Hello fellow waitees!

[sbrenn01]

Hi all,

Not sure how the actual process works for CHL from the DPS side of things. Both me and the wife (AKA "she who must be obeyed) went through the process, I took the CHL class with the wife even though as a Honorably Discharged vet it wasn't a requirement. I'm glad I did; I learned a lot about the laws, especially as they pertained to where CC is allowed and where it isn't allowed. I also learned when force can be applied, especially the significance of deadly force. Serious stuff and I pray the occasion never arises.

So, I know that our credit cards were charged by DPS on 11/24/2014. Does that mean the process started then? I do not know. What is actually involved, what does the State do? I reckon they do a background check, both State and Federal. For myself I imagine they also look at my military background. I was a member of the Personnel Reliability Program in the USN, my thoughts is 'that is a good thing' since in effect I already have been vetted. Of course that was many years ago, not sure it matters....other than only having to pay $25.00 instead of $140.00!

Is the wait time a standard time-frame for people with no background issues? Does the time of year matter? I'm guessing this is a busy time of year. It's the Holiday season which means the DPS has people taking time off, there are probably lots of folk trying to get CHL before Christmas.

What is a "typical" wait time for electronically-submitted applications?

How are we notified of a "change in status"? Are we notified via email? Is calling in the only way to find out? I haven't been able to find anywhere to log in to the DPS website and check the status, that would be the simplest way.

Of course, there's no real rush, it will come when it comes....but I also feel like a kid who's sent in his cereal boxtops and is waiting for his toy to arrive in the mail! It would make a great Christmas present!

Well, there's my $0.02 Remember: Stay safe, and JOIN THE NRA, National Association for Gun Rights and Texas Concealed Handgun Association!! Defend your Right to defend YOURSELF!!!

[RPBrown]

Welcome to the forum.

Wait times have been rather inconsistent, from what I have been reading, anywhere from a few weeks to pushing the 60 day limit. Overall a lot better recently though.

I might suggest that you use the wait time to practice carrying around your home. Find out what works and what doesn't. Get used to the addition of the weapon on your person as well as getting used to concealment. I recommend that you carry at all times when at home just for this reason. That way, when the plastic does come, it wont be as nerve racking as most people make it.

[sbrenn01]

Re: Hello fellow waitees!

Postby RPBrown » Fri Dec 12, 2014 12:20 pm
Welcome to the forum.

Wait times have been rather inconsistent, from what I have been reading, anywhere from a few weeks to pushing the 60 day limit. Overall a lot better recently though.

I might suggest that you use the wait time to practice carrying around your home. Find out what works and what doesn't. Get used to the addition of the weapon on your person as well as getting used to concealment. I recommend that you carry at all times when at home just for this reason. That way, when the plastic does come, it wont be as nerve racking as most people make it.

Thank you, that is an excellent idea! I'm still trying to figure out a good way for me to carry, I can't wear a belt, so I've been looking at something like the "UnderTech Undercover Mens Concealment Shirt" for my small .40. My wife is trying to decide if she wants to carry on her person or with a pocketbook/conceal carry option. Thanks again!!

[RogueUSMC]

Hi all,

*snip*I took the CHL class with the wife even though as a Honorably Discharged vet it wasn't a requirement.*snip*

Who told you this?

[sbrenn01]

Re: Hello fellow waitees!

Unread postby RogueUSMC » Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:09 pm

sbrenn01 wrote:Hi all,

*snip*I took the CHL class with the wife even though as a Honorably Discharged vet it wasn't a requirement.*snip*


Who told you this?
A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.
- Napoleon Bonaparte

I was not entirely correct in my statement, and I retract the statement. Vets are not required to do the qualification portion of the course:

Sec. 411.1881. EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION FOR CERTAIN PERSONS. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, a person may not be required to complete the range instruction portion of a handgun proficiency course to obtain a license issued under this subchapter if the person:

(1) is currently serving in or is honorably discharged from:

(A) the army, navy, air force, coast guard, or marine corps of the United States or an auxiliary service or reserve unit of one of those branches of the armed forces; or

(B) the Texas military forces, as defined by Section 437.001; and

(2) has, within the five years preceding the date of the person's application for the license, completed a course of training in handgun proficiency or familiarization as part of the person's service with the armed forces or Texas military forces.

(b) The director by rule shall adopt a procedure by which a license holder who is exempt under Subsection (a) from the range instruction portion of the handgun proficiency requirement may submit a form demonstrating the license holder's qualification for an exemption under that subsection. The form must provide sufficient information to allow the department to verify whether the license holder qualifies for the exemption.

[sbrenn01]

Well, ask and you shall receive!

Both the wife and I received our CHLs today in the mail. Total time from online submission of paperwork to receipt of CHL was 17 days.

[RogueUSMC]

Excellent!