Hunter Education Course Frequently Asked Questions & Study Links
Handgun Safety, Operation and Marksmanship 101
Concealed Handgun License Courses
Open House/Orientation Schedule/Appointments
Registration Form for All Non-Hunter Ed. Classes
Private Sessions for Inexperienced Shooters
DPS CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE (CHL) COURSES
Please scroll balance of this page for complete CHL details as well as these 3 other pages:
General Info. Facilities and Class Fees
Private CHL classes are available on weekdays/evenings for groups, couples or individuals (in one, two or three sessions).
Scheduled dates:
Saturday, December 5 - "Original License" and "Renewal License" class.
Additional dates pending.
Unless stated otherwise above, all students should arrive at DCSA by 8:00 a.m. (Coffee usually brewed by 7:45.)
"Renewal license" students should plan on packing a lunch (or anticipating that one of the "original license" students can pick you up a sandwich at the nearby Sonic or Subway.) The shooting portion for "Renewal license" students is normally conducted between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m., with the written test completed by 2:00 p.m.
On 1-day classes, "Original license" students get a lunch break from approximately 12:00 to 1:00, with the "classroom" portion concluded around 7:00 p.m. (Feel free to bring lunch/snacks and/or a small ice chest.)
For those who do want to shoot the same evening, the 50-round "Demonstrations of Proficiency" will begin about 7:15 p.m. for 2 students at a time. Slot assignments will be based upon the order in which registration forms and $31.88 deposits are received (which means some students may have time to take a "dinner break" and return). Experienced "Original license" students ready to shoot (with no warm-up) on the same evening at the class have a total cost of $121.88.
Other "experienced" students still have the option to shoot on another day (total cost of $161.88 including up to 50-rounds of practice time before 50-round shooting test.)
Novices may have particular interest in the "CHL Home Study +P" option (on left index) or Handgun Safety, Operations and Marksmanship 101)
Pre-registration is required to insure having a "slot". See printable "Mail-in Registration Form" Once DCSA registration form is received, range session/shooting test "slot" assignments (often in pairs) can be determined on a first received/first assigned basis. (Those who register first get preference time-wise for range session over those who register later.)
The 3 options below describe class costs for new members at DCSA taking an "original license" course. (Members who have joined within the last 12 months or who have a current Freedom Plan pay $31.88 less than the prices shown below).
$ 121.88 : 1 day class for experienced people who take same-day shooting test. (Students should be prepared to step up to the line and shoot with no warm-up).
OR
$ 161.88 : Classroom section on a date above with specific additional time allocated on a subsequent day for 50-round "practice time" and/or coaching, then the 50-round shooting test with student's gun and ammunition.
This "separate day" option is also suggested for those needing to test fire and/or test with a DCSA 9mm "training gun". Our 4 "work horse" training guns (by Glock, Kahr, Springfield and Smith & Wesson) are depicted in the last photograph on this page.
Rental cost of any or all of these 4 semi-autos in conjunction with this option: +$40 including 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and the opportunity to test fire 1, 2, 3 or all 4 of the guns during the first 50 rounds, then select the most favored for the 50-round shooting test. (Making total cost of class $200.88; this option is not a substitute for a "Handguns 101" or "Home Study +P" class.)
OR
"Renewal license" students: Current members (orientation within last 12 months or an active Freedom Plan): New Members: $96.88.
Current members (orientation within last 12 months or an active Freedom Plan): $65.00
Private classes available to meet individual needs/schedules.
While reloaded ammunition acceptable for use by those with Freedom Plans, it is NOT permissible in any DCSA class related to CHL course practice or testing.
Students shooting their own guns are welcome to purchase factory ammunition at guns shows or local retailers such as Academy, Bass Pro Shop, Cabella's, Dick's Sporting Goods or Wal-Mart. (DCSA stocks 9mm ammunition for use in our training guns plus a few other calibers for convenience only.)
Students planning to use their own handgun should bring at least 50 rounds of ammunition, plan on no firearms manipulation in the parking lot or classroom and have NO PRE-LOADED MAGAZINES intended for the shooting portion.
Whether or not an individual ever applies for the license, "Original" course includes "Nice to Know" information for those considering purchasing a handgun as well as "Should Know" information for individuals who already own a firearm for personal protection and/or recreation.
In addition to emphasis on safe handling and storage, the "Original" Course covers other "Must Know" material such as "Use of Force" and CHL laws, non-violent dispute resolution, child protective measures, public contact with LEOs, mental states and other selected topics.
One of the most enlightening subjects for many new CHL students is regarding confusion created by some signs posted at various businesses. Many signs, they learn, are not necessarily applicable to license holders ...
For those who do not already
know, both the mandatory "demonstration of proficiency" and
written test are strictly pass or fail; no other scores are
indicated on the "Certificate of Training" (DPS Form TR-100).
Students may be given up to three opportunities to pass the written test
or the shooting test. After seeing the requirements, most students agree
that anyone who can not pass the shooting test (after up to 3 chances)
does not need to be carrying a gun in public! (See shooting
test on
the large silhouette for description of the course of fire.
Effective January 1, 2006, the blue "Amazon Man" target pictured
in the link was replaced with the B-27 target shown in the photo
immediately below.
Shorter "Renewal" courses focus heavily on "Must Know" legislative updates. They require another written test and another 50-round "demonstration of proficiency". While renewal courses are often done privately or scheduled independently, they are most commonly available in conjunction with some common portions of the more frequently conducted "original" classes.
DCSA's "standard" scheduled CHL courses should be considered a "Phase II" course. Per DPS recommendation (and common sense!), Texas CHL Courses are not intended to license and place "first-time" pistol shooters on the streets. While "pure novices" are certainly welcome to take the classroom portion of the CHL course alone or with friends, one of the following 2 classes is strongly recommended.
Due to a recognized need with many "Phase I" (and/or even "Phase II" shooters), a special "CHL Home Study +P" (see link on left) lesson plan was developed at DCSA in 2001. Another format was developed for implementation in the summer of 2008. See Handgun Safety, Operations and Marksmanship 101.
The way the Texas CHL law is written, it requires that if an individual wants to be able to legally to carry a semiautomatic (SA) handgun, he/she must use a semiautomatic of at least 32 caliber in the "demonstration of proficiency" (shooting test). Even though many students may own or plan to carry only a revolver (NSA license), they commonly opt to use a 9mm semiautomatic for the "demonstration of proficiency" in order to have the option of carrying either -or both. (Texas law allows "carry" - on or of your person - of as many handguns as you can keep concealed; defined in book/class.)
Unless they have a real compelling need, students who do not already own a handgun that they are comfortable with are not necessarily encouraged to go out and buy one before a class. While the CHL class does not include a recommendation for any specific handgun, students in this course will learn some of the pros, cons, and "tradeoffs" with various options.( The preceding is included to hopefully keep you from being another who says "Gee, I wish I had known that before I spent the money on this thing ... " )
Scheduled classes:
The most popular "scheduled" CHL class time seems to be on selected Saturdays, occasionally on Sundays. CHL class times other than the time(s) indicated above above are generally scheduled only when DCSA has at least 4 student applications and deposits in hand - and at least 4 students on "call list" agree to the same schedule. Therefore, if you cannot afford a private class (below) and you (and others like you) never get around to completing a registration form to be placed on a "call list", additional (weekday, evening or Sunday) classes will be very slow to "make".
Private classes:
When privacy and/or timing to
fit personal schedules 
are more important to some individuals than cost, all types of our various
handgun training can be scheduled for as few as 1 or 2 students (see
other pages on this web site; 50% deposit required on privately-scheduled classes).
Payments to DPS:
Subsequent current cost of a 4-year "original" license is $140 (money order payable to Texas Department of Public Safety) for most individuals. (Those 60 and older and military veteran pay only $70 for a 4-year license.) While we certainly do not suggest waiting that long, students obtaining an application packet from DCSA have up to 2 years from the first date of training to get their paperwork and payment submitted to DPS. Those who pay for license online and get packet directly from DPS have only 1 year to get everything submitted.
"Original License" students should understand that DPS has up to 60 days after receipt of an applicant's materials to complete the background check and to mail a license. But ... especially since mid 2008 DPS has been overwhelmed with applications and considerably longer turn-around times are not uncommon. (And there is no such thing in Texas as a "temporary" card or license upon completion of a CHL class.)
Current cost (payable to DPS) for a now 5-year "Renewal" license is $70.00 ($35 for military vets those age 60+). The CHL unit in Austin typically mails license holders a renewal application letter approximately 5 to 6 months before their license expires (on birthday). Current license holders should understand that the CHL unit, by law, has up to 45 days to process a renewal license, so one should not procrastinate in completing a renewal class. If the new license is not received by one's birthday, CHL privileges no longer exist until the new license is "in hand". (See sign on "General Info" page regarding "Law of the 7 Ps".)
CHL folks who have let their license lapse do have a one-year "grace period" to complete a renewal course and get the paperwork submitted to Austin. No CHL privileges exist until a new license is received, but starting completely over is not required.
Effective Sept. 1, 2007, some license holders due for their 3'rd renewal may get the option to skip the CHL renewal class and send DPS the applicable paperwork. Those who believe they fall into this category (of not needing the class or Form TR-100) are encouraged to call DPS at 1-800-224-5744 for confirmation (as they do not necessarily clearly provide such in the paperwork sent to those needing to "re-up"). DCSA charges $20 to such students who need only the passport photos and notarization in conjunction with others during a scheduled class. (Only after getting confirmation from DPS that a class is not needed, such license holders can e-mail dcsa1996@yahoo.com for the best time to show up on any given scheduled class date.)
For more details on CHL classes at DCSA, try to attend an "Open House". Or, if you still have questions after a review of this web site and the links here, send E-mail to dcsa1996@yahoo.com or call Lonnie Ward at 940-241-2376. (Number goes to cell phone, so he may or may not be in a position to talk at the time.)
To be eligible for a Texas Concealed Handgun License, you:- Must be a legal resident of Texas, or apply for a non-resident license
- Must be at least 21, unless active duty or honorable discharged from the military, then at least 18
- Must not ever have been convicted of a FELONY
- Must not be currently charged with a Class A or Class B MISDEMEANOR or FELONY
- Must not be chemically dependant, including alcohol
- Must be capable of exercising sound judgment
- Must not have been convicted of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or a disorderly conduct in the past 5 years
- Must be fully qualified under federal and state laws to purchase a handgun
- Must not be delinquent in any payments to the state of Texas, including child support, taxes, and Texas Guaranteed Student Loans
- Must not be restricted by a protective or restraining order involving a person
- Must not have been prosecuted for a felony grade juvenile delinquent conduct in the previous 10 years
If you have a specific eligibility question after reading the requirements above, call the DPS helpline at 1-800-224-5744 or send an email to chl@txdps.state.tx.us
$90 "Original License" Texas CHL courses at DCSA include:
* Minimum 10 to 15 Hour Course Training
* Eye & Ear Protection, Target and Administering of 50-round "demonstration of proficiency"
* 2 Passport Photos and Notarization of 3 Affidavits in DPS "Application Packet"
* "Certificate of Training" (Form TR-100) upon completion (min. 70% score required on written and shooting tests)
$65 "Renewal License" CHL courses at DCSA include:
* 4 to 6 Hour Course Training
* Eye & Ear Protection, Target and Administering of 50-round "demonstration of proficiency"
* 2 Passport Photos and Notarization of 3 Affidavits in DPS "Application Packet"
* "Certificate of Training" (Form TR-100) upon completion (min. 70% score required on written and shooting tests)
Not included:
Fees ($70 or $140) payable directly to DPS for 4-year license
If not paid previously within the past 12 months, $31.88 per top box on DCSA "Fee Schedule" page (assuming a new member, $31.88 is included the pricing mentioned above)
9mm rental gun and 50 rounds of ammunition ($25.00).
Fingerprinting: Three options are available:
(1) Manual fingerprinting during class is often available by Argyle resident Sherrie Higgins (with Armstrong Fingerprinting: www.armstrongfingerprinting.com) for $10 per card. (2 for original license, 1 for renewals). Sherrie accepts cash or check.
(2) Electronic fingerprinting after class for reasons stated on 8 1/2" X 11" sheet entitled "FAST - Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas" in the DPS packets. Appointment can be made by calling 1-888-467-2080 or do so online via: http://www.L1id.com/IBT Cost is around $10 for 2 cards. Be sure they know your need is for the Texas CHL and that the given location has a printer for printed fingerprint cards. (Near I-35 and Mockingbird or another office with printer in Ft. Worth.)
(3) Local law enforcement agencies. Flower Mound Police Dept., for example, does fingerprinting (manually) four afternoons a week for Flower Mound residents free. Another recommended option for local residents for the "electronic method" (then printing) is the Lewisville Police Department at $10 per card (Call 972-219-3600 for hours.)
In any event, the person doing the fingerprinting must sign the back of one of the passport photos (taken in CHL class).
Individual Range Sessions if desired/required to get student's proficiency level up to at least 70%. A 50-round practice session, including personalized coaching if desired, just prior to the 50-round CHL shooting test can often be scheduled individually on a subsequent day for an additional $40 (with student bringing own gun and ammo).
Or, students will have the option of practicing and testing with the following semi-automatics for an additional $40 (including 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition). In sequence pictured below:
Kahr K-9 (single stack magazine, slim grip)
Springfield XD-9-M (with interchangeable back straps, ambidextrous magazine release)
Glock 19
Smith & Wesson M&P Compact (interchangeable backstraps and ambidextrous slide latch). Note: slightly smaller than a Glock 19 and slightly larger than a Glock 26.
Another semi-automatic rental gun, not pictured, is Springfield XD-9 subcompact.
Of the literature in DCSA driveway, the white box is typically stocked with a single sheet that contains the DCSA CHL Class Registration Form. Those who would like to get started "on-line" can (1) print out the DCSA "Class Registration Form" from this website, then forward it to DCSA with applicable deposit (typically $31.88 per student) then (2) follow the instructions given at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlsindex.htm to apply with DPS. Many students prefer to complete their application in this fashion on-line and pay their license fee at the time with a credit card. (Those using this option have up to 1 year to get the complete packet submitted to DPS - or will have to pay the license fee again.)
Students do not necessarily have to have the application packet from DPS (it may take a few days/weeks) to take the course, but it will be required to submit for license. DCSA has the complete CHL application packets available for "original license" students who may not have yet (per paragraph immediately above) requested the packet directly or who have not yet received their packet from DPS in the mail. Those who opt to get one of the CHL packets from DCSA for manual completion of the application can subsequently pay their license fee to DPS via personal check or money order. (Those using this option have up to 2 years after the first class date to get the application packet and payment submitted to DPS.)
Individuals who have a Texas CHL typically get a letter from DPS informing them of the license expiring on their birthday in a few months (typically 5 to 6). License holders then have an option of (1) mailing a blue post card that is with the letter back to DPS or (2) using a PIN number in the letter to do much of the process on-line. With either option, DPS will send current license holders another packet that contains at least (a) a current law booklet, (b) a new passport photo holder and (c) another FBI fingerprint card (yes, required again!).
Current Texas CHL holders in need of a "change of address" or "change of name" form (submittal and $25 payment required within 30 days!) should work through the Texas DPS link above.
Individuals with interest in carrying out of state may need to check out various sources, such as DPS' "reciprocity" pages and http://handgunlaw.us/. A recommended web site, particularly as a form of "continuing education" after the class is www.texaschlforum.com (where Lonnie Ward's user name is "Greybeard"). Another excellent web site, especially for the ladies is www.corneredcat.com.
As of mid 2009, around 350,000 Texans had an active Concealed
Handgun License. Another 250,000+ have requested and been mailed (by
DPS) an "application packet", then - for whatever reason -
failed to return it. In our view, it appears that a small percentage of
this latter 250,000+ may have read the "eligibility
requirements" and recognized a problem with their background.
However, the vast majority are those who have talked a lot about
getting a CHL, yet seem to have "not got around to
it". Like many endeavors, obtaining
the Texas Concealed Handgun License requires (1) Time, (2) Money and
(3) Motivation. Getting them all 3 together is up to you!!!
IF YOU DO complete a DCSA registration form and get it to us with a $31.88 deposit, we will work toward getting you promptly scheduled in a CHL and/or Handguns 101 class. If you don't ......, we won't ....... Thank you.
About the Instructor: Lonnie Ward is the primary range officer and trainer at Denton County Sports Association, Inc. He has been certified in the Texas Department of Public Safety CHL instructor program since the inception of the program in 1995. He is also a National Rifle Association Range Safety Officer and certified instructor in Home Firearms Safety, Rifle, Pistol and Personal Protection. Mr. Ward is a 26-year resident of Flower Mound, the proud father of two graduates of Marcus High School and the 17'th inductee into Texas Parks and Wildlife's Hunter Education Hall of Fame. When not out of the area enjoying the great outdoors, he can be reached at dcsa1996@yahoo.com.
Freedom Plan Independent Practice option "walk through" and paperwork completion is sometimes available on same day as class. If interest, please let instructor know early in the day. It saves time if students have read in advance both of the links below:
Freedom Plans and Self Defense Insurance