Texas Concealed Handgun License Class | Denton County Sports Association

Please scroll balance of this page for CHL details as well as these 3 other pages:

Private CHL classes are available on weekdays/evenings for groups, couples or individuals (in one, two or three sessions).

"Original license" students should arrive at DCSA by 8:00 a.m. can plan on a lunch break from 11:45 to 12:15. (Bring a lunch or drive over to the new Sonic 1/2 mile away). "Renewal license" students should arrive not later than 1:30. The classroom portion for everyone should be concluded by around 6:30 p.m.

For those who do want to shoot the same evening, the 50-round "Demonstrations of Proficiency" will begin around 6:45 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). "Original license" students ready to shoot (with no warm-up) on the same evening at the class have a total cost of $121.88. "Renewal license" students ready to shoot (with no warm-up) on the same evening at the class have a total cost of $96.88.

Other "experienced" students still have the option to shoot on another day (total cost of $161.88 including a loaner gun if needed and a little practice time before testing, $136.88 total for renewals).

CHL "Home Study +P", "Handguns 101" students or students registering for any of our classes at the new Flower Mound Community Activity Center (CAC) need to refer to those respective pages (see links on left) for details.

DCSA Instructor Lonnie Ward is scheduled to conduct very similar CHL "Classroom Training" on July 19 at the new Flower Mound Community Activity Center (CAC). For details, Please see link on left until such time as more is available at http://www.flower-mound.com/cac/programs.php. (Beginner classes also pending at the CAC on July 22, August 6 and August 17).

Students registering for any classes at the new Flower Mound Community Activity Center (CAC) need to refer to those respective pages (see links on left) for details.

DCSA Instructor Lonnie Ward is scheduled to conduct very similar CHL "Classroom Training" on Saturday, August 9 at the new Flower Mound Community Activity Center (CAC). For details, Please see link on left until such time as more is available at http://www.flower-mound.com/cac/programs.php. (Beginner classes also pending at the CAC on July 22, August 6 and August 17).

Pre-registration is required to insure having a "slot" in classroom segments at either location. (See printable "Mail-in Registration Form" on this web site to pre-register for classes at DCSA only or similar form in office/literature box in driveway.)

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). (Novices may have particular interest in Handguns 101)

$ 161.88 : Classroom section on a date above with specific additional time allocated for 50-round "practice time" and/or coaching, then the 50-round shooting test. This option is generally suggested for those needing to get familiar with and test with a 9mm "loaner gun" (typically a Glock 19 or Kahr K-9). Upon receipt of registration form indicating this option, instructor will be in touch to make individual "shooting slot" assignments.

"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. See June 24, 2008 addition at bottom of this page.

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 are encouraged 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 a small amount of ammo in various calibers for convenience only.)

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 or family, a NRA "First Steps" Course, a "101 Class" and/or private range session(s) are recommended before moving into the actual shooting portion of DCSA's "standard" CHL course.

Due to a recognized need with many "Phase I" (and/or even"Phase II" shooters), a special format has been developed for implementation in the summer of 2008. See Handguns 101 and/or similar text at bottom of this page.

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 borrow an instructor's 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 ... " )

Typical cost for new members in a "scheduled class" is $121.88 for the "Original" course and $96.88 in a "Renewal" course. (Current members pay $31.88 less).

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".

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).

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 have up to 2 years from the first date of training to get their paperwork and payment submitted to DPS.

"Original License" students should understand that DPS has up to 60 days after receipt of an applicant's materials to complete the background check to mail a license, so 8 to 10 week turnarounds are not uncommon. (No, 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.

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.)

If you can answer "yes" to the 14 Preliminary Eligibility Questions here, then you are probably eligible. Click on "continue", then "apply for a license" to get there. If you have a specific question after checking that out, then you should call the DPS helpline at 1-800-224-5744 or send an email to chl@txdps.state.tx.us

* 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)

* If needed, use of 9mm Glock 19 or (slimmer grip) Kahr "Lady K-9" or Ruger SP-101 .38 Revolver

* 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)

* If needed, use of 9mm Glock 19 or (slimmer grip) Kahr "Lady K-9" or Ruger SP-101 .38 Revolver.

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)

Minimum 50 rounds of ammunition (9mm @ $15.00 per box if purchase desired at DCSA)

Fingerprinting: Commonly available free to local residents or for $10 at local police/sheriff's departments. However, if practical, try to use a department that can do the fingerprinting electronically and print them out on the cards provided in the DPS CHL application packet.

New in 2006: Electronic fingerprinting. Highly recommended after class for reasons stated on 8 1/2" X 11" sheet entitled "FAST - Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas" in the DPS packets.

To better avoid the HIGH REJECTION RATE (by the FBI) of fingerprinting done manually by local police departments and in some other instructor's CHL classes, schedule an appointment by calling 1-888-467-2080 or do so online via: http://www.L1id.com/IBT Cost is around $10. Be sure they know your need is for the Texas CHL and that the given location has a printer for printed fingerprint cards.

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 CHL shooting test can often be scheduled individually on a subsequent day for an additional $40.)

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/.

As of early 2008, almost 300,000 Texans had an active Concealed Handgun License. Another 200,000+ 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 200,000+ 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 First Steps) class. If you don't ......, we won't .......

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:

As of July 2008 the "Semi-Automatic Handguns 101" class as described below will be available at DCSA on a privately scheduled basis. This class will virtually duplicate the format developed for scheduled "Handgun Safety, Operation and Marksmanship 101" classes at the new Flower Mound Community Activity Center (CAC), the difference being this course can be completed in one continuous session and 100% at DCSA (with 100% of the payment to DCSA).

These private "101" classes at DCSA can be scheduled for a fee of $200.00 plus $81.88 per student. Students will have the option (at additional cost applicable to the chosen location) of completing scheduled Concealed Handgun License "Classroom Training" before or after this "101" class at the Flower Mound Activity Center or DCSA.

The fees above includes an approximate 3 1/2 hour classroom segment, eye and ear protection, initial membership and range use fee and an approximately 90-minute/100-round shooting session with no more than one other student shooting at the same time.

Unlike the circumstances with classes at the CAC, students may bring their own handgun (of virtually any caliber) to the classroom segment at DCSA. Or, students will have the option of renting a 9mm Glock Model 19 or Kahr Model K-9 semi-automatic and purchasing ammunition at DCSA ($30 total including 100 rounds).

If needed, 22 or 38 caliber revolvers and appropriate ammo can be made available (ammo pricing varies greatly).

Students who do bring their own handgun are welcome to bring their own ammunition (at least 100 rounds; no reloads please).

Based upon *mutual student/instructor discretion at the time, there will be an option for the last 50 rounds of the 100-round shooting session to include the DPS CHL course "Demonstration of Proficiency".

* Note: This Texas CHL "shooting qualification" requires a minimum of 32 caliber. Students who test with a revolver will be issued a license to carry only revolvers (of any caliber). Students who test with a semi-automatic will be issued a license good for either a semi-automatic pistol or a revolver. Past experience indicates that most students (for license versatility) want to focus initially on a semi-automatic handgun, sometimes scheduling another private session to actually take the DPS shooting test with a semi-automatic and/or to return get some "hands on" work with a revolver.

As of this time, the DCSA registration form has not yet been altered to include this class. If interest, please contact Lonnie Ward at 940-241-2376 or at dcsa1996@yahoo.com. Be sure to mention having seen this "101" class page.

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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 law 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.