CA Resident -> Houston. Need Advice!

[gdanaher]

Yes, welcome to Texas. Forget about the temporary stuff. Once here awhile you will understand. I grew up in L.A., went to undergrad school there, worked in aerospace there, and realized that my life dreams could never be satisfied there. Forty years and five months later, I have no regrets for the move. Graduate school was seemingly easier at the time, the tax structure was less oppressive, people were open and accepting, and I was able to progress up the ladder much faster here. I don't always agree with the politics, even to this day, but it isn't California. Get a drivers license, buy a nice concealable pistol, that the class and become a regular Texan. Y'alls are optional, depending upon your region.

[TexasJohnBoy]

[rotor]

One issue to note, the fingerprint issue sometimes doesn't take on the first attempt and you may have to repeat it. This can mess up a schedule if time is limited.

[Jago668]

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.

[C-dub]

And not only can we carry across county lines without worrying, our Texas license is also recognized in a whole bunch of other states. Over 30 IIRC! I've personally traveled to and carried in 15-16 of them.

I think I have one 20 round mag specifically for bench shooting. Most of mine are 30 rounds, since PMAG started making 40 rounders I've picked up a few of those and they've worked flawlessly so far.

[Excaliber]

One issue to note, the fingerprint issue sometimes doesn't take on the first attempt and you may have to repeat it. This can mess up a schedule if time is limited.

It's worth the little bit of extra effort to have your prints taken at one of the electronic print service centers. That way you know they're good before you leave, and they can't get lost like the physical cards can.

[SA_Steve]

Last year at this time my electronic prints were 'lost'. DPS said: do not re-do them, we will keep looking.
Finally found them, plastic arrived 84 days after application.

[CleverNickname]

OP, if you want to get started, you could also get a non-resident license that Texas recognizes, from a 3rd state. Some such states don't require in-state training like Texas requires. I suggest either Utah (which gets you Washington) or Arizona (which gets you Nevada).

[MeMelYup]

If you were to have a concealed handgun license from California, Texas will honor it until you can get a license for here.

Unilateral
Effective immediately, Governor Perry has issued a proclamation that allows persons with concealed handgun licenses from California to legally carry in Texas. California license holders will be required to follow Texas law while carrying in this state. This proclamation is unilateral and is not a reciprocal agreement. Texas concealed handgun license holders will not be allowed to carry in California.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/chl/le ... iaproc.pdf

[Excaliber]

Last year at this time my electronic prints were 'lost'. DPS said: do not re-do them, we will keep looking.
Finally found them, plastic arrived 84 days after application.

There goes the time saving theory......

It looks like you take your chances doing them either way. However, the actual checking process seems to go faster with the electronic ones - when DPS knows where they are, that is.

[rotor]

One issue to note, the fingerprint issue sometimes doesn't take on the first attempt and you may have to repeat it. This can mess up a schedule if time is limited.

It's worth the little bit of extra effort to have your prints taken at one of the electronic print service centers. That way you know they're good before you leave, and they can't get lost like the physical cards can.

I did them electronically and had to go back and repeat. I didn't think that you could still do them the ink and paper way anymore.

[allisji]

As far as fingerprints. I got mine in early October of this year in the Houston area.

I scheduled mine online and had to schedule them 2-3 weeks out. If I had it to do over again, I'd have called and scheduled over the phone. Schedule your fingerprints before you take your CHL class. Also, I scheduled mine for Galveston, and the fingerprint location cancelled on me. I called the number and they got me into Baytown the next day. The Baytown location was excellent.

[Pawpaw]

One issue to note, the fingerprint issue sometimes doesn't take on the first attempt and you may have to repeat it. This can mess up a schedule if time is limited.

It's worth the little bit of extra effort to have your prints taken at one of the electronic print service centers. That way you know they're good before you leave, and they can't get lost like the physical cards can.

I did them electronically and had to go back and repeat. I didn't think that you could still do them the ink and paper way anymore.

GC §411.175. PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS. The
department shall establish procedures for the submission of legible and
classifiable fingerprints by an applicant for a license under this subchapter who:
(1) is required to submit those fingerprints to the department, including an
applicant under Section 411.199, 411.1991, or 411.201; and
(2) resides in a county having a population of 46,000 or less and does not
reside within a 25-mile radius of a facility with the capability to process digital or
electronic fingerprints.

[Weg]

Good luck on your move to Texas, and welcome. One word of advice, and i'm not joking... Don't volunteer to people that you are from California once you get here. I moved here 10 years ago from a west coast state that begins with a "C" also. Without going into to details, I found out years later that the simple fact that I was from " California " cost me a very desired position in the company that I work at. I eventually got that position by proving myself, and later in a moment of candor I was told that I did not get that position previously because I was from California and thus suspect. Seriously, keep it to yourself unless absolutely necessary.

[mr1337]

Welcome to the land of the free!