Concealed Handgun Program

Attention:
Effective March 1, 2011, the Department will ONLY accept electronic fingerprint submissions. At this time, the State approved vendor is L-1 Enrollment Services (L-1). See Fingerprint and Photo Information page for additional information and instructions.

Program Update (February 2011)
Texas Administrative Rules relating to Concealed Handgun Licensing (CHL) was amended and became effective on January 9, 2011.  Following is a brief summary of the rule changes:

• Effective March 1, 2011, the Department will require applicants to submit electronic fingerprints with original applications.
• The Department will attempt to utilize existing prints on file for renewal applications. However, if the prints on file to not meet current quality standards, new fingerprints must be submitted electronically. 
• Applicant photos will not be accepted if the applicant is wearing eye glasses.

Click here to view the affected rules. (See Administrative Code)
CHL-16 (law books) are available for download and/or purchase. (See Downloadable Forms) OR (See General Services GS-5A Order Form to purchase)

Program Update (October, 2010) – Instructor Newsletter
Instructor Newsletter – October 1, 2010 (PDF)
This newsletter covers: Applicants options, CHL lawbook, Fingerprinting, Instructor Opt-in information

Program Update (July, 2010) – Photo requirements/Signatures
TXDPS no longer requires signatures on the back of photos by either the applicant or the fingerprint technician. Photos will not be rejected for lack of signature.

Program Update (July, 2010) – Photo Requirements for Military Personnel; ages 18-20
Profile photos are no longer required. Military Personnel who are 18-20 years of age can now submit 2 photos of a clear frontal image.

Program Update (April, 2010) - Fingerprints & Photos Requirement Change for Renewal Applicants
As of May 1, 2010, CHL renewal applicants will no longer be required to submit fingerprints or photos as part of their renewal application. CHL can now resubmit good quality fingerprints and reuse previously submitted photos.

*note: TXDPS reserves the right to request replacement passport photos or quality fingerprints for renewing applicants, in the event that the previously submitted photos or fingerprints on file do not meet current quality requirements and/or guidelines.

Instructor Newsletter – April 15, 2010 (PDF)
This newsletter covers: FBI Fingerprint Delays, Benefits of Digital Fingerprints and Program Changes for Applicants Renewing their CHL License.

Instructor Update
Texas Concealed Handgun Licenses for Out of State Residents (12/12/06 PDF)

Instructor Update
Instructor Proficiency Certificates letter (PDF)

Instructor Update
Effective January 1, 2006, all CHL qualifications will be conducted using a B-27 target, therefore please discontinue using the old TX-PT targets. The TX-PT targets are no longer acceptable. This information was provided at the new CHL Instructor School in August 2005 and the CHL Renewal School held in 2005 and 2006.

Instructor Update
An instructor may not teach courses after his or her certification has expired, even if the instructor plans to renew the certification at a later date. Proficiency Certificates issued during a time when the instructor's certification has expired will not be accepted and students taking a course from an instructor whose certification has expired will be required to take the course again from a certified instructor. If you do not know the expiration date of your certification, please contact the Concealed Handgun Licensing Section.

You can contact the Concealed Handgun Licensing at :

REGULATORY SERVICES DIVISION MSC 0245
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
PO BOX 4087
AUSTIN TX 78773-0245
Helpline: (800) 224-5744