Answers to help you decide

1. Contact Information
2. What is a Concealed Handgun License ?
3. How do I apply for a concealed handgun license ?
4. What happens next ?
5. How much does a Concealed handgun License cost ?
6. Why should I take this training ?
7. How long does it take to complete the process ?
8. Can Women attend this class ?
9. Can I carry a Concealed Handgun across state lines ... ?
10. Where can I find a Texas Certified CHL Instructor ... ?
11. I'm  20 years old, can I get a Concealed Handgun License... ?
12. What other benefit is there to having a Concealed Handgun License ... ?
13. Why should I be concerned, we have a good police force ... ?
14. Objective of the Concealed Handgun License ... ?

Contact Information

Jackie Smith, Owner & Notary Services

Warren J. Smith Sr., Certified Concealed Handgun Instructor, # 1588589

Email: smithwj1@msn.com    or Phone at 210-872-2261

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What is a Concealed Handgun License ?

A license similar to the Texas drivers license authorizing a qualified citizen to carry a loaded handgun where the presence of which is not discernable to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person.  The handgun can be carried in many places, however, there are certain places where a Concealed Handgun is not authorized.

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How do I apply for a concealed handgun license ?

You can receive an application from your instructor where you attend the mandatory class or You may also pick up an application request card from most DPS offices or gun or sporting goods stores, fill it out and mail it to the DPS. in addition, you may apply online at www.txdps.state.tx.us. 

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What happens next ?

The instructor will assist you when  completing the application.  At that time, you must mail the complete application to the provided address within six months of the date you took the class. 

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How much does a Concealed Handgun License cost ?

For most Texans, the license fee is $ 140.00; but for senior citizens or indigent Texans the cost is only $ 35.00.  For active/honorary retired peace officers or active/retired judicial officers, the cost is $ 25.00, providing you provide additional information.  In addition, you may be charged a fee when attending a class through a certified instructor.  Instructor fees and services may vary.

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Why should I take this training ?

There are simply too many homes to protect and not enough Police Officers to protect them;  It's up to you,  to take an active role in protecting your family, friends and love ones.  If you are concerned about better ways to provide this protection, and you are a responsible person, you should take the next available class.

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How long does it take to complete the process ?

The Family Firearms Training Company will complete the required 10 to 15 hour training session in one day, others instructors may conduct training over several days. Once the class and range training is complete, your mailed application may take up to 60 days to finish the process.  Usually, the TDPS will notify you within 30 to 45 day by letter updating you on your application status.  They will also provide you with a PIN number to access the TDPS webpage so you can track your application from home. 

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Can Women attend this class ?

Yes, "the training is highly recommended for women." unfortunately, more crimes are committed against Women than Men; this course is highly recommended for Women.  The training is designed for citizens; whether male, female, senior or handicap, the course will help you become comfortable with using a firearm in a crisis situation as well as improving your knowledge with everyday life UN-expectancies such as grocery shopping, teller machine use and something as simple as having your home address on your key chain.

Teaching you how to use a firearm in self defense is our goal.

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Can I carry a Concealed Handgun across state lines ... ?

Yes, in 38 States; however, a state must have reciprocity with the state of Texas in order for you to carry a Concealed Handgun into that particular state. The following states have agreed to allow Texas CHL holder to carry a handgun in their state;

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,  Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New  Mexico, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada,  New York, North Carolina, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma,   Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee,  Utah, Virginia, Michigan, Washington and Wyoming.

Without a Texas Concealed Handgun License, you will need to call ahead for clearance, otherwise, you may be subjected to the applicable laws and regulation of that state.

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Where can I find a Texas Certified CHL Instructor ... ?

You can email you questions or concerns to smithwj1@msn.com or contact me by telephone at 210-872-2261.  You can also visit the Links Page www.familyfirearms.com/smith/Links.htm and visit the Texas Concealed Handgun Bureau for a list of instructors and locations.

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I'm  20 years old, can I get a Concealed Handgun License... ?

A 20 year old can get a Concealed Handgun License within 6 months of his or her 21st birthday.

• NEW Information as of September 1, 2005
• Active duty military, National Guard, Reserve can apply and take the class for a CHL at the age of 18.

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What other benefit is there to having a Concealed Handgun License ... ?

With a CHL, one can purchase a handgun instantly from any retailer.  Without the CHL, you may or may not be able to buy a firearm without the infamous call to the NIC. This call, when it's not busy, will tell the retailer if you are eligible to buy a handgun; this process may sometime take several days for approval.

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Why should I be concerned, we have a good police force ... ?

This is where you decide what level of mental awareness you are currently in. 

White - Not aware of your surroundings

Yellow - Alert and aware of the surroundings

Orange - A heightened state of awareness

Red - Focused on the Problem

Black - State of panic due to a lack of training, practice and preparation

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Objective of the Concealed Handgun License ... ?

Odds are, You will be at a disadvantage, unless you can recognize the pre-indicators; the CHL training gives you one more defensive opportunity in case of an attack.

The objective of using the training is to

STOP - CONTROL - NEUTRALIZE

The other so as to eliminate the apprehension of a fear for your life

in other words

"Providing you the option to protect yourself and love ones"

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