I had it all filled out correctly I asked Linda to review it after the class, I'm GLAD she did, as I did have one error, which I corrected. Sent the packet off - it was received by TX DPS on November 17 and I received my CHL in the mail on January 17. My dad, however, had his paperwork returned, he forgot to sign one item.

So, after all of the rambling - any word on a "Paperwork Reduction Act for the TX CHL" in the future?

[Morgan]

Our Host, Charles Cotton, has worked on some proposals for this legislative go-round that are supposed to help, if adopted.

[PUCKER]

That is AWESOME to hear!

Just for comparison, here are the Utah CFP forms.

Here is the Application Form:
http://www.des.utah.gov/bci/docs/ccwapp.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is the Renewal form, note the cost...$10!! Note that there is no need for a renewal class (and shooting qualification):
http://www.des.utah.gov/bci/docs/ccwrenew.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CopOnce]

And Pucker, the Utah renewal is only $10.00

[CopOnce]

Here's a link to Utah's BCI with information and map of Utah's CCW reciprocity with other states and links to other states information. Enjoy.

http://publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/FAQother.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jimlongley]

If you think TX is tough, try to get a NY pistol permit.

[Skeptilius]

I looked at the Utah application form and I don't see where you have to be a resident of Utah. Can all this be done by mail? What about the approved course that is required?

[tfrazier]

It is a pain because it is a government run system. Bureaucratic Vogons, as Douglas Adams would say.

A good full service class and instructor helps a lot.

Of course, I'm one of those who has always had a bur under my saddle because I believe the state has no right to know whether I carry a concealed handgun or not, and no right to make me get permission from it to do so.

On the other had, at least they give me an option to carry within the law. If they didn't, I'd carry anyway and just not get caught unless I was forced to use it, and then I'd be grateful to be in jail instead of dead.

I prefer to abide by the law, so I got my CHL despite my belief that it is a requirement that violates my God given right to self defense.

[sss]

I decided to go for a Florida Concealed Weapons License over the Texas CHL due to the complexity of the process here, and because I didn't enjoy the thought of sitting through an 8 hour class. I travel to Florida for work on a regular basis, and that pretty much sealed the deal for me. My course took about 3 hours and included a basic range qualification. After my course, I brushed up on Texas specific laws by reading

Costs (approximate, I forget what they were exactly):
$40.00 Class
$10.00 Passport Photos
$15.00 Fingerprinting and notary at the local PD
$34.00 State biometrics fee
$75.00 State application fee

Total: $174, class and all.

My license is valid for 7 years, and can be renewed by mail with no class necessary - just a fresh set of prints. In fact, you can do the entire process by mail since Florida does not require instructors to be certified by the state police. Military discharge papers (DD-214, I think) can be accepted as proof of firearms proficiency, and so can anything taught by an NRA certified instructor.

The only drawback I've found thus far is that some states (CO, KS, MI, SC, WV, NH) do not recognize non-resident concealed carry licenses. I have no plans on visiting any of those states, so it wasn't a big deal for me.

[Crossfire]

I looked at the Utah application form and I don't see where you have to be a resident of Utah. Can all this be done by mail? What about the approved course that is required?

You don't have to be a Utah resident - Utah issues a non-resident permit, just like Texas does.

You have to take the Utah class from a Utah certified instructor. There are several in Texas. Charles Cotton is closest to you in Houston.

After the class, you mail in your application , photo, and fingerprint card.

[sss]

I looked at the Utah application form and I don't see where you have to be a resident of Utah. Can all this be done by mail? What about the approved course that is required?

It can be done by mail, but you would have to take a class offered by a Utah certified instructor: http://publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/docume ... te_047.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It looks like only 3 people in Houston offer it. Based on that, I would imagine that classes with them are either not offered on a regular basis, or are very expensive for a private class.

[CopOnce]

I looked at the Utah application form and I don't see where you have to be a resident of Utah. Can all this be done by mail? What about the approved course that is required?

I hold the Utah CCW permit and I conducted everything by mail other than the course. It'll take you awhile to get the Utah also. It's not far behind the time involved with the Texas CHL. Being retired police, you have an option with federal licensing which permits you to carry anywhere. Requirements are stricter and you have to re-qualify annually, but it's available. I don't recall the HB number for the permit.

[stevie_d_64]

If you think TX is tough, try to get a NY pistol permit.

Uh ohhhh, apparently it wasn't too hard for the guy that murdered all those people in NY the other day...

[Keith B]

If you think TX is tough, try to get a NY pistol permit.

Uh ohhhh, apparently it wasn't too hard for the guy that murdered all those people in NY the other day...

The permit the guy had was a permit to own the pistols, not a Concealed Carry Permit.

[bdickens]

I think getting a TX CHL is less of a pain than not getting one.