FL license as an alternative?

[mr.72]

I am going to take my CHL class weekend after next, with the intent of getting my CHL immediately therafter. However, given the long delay in getting a TX CHL, I wonder if it would not make more sense to just skip it and apply for a FL license instead.

Any comments?

Is there any reason not to _just_ get a FL license and just ignore TX altogether?

[Kalrog]

Do a search on this - it has been talked about before.

But the short version is that you will get MOST of the benefits via a Florida or Utah license that you do from a Texas license. The minor differences are the NICS check, there are some reciprocity implications, and possibly some school zone federal issues. I still say get the Texas version despite the hassle - especially if you travel.

[aardwolf]

I say go with the one that gives you the most bang for the buck.

For some people that might be the Texas license but for others it might be the Florida license. Only you can decide what benefits outweigh the others for you. For some people it might be worth having multiple licenses in different states, for example having FL and UT licenses if you live in TX.

[Charles L. Cotton]

As a very general statement, I would get a Texas CHL if you qualify. Colorado changed it's law (twice) because the legislature learned that Colorado citizens were getting out of state licenses, instead of Colorado's. If the practice of getting another state's license instead of a Texas CHL becomes widespread, or if it is believed to be widespread by the Texas Legislature, I think there would be a strong push to change our law as well. (It would be very difficult to defeat.) If a person doesn't qualify for a Texas CHL (ex. unpaid taxes or school loan), then of course they should get another state's license.

Chas.

[Crossfire]

I agree with Charles. If you qualify for Texas, you are better off having a Texas license.

Having another state as a backup is also good, in case you lose your wallet, don't get your renewal done on time, need another form of ID, etc, etc.

And, if you think you want to get another state's license instead of Texas, just because of the wait time, let me clue you in on something. The dramatic increase in CHL applications is nationwide. Utah and Florida are also experiencing significant slowdowns due to the increased number of applications.