New Guy Questions, Comments

[Wolf_Looks_Back]

Hi, and thanks for having this great resource. I am relocating to Texas from Washington state. I hold licenses in my own state and in AZ. Would be interested to know why Texas requirements seem draconian compared with most other states? If I remember correctly, chl is relatively new in Texas which seems odd, but rules are rules. If you would allow a few questions I'd be grateful.

1). I'm all for a training requirement for chl. All you have to do is visit any range facility to get an idea of why some basics should be required. It seems that I must pass the certified Texas training class regardless of the fact that I am an NRA safety and pistol instructor. (?)

2). Is it true that I cannot submit the "standard" fingerprint card, and further that I must have the electronic fingerprinting done by a specific agency which operates exclusively in Texas?

3). My wife has 2 felony arrests as a minor, dating back to 1970 when arrested during a Viet Nam peace demonstration. Charges dropped, no conviction, no sentence. Obtaining court paperwork documenting those arrests is almost impossible but the application says documentation is required no matter how far back and no matter what happened.

4). Most states with a mental competency requirement ask if you have been involuntarily committed to a facility. Texas also wants to know if you have been treated by a private physician, something I find over the top. Bipolar disorder, which is my specialty, is listed as a potentially dangerous mental illness. It is a mood disorder. Apparently I have to ask for a "hall pass" from a psychiatrist stating his opinion on my mental health. Just for the record, lots of us have this disorder and lots of us take meds in order to even things out from day to day. However I do not lose touch with reality, or throw good judgement out the window even without medicine. I'm sure that is true for the vast majority of people dealing with the disorder. Sure there are always wackos. But I'm not too thrilled about making my personal visits to a physician available to government databases.

5). Last of all, it seems like I need to consult a chl attorney so I don't make any mistakes on the application. The rules state that I might be charged with a felony offense, or prohibited from getting a license if I screw up the application. This process is a lot like smashing a bug with a sledge hammer. I do, of course, want to follow the rules.

Thanks for all the great information,
WLB

[Oldgringo]

Good questions!

There is a tremendous amount of Texas CHL information to be garnered from this forum. Someone far more learned and knowledgeable than I will be along shortly to answer your questions and perhaps allay your concerns. ITMT, welcome to Texas and the Texas CHL forum.

[Ameer]

1. Yes. You must take the Texas class, in Texas. Most of the class covers Texas law, so being an NRA instructor is irrelevant, and anyway the shooting test is easier than Sunday morning.

2. Yes. You must do electronic fingerprints from the sole source now.

3. Paperwork from the court saying no records were found for your wife should be good enough.

4. I can't help you there. Bipolar is on the list of disqualifying diagnoses, unless you get a doctor's note. Will your current psychiatrist write a letter for you?

5. I think most people don't consult a lawyer but that's up to you.

[Hola Gato]

Hi, and thanks for having this great resource. I am relocating to Texas from Washington state. I hold licenses in my own state and in AZ. Would be interested to know why Texas requirements seem draconian compared with most other states? If I remember correctly, chl is relatively new in Texas which seems odd, but rules are rules. If you would allow a few questions I'd be grateful.

Why not just change the address on your nonresident AZ license? From what you said, it sounds like a lot less trouble.

[Wolf_Looks_Back]

Thanks for your comments. While it is true that open carry is technically legal in WA, just try it anywhere except on your own property. Neighbors will freak even then. Police and swat will arrive in no time. People are insanely paranoid about guns here. But unfortunately like elsewhere, a number of tragic events have happened here because someone had a gun and wanted to try it out. As usual, these people do not bother to comply with something as inconvenient as a license, but that's beside the point.

Guess I should get going on the paperwork.

WLB

[TexasCajun]

Welcome!!! Gather all of the paperwork that you can. It's a pain, but it'll make the next part go much easier. Take the CHL class & get your prints done by the sole provider (L1, I believe is what they're called). And since you're coming from out of state, don't forget to ask about a photo. Most CHL classes will provide that for you as part of the service, but make sure. Send all of your paperwork in to DPS & wait for the call you'll inevitably get. When DPS calls, be polite & take careful notes because they'll probably want some arcane piece of paper from half way around the world. Generally, DPS is pretty nice about it when they need further documentation and they are willing to help. But I've heard that most of the courtesy is expended during that first call. So be sure to get exactly what they'll ask for. And if you can't get it, a letter on agency letterhead stating that the requested document does not exist will do.

Good luck!!