Can CHL Replace Driver License as ID?

[bk2506]

Since the Texas CHL lists both the CHL number and the Driver License number on the front, is it legal for me to just carry my CHL and leave my Driver License at home? If I were to be asked for ID, whether at the grocery store while using a credit card or by a LEO during a traffic stop, is it sufficient to only produce my CHL?

The reason I ask is I am considering ditching my wallet since I carry a bunch of stuff not really necessary to my lifestyle. I have also purchased a cell phone case which has a slot on the back which can hold 2 credit card/ID cards only (case-mate.com ID Case if anyone is curious). If I had to pick the two cards to carry it would be my favorite credit card and my CHL, which means no room for a Driver License.

Does anyone know of a legal requirement to carry both a CHL and a Driver License simultaneously in Texas? Assume I'm concealed carrying at all times and drive a commuter vehicle daily when answering.

[Commander Cody]

I think that you only have to carry your DL if you are driving.

[Keith B]

In Texas You are required to carry your drivers license when you drive, period. AND you must carry your CHL when you are carrying a concealed handgun. Many will argue that the Motorist Protection Act takes away the requirement to carry the CHL, but until there has been a clarification on the guidelines, I will carry the CHL to avoid any misinterpretation.

[AEA]

Also, to further reinforce the requirement for the actual driver's license.........

Your CHL does show your DL number, it does not show the Class or Restrictions. You may say that this could be looked up by the Officer based on the number......

Well, it could be looked up by the Officer by your name, address and DOB even if you didn't have any identification on you at all........
and..........
if driving at the time.........
you would still be violating the law!

[3dfxMM]

Doesn't the law that now has no teeth state that you must show your DL/State ID and your CHL if asked for ID when carrying your concealed handgun?

[AEA]

Wanna be the test case on that "No Teeth" check?

The law to show is still in effect. The change was that DPS removed suspension (Penalty) of the offense.

Yea, I know,.....what does that mean.........

Well, you figure it out......

[3dfxMM]

I said it has no teeth, not that it isn't a law.

I can't think of any reason that my DL and CHL would be in different places and I have no intention of not showing both if asked for ID.

[Purplehood]

If I recall correctly, only the DL counts as a form of ID for official purposes. That or the TX State ID card.

[chamberc]

If I recall correctly, only the DL counts as a form of ID for official purposes. That or the TX State ID card.

That is correct. The CHL is not considered official ID, however there is some anecdotal evidence that it is sometimes accepted as both 1st and 2nd ID at some places.

You don't want to be using it all the time for ID, due to the increase in chance you could be "exposed". Just like a TSRA/NRA sticker on your truck. It opens you up to more false accusations.

[jsimmons]

What I don't understand is why they don't put the CHL endorsement on your Texas DL, kinda like your Class. Some sort of visual indication that you're a CHL holder, like a DPS logo on both sides of the word "Texas", or maybe make the card a light bvlue color instead of the cream color it is today. If they did this, all they would have to do is update their database, and when notified, you could simply run down and get a new DL. That would eliminate some cost and time from the whole process, and as a CHL holder, you would be presenting by default because the endorsement is on your license.

[DoubleJ]

I said it has no teeth, not that it isn't a law.

I can't think of any reason that my DL and CHL would be in different places and I have no intention of not showing both if asked for ID.

like a Gila Monster? it'd hafta "gum" ya to death?

[Liberty]

What I don't understand is why they don't put the CHL endorsement on your Texas DL, kinda like your Class. Some sort of visual indication that you're a CHL holder, like a DPS logo on both sides of the word "Texas", or maybe make the card a light bvlue color instead of the cream color it is today. If they did this, all they would have to do is update their database, and when notified, you could simply run down and get a new DL. That would eliminate some cost and time from the whole process, and as a CHL holder, you would be presenting by default because the endorsement is on your license.

I wouldn't be crazy about showing the lady at the bank that I have a CHL or even the gate gaurd when I go into a chemical plant.

[quidni]

What I don't understand is why they don't put the CHL endorsement on your Texas DL, kinda like your Class. Some sort of visual indication that you're a CHL holder, like a DPS logo on both sides of the word "Texas", or maybe make the card a light bvlue color instead of the cream color it is today. If they did this, all they would have to do is update their database, and when notified, you could simply run down and get a new DL. That would eliminate some cost and time from the whole process, and as a CHL holder, you would be presenting by default because the endorsement is on your license.

I wouldn't be crazy about showing the lady at the bank that I have a CHL or even the gate gaurd when I go into a chemical plant.

Then there are employees who have to drive for their company as part of their job duties. Often these employers want a copy of the employee's driver license on file, and many of them have a strict no-gun rule as part of their employee policies. How many jobs would be put at risk by having an endorsement on the DL?

I prefer to keep mine separate.

[joe817]

Excellent point quidni ! I'll have to agree. Keep them separate.

[Kevinf2349]

What I don't understand is why they don't put the CHL endorsement on your Texas DL, kinda like your Class. Some sort of visual indication that you're a CHL holder, like a DPS logo on both sides of the word "Texas", or maybe make the card a light bvlue color instead of the cream color it is today. If they did this, all they would have to do is update their database, and when notified, you could simply run down and get a new DL. That would eliminate some cost and time from the whole process, and as a CHL holder, you would be presenting by default because the endorsement is on your license.

I suspect that 'simply run down and get a new D'L isn't quite what they have in mind, given that you have to sit through a class room course and shooting test for renewal, and lets not forget all the notarized 'stuff'.

I like your idea but I doubt it would ever come to fruition....too much potential for abuse etc.