Texas CHL Eligibility

It is not the responsibility of Texas CHL or it's Instructors to determine eligibility of students or persons seeking to obtain a Concealed Handgun License. Review eligibility requirements closely before registering as class fees are NOT refundable.

Please direct any questions about eligibility to the DPS Website: www.txdps.state.tx.us

A person is eligible for a license to carry a concealed handgun if the person:

• is a legal resident of this state for the six month period preceding the date of application,

• is at least 21 years of age (military 18 - 21 years of age now eligible - 2005 Texas CHL Law change),

• has not been convicted of a felony,

• is not currently charged with the commission of a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or equivalent offense, or an offense under Sec. 42.01 of the penal Code (Disorderly Conduct) or equivalent offense,

• is not a fugitive from justice for a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or equivalent offense,

• is not a chemically dependant person (a person with two convictions within the ten year period preceding the date of application for offenses (Class B or greater) involving the use of alcohol or a controlled substance is ineligible as a chemically dependant person. Other evidence of chemical dependency may also make an individual ineligible for a CHL),

• is not incapable of exercizing sound judgement with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun,

• has not, in the five years preceding the application, been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or equivalent offense, or an offense under Section 42.01 of the Penal Code (Disorderly Conduct) or equivalent offense,

• is fully qualified under applicable federal and state law to purchase a handgun,

• has not been finally determined to be delinquent in making child support administered or collected by the attorney general,

• has not been finally determined to be delinquent in the payment of a tax or other money collected by the comptroller, state treasurer, tax collector of a policital subdivision, Alcohol Beverage Commission or any other agency or subdivision,

• is not currently restricted under a court protective order subject to a restraining order affecting a spousal relationship,

• has not, in the 10 years preceding the date of application, been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct violating a penal law in the grade of felony,

• has not made any material misrepresentation, or failed to disclose any material fact, in an application submitted pursuant to Section 411.174 or in a request for application submitted pursuant to Section 411.175.