Eligibility Requirements for a Texas CHL, Concealed Handgun License

For many Texans, the right to bear arms or posses a firearm is very important. A certain subset of this population also exercises the ability to carry a concealed handgun in the state of Texas. This article aims to illustrate the requirements that one needs to meet in order to legally carry a concealed handgun. Texas has had a concealed carry bill since 1995 during the days of then Governor George W Bush. Texas Government Code chapter 411 subchapter H contains the laws applicable to concealed carry of a firearm. Section 411.172 describes the eligibility requirements of a person seeking a CHL.

First and foremost, a person must be a legal resident of the state of Texas for at least 6 months before submitting an application. This person must be at least 21 years of age, has not been convicted of a felony, and has not been charged with the commission of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor. This stipulation includes those under indictment of a felony or an offense under Section 42.01 of the Texas Government Code.

The Texas government code relating to concealed handgun licensure includes provisions to exclude those persons who are chemically dependent, incapable of exercising good judgment with respect to the use of a handgun, as well as those who are delinquent on child support payments. Delinquency on other types of payments can render a person ineligible as well. These types of payments include state and local taxes, as well as loans made under Chapter 57 (Education Code) of the Texas Government Code.

Those persons who are currently under a restraining order or court protective order used to protect a spouse are not able to apply for a CHL. Understandably this would help prevent a husband or wife from seeking a license to harm their spouse out of anger or to see retribution for past injustices. People who have been found incompetent by a court, or have entered a criminal plea of insanity in a court proceeding are not eligible for this license due to their altered mental state. Persons who have been diagnosed (by a licensed physician) of one or more of the following conditions are not eligible: schizophrenia or delusional disorder, bipolar disorder, dementia, and dissociative identity disorder.

If you happen to be a member of the armed forces, the age restriction is lowered from 21 to 18 years of age. This exclusion includes members of the reserves, National Guard, as well as military veterans. Veterans must have been honorable discharged for this to apply. As long as one meets these requirements they are able to submit an application to the Department of Public Safety for a concealed handgun license.