We encourage you to fill out the application for a new conealed handgun license online via the DPS website prior to attending the course. If you apply online with DPS you will automatically entered in the CHL database and can register for finger printing through L1 Identify Solutions. Starting March 2011, DPS will no longer accept ink rolled finger prints only digital through L1. In addtion this will speed up the process allowing you to receive your CHL in the mail much faster.
Before you begin, please read the Texas Concealed Handgun Laws and Selected Statutes and review the Texas CHL Eligibility Requirements before registering. You must be at least 21 years of age or at least 18 years of age if currently serving in or honorably discharged from the military. Please prepare to provide the following: Social security number, Valid driver license or identification card, Current demographic, address, contact, and employment information, Residential and employment information for the last five years (new users only), Information regarding any psychiatric, drug, alcohol, or criminal history (new users only), Valid email address, and Valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express)
ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Finger Printing:
At time of electronic registration you will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment with L1 for electronic fingerprinting. CHL applicants who schedule an appointment with the state approved electronic fingerprint collection agency, L1. Electronic fingerprints have a 98% classifiability rate which results in fewer fingerprint quality rejections.
1. Schedule fingerprint appointment - The L1 online appointment scheduler allows the CHL applicant to use a web-based system to choose the date, time and location that is most convenient to the customer.
2. Payment – After the customer has scheduled an appointment at an L1 location, they may opt to pay for electronic fingerprint services online with a credit card or onsite with a check or money order only. The L1 fee is $9.95.
3. Electronic fingerprint collection & submission - When a customer chooses to use L1, their fingerprints will be digitally imaged using a state approved Livescan machine. An L1 employee will roll the customer’s fingerprints on a glass plate which resembles a copier or scanner. Once the fingerprints are captured via Livescan, the prints are automatically sent to TXDPS electronically.
Original CHL applicants who choose to submit electronic fingerprints must also mail passport photos to TXDPS; however, applicants will be verified by a photo taken by L1 at the time of fingerprinting and will not need to have the passport photo signed by the person obtaining their electronic fingerprints. I will also have the ability to perform fingerprinting and photo at time of class. Keep in mind though the above process is faster and is less likely to be rejected.
