CA Resident -> Houston. Need Advice!

[andres]

Hey guys,

So right now I am a nearly graduated college student in Southern CA, I plan on going to Texas after for my MS. I plan on moving in the process and wanted some more information for a CHL/CCW. But it seems like 2 different worlds CA to TX! Is there a resource on this site that breaks down the process for applying for non residents -> perm residents? Or any information about a process I need to know about before moving my firearms and anything related? I'm not finished for another year or so, but its a great time to start researching and preparing! Some of my issues may seem silly but I'm just gonna throw some questions down.

Do I have to register my firearms moving to TX? (CA you have to register handguns/aow's within 60 days)
Can I apply for a CHL/CCW while I'm in CA?
Does CHL permit carry across the state, county to county? (CA some counties only permit carry in that single county)
As a student, can you receive a CHL while living on a campus (not a perm residency)?

Here's my current dilemma for those who want to hear. I am from Contra Costa County, but go to school in Riverside County. Contra Costa County is the worst county to get a CCW as only a few hundred citizens were issued a CCW. I applied for RC CCW, but you have to be a perm resident in order to apply. So in my case, I am 500 miles away from my home, defenseless, and we have a Penal Code that doesn't allow firearms on campuses.

I am excited to learn the other side of firearms culture CA can't provide me and finally get my hands on a NFA item lol
Can't wait to move to a free state!

~Andres

[FCH]

Do I have to register my firearms moving to TX? (CA you have to register handguns/aow's within 60 days)

No, TX does not require you to register firearms

Can I apply for a CHL/CCW while I'm in CA?

As a student, can you receive a CHL while living on a campus (not a perm residency)?

Yes, but ... you will have to take the training in TX

Per Texas Government Code §411.173, legal residents of another state or persons who relocate to Texas with the intent to establish residency may obtain an LTC. Those individuals must submit an application, pay the required fees, successfully complete the required training in Texas and submit all supporting documents. They also must submit form CHL-6, two passport style photos and a copy of their out of state driver license or state issued identification card. Note, however, that all LTC applicants must be legal residents of Texas or another state.

Source: http://dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/faqs/

Does CHL permit carry across the state, county to county? (CA some counties only permit carry in that single county)

A TX LTC is good throughout the entire state. No exceptions by county or city.

[andres]

Do I have to register my firearms moving to TX? (CA you have to register handguns/aow's within 60 days)

No, TX does not require you to register firearms

Can I apply for a CHL/CCW while I'm in CA?

As a student, can you receive a CHL while living on a campus (not a perm residency)?

Yes, but ... you will have to take the training in TX

Per Texas Government Code §411.173, legal residents of another state or persons who relocate to Texas with the intent to establish residency may obtain an LTC. Those individuals must submit an application, pay the required fees, successfully complete the required training in Texas and submit all supporting documents. They also must submit form CHL-6, two passport style photos and a copy of their out of state driver license or state issued identification card. Note, however, that all LTC applicants must be legal residents of Texas or another state.

Source: http://dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/faqs/

Does CHL permit carry across the state, county to county? (CA some counties only permit carry in that single county)

A TX LTC is good throughout the entire state. No exceptions by county or city.

Thanks a bunch! that cleared up a few questions I had. I wouldn't mind spending a few weeks for those classes haha Thanks again! ~Andres

[FCH]

The required class and proficiency at a range can be completed in one day. If you schedule in advance, you can get the fingerprints taken at the same time.

[andres]

The required class and proficiency at a range can be completed in one day. If you schedule in advance, you can get the fingerprints taken at the same time.

Ok cool good to know. If I scheduled in advance, is it possible to do all the things I need to do in person within a week? I was planning to stay a week or so in the area next year sometime.

Thanks!

[JagsfanNtexas]

The required class and proficiency at a range can be completed in one day. If you schedule in advance, you can get the fingerprints taken at the same time.

Ok cool good to know. If I scheduled in advance, is it possible to do all the things I need to do in person within a week? I was planning to stay a week or so in the area next year sometime.

Thanks!

The only things you have to in while in Texas is the class and probably the fingerprints (although not 100% sure on fingerprints). I do know that i had trouble finding a fingerprint place that fit my schedule so I had to wait a few days. If you're very flexible for that week, you should be good. If you can take the class on a week day, you should be able to find one pretty quick. All the weekend classes that I found were booked up several weeks in advance, so plan ahead early.

[Glockster]

Hey guys,

So right now I am a nearly graduated college student in Southern CA, I plan on going to Texas after for my MS. I plan on moving in the process and wanted some more information for a CHL/CCW. But it seems like 2 different worlds CA to TX! Is there a resource on this site that breaks down the process for applying for non residents -> perm residents? Or any information about a process I need to know about before moving my firearms and anything related? I'm not finished for another year or so, but its a great time to start researching and preparing! Some of my issues may seem silly but I'm just gonna throw some questions down.

Do I have to register my firearms moving to TX? (CA you have to register handguns/aow's within 60 days)
Can I apply for a CHL/CCW while I'm in CA?
Does CHL permit carry across the state, county to county? (CA some counties only permit carry in that single county)
As a student, can you receive a CHL while living on a campus (not a perm residency)?

Here's my current dilemma for those who want to hear. I am from Contra Costa County, but go to school in Riverside County. Contra Costa County is the worst county to get a CCW as only a few hundred citizens were issued a CCW. I applied for RC CCW, but you have to be a perm resident in order to apply. So in my case, I am 500 miles away from my home, defenseless, and we have a Penal Code that doesn't allow firearms on campuses.

I am excited to learn the other side of firearms culture CA can't provide me and finally get my hands on a NFA item lol
Can't wait to move to a free state!

~Andres

Congrats on your plans to escape and we wish you a safe arrival at our border!

Regarding the CHL class, you can find classes in Houston that are four hours long and can also be taken during the week (a search for "four hour CHL Houston" will help with that). I found that class particularly useful for someone with firearms experience, but the instructor can also do a basic firearms course prior if that is needed. He will also do a private class and I believe that he is flexible as to when (probably any time he can have access at the range he uses).

[Pawpaw]

Welcome and congratulations!

Here is some information that should be helpful to you:

The website for getting a license is here: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/chl/index.htm

From there, you can click on "Downloadable Forms". The third item down the list is "CHL-16.pdf". This booklet contains almost everything that is taught in class. It describes the process for getting a license, what can bar a person from getting one, etc. It also contains almost all of the firearms laws a CHL holder will need.

Note: The "CHL-16.pdf" currently does not have the changes that were made in the last legislative session (2015). I expect it to be updated in January, but it could be later.

Two of the changes that are not in there are Open Carry and Campus Carry. Whether you will be able to carry on campus will depend on which University you will be attending. If it's a public university, you will be able to carry, with some restrictions. Several private universities have already "opted out" and I expect there will be more. You cannot carry at a private university that has opted out.

I hope this is helpful. Don't be bashful about asking questions.

PS - You will find Texas' firearms laws far less restrictive than California. We don't have any silliness like bullet buttons or other restrictions on evil cosmetic features here. Compared to California, you're going to think 30-round magazines grow on trees in Texas!

[Richbirdhunter]

Howdy and welcome from free America! I moved here about 3 years ago from the 562. I understand your questions and concerns. Things are much easier here then you would think. No more 10 day waits for background checks, no bullet buttons on your AR, 30 round mags are standard here. No handgun safety tests to buy. I've actually waited in line longer to buy a gun then the paperwork took! I'll also find that a lot of gun dealers work from their house.

If you have anymore questions DM me your number and I'll be happy to talk with.

Rich

[Abraham]

AR magazine capacity have no legal restrictions in Texas.

Thus, if you want a 10/20/30/40/60 or even a 100 round magazine you can.

However, that being said, in my experience, a 10 or 20 round magazine is easier to accommodate when bench rest shooting.

[Excaliber]

PS - You will find Texas' firearms laws far less restrictive than California. We don't have any silliness like bullet buttons or other restrictions on evil cosmetic features here. Compared to California, you're going to think 30-round magazines grow on trees in Texas!

Yup.

In fact, it's nearly impossible to find one of California's crippled capacity magazines here. If you try (as I did for a friend out there who couldn't find a restricted cap mag for his Glock), you'll get a lot of wordless stares and extra looks from dealers who are trying to figure out if you're crazy and a reminder that you're in Texas.

[The Annoyed Man]

Welcome to Texas. I moved here from Pasadena in 2006.

[Syntyr]

Welcome to Texas

You will find Texas to be much easier than California. Pretty much what you want and your good to go. As long as you comply with federal laws and regs.

The only downside to getting a CHL or as they call it now LTC is that when purchasing a firearm you no longer are subject to the background check. You still have to fill out the 4473 form but no more waiting for the BC to clear. This is bad because it makes impulse purchases of firearms easy and this is bad on the budget!!! That's why I only buy black Tupperware guns since they all look relatively similar when my wife sees the gun and she asks is that a new gun I can with a straight face say no hun had this one for a long time. Just been in the safe.

[ELB]

I think all your questions have been answered, so I'll stick to "Welcome to the Free World and the Great State of Texas!"

[mojo84]

My strongest advice is, leave all things and attitudes that make California, California in California. Most people that want to get out of California and are not intent on converting Texas into California typically love Texas.

Welcome to Texas.