TexasCHLforum.com

Hello all,

Great site!

I'm moving to New Braunfels, TX from Jacksonville, FL in early October.

Question #1. How long do I have to obtain a TX permit? I know my (soon to be non-resident) Florida permit is good here, but how long is it good after establishing residency?

Question #2. Can anyone suggest a good place to take the TX CCW class in north San Antonio?

Thanks
Jeff

gunslinger_jeff wrote:Question #1. How long do I have to obtain a TX permit? I know my (soon to be non-resident) Florida permit is good here, but how long is it good after establishing residency?

That's a gray area. You are supposed to get a driver license within 30 days: ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-inf ... 0forms.pdf

The CHL law is not so specific. Obviously it's almost impossible to get a CHL in 30 days. If you get the address changed on your Florida CCW license around the same time you get your Texas driver license, you should be alright. How often do you get stopped, anyway? I haven't been stopped for a traffic violation in the 11 years I've lived here.

(BTW, I expect my Texas residence to be lifelong.)

- Jim

IIRC, you need to be a Texas resident for six months BEFORE you can get a TX CHL. At least that's how I read the rules so waited till I had been here that long. I didn't have one from my previous state, but I don't know if that makes any difference or not.

Howdy Jeff,

I had similar questions. Take a look at http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... php?t=9841 and see if the replies to my questions help clear up some things. Bottom line is you no longer have to wait six months to apply.

Welcome Neighbor - Seguin is not so far from N.B.

I got my initial CHL and my renewal from Sammy Miller. http://www.concealedhandgun.com/ Never been to anyone else, so can't say he is better or worser than anyone else, but I think he is well-informed, and pleasant to listen to. He was a San Antonio PD guy for a number of years, now works as an investigator for the DA's office. He does most of the instruction himself, but he also has one of the assistant DAs come in to talk about the legal aspects of deadly force and such -- I also see that his website now also lists one of the local judges as a lecturer too. His wife Jo helps out with running the class, and they have a guy skilled in fingerprinting (I assume he is a cop or otherwise does it for a living) come in.

He does the whole shebang -- helps you fill out the app correctly, fingerprints, photos, etc. Once you pass the test and the shooting portion, you are pretty much ready to drop the application in the mail. He has discounts for military and firefighers and husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend combos.

He does the classes at Grady's BBQ in the northwest side of SA (Bandera Road), which is not the most convenient for you, New Braunfels being to the north east. However, you only need to do it once every five years now, so not so bad. You can get lunch at Grady's, of course! Also, Jo brings donuts.

There are other CHL instructors, probably some in N.B., some here in Seguin that are closer, but I think you would not be disappointed in Sammy.

Welcome to Texas and best wishes.

elb

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

CBR600,
From the looks of things, My FL permit will convert to a non resident and still be valid in states that recognize Non resident FL permits (TX being one of them). So good to go there until my TX permit arrives from what I understand.

If my understanding of this is incorrect PLEASE (anybody)let me know! The whole idea here is to be in complete compliance with the laws. I've sent an email t the DPS CCW division in an attempt to confirm this. Of course, I'll have to wait to hear back from them.

ELB,
Howdy there yourself neighbor. Seguin is right down the road bout 15 minutes. Thanks for the heads up on Sammy Miller. Seems to be the one stop shop for CCW's here. I'll check his services out. Always good to hear the DA's office take on legal issues as it relates to use of force.

Thanks to everybody else in helping to answer my questions.

Edit to add: I try to avoid getting stopped, ruins my whole day! It's been quite a few years since my last traffic stop. I'm more worried about being in compliance in general.

Drifter wrote:IIRC, you need to be a Texas resident for six months BEFORE you can get a TX CHL. At least that's how I read the rules so waited till I had been here that long. I didn't have one from my previous state, but I don't know if that makes any difference or not.

This is incorrect, you may apply for a Texas CHL as soon as you relocate to Texas with the intent of establishing residence. Obtaining a Texas DL is considered proof of intent to establish permanent residence.

I speak from personnel expierience; moved to Texas at the end of Sept 2005, took CHL class in October 2005 and received CHL in December 2005.

Dave B.

You USED to have to be a resident for 6 months. I moved here in 1996, and got my permit in 1996 - but I had to wait 6 months at the time.

Welcome Gunslinger!

I moved from NY (state, not city) over 2 years ago. To make a long story short, it was far better in my situation (since I knew I was going to be here in TX pretty much permanent)- to change over my DL and the like.As soon as you can, if you want to fulfill the necessary resident requirement, get that completed.

I was not aware that one no longer has to be a resident for at least 6 months to apply. Hey, great if you don't have to wait like I did. I waited 6 (mind you I did not have the good folks on this forum or a lot of resources to guide me and I was doing everything solo). I agree with the other folks here to check out the threads and 'stickies' pertaining to new chl FAQ's also ....may I suggest this sight if you haven't already found it:

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/

there is a list of certified CHL instructors which might help you find an instructor near you. Although I believe more and more instructors are making their courses a "one stop shop" where you can get fingerprints, pictures, and a notary the same day, it would be good to try and narrow your search in this method, just to save you some running around in a new area.

Again, welcome to Texas!