Non-resident or maintain residence?
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Non-resident or maintain residence?
So I have a strange situation and hoping the experience here can be of some help. I've searched through the threads and haven't found anything addressing my specific situation. Explanation of my circumstance really quickly. I'm a native Texican who just completed medical school and will be headed to Louisiana for 3 years of medical residency. I'm returning to practice medicine in the great state of Texas but am trying to figure out what to do with my CHL in the meantime. I am purchasing a house in Louisiana with the intent to hold on to it as rental property upon my return to Texas. As a student I've maintained my parents address as my Texas permanent address for both drivers licence and CHL. I'm trying to decide if I can do the same for 3 years (with the purchase of a home) or if I need to just change address and get a non-resident license. Not sure if the purchase of a home (even without intent to stay) will force me to change residence. The other things is I should receive my commission from the Texas National Guard while in residency so that is another tie back to the state. Any experience with this kind of situation?
The other thing complicating the issue is my CHL expires next year. I understand I can simply change my address and get a non-resident license but can I renew a Texas CHL while living in Louisiana even as a non-resident license? Anyone know how early you can renew your CHL? Maybe I can renew before moving and then change address to get a non-resident license?
Thoughts? I'ts not just the CHL, I'm trying to decide on state residence for my drivers licences, etc as well.
The other thing complicating the issue is my CHL expires next year. I understand I can simply change my address and get a non-resident license but can I renew a Texas CHL while living in Louisiana even as a non-resident license? Anyone know how early you can renew your CHL? Maybe I can renew before moving and then change address to get a non-resident license?
Thoughts? I'ts not just the CHL, I'm trying to decide on state residence for my drivers licences, etc as well.
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
Welcome to the forum.EsTxDr wrote:So I have a strange situation and hoping the experience here can be of some help. I've searched through the threads and haven't found anything addressing my specific situation. Explanation of my circumstance really quickly. I'm a native Texican who just completed medical school and will be headed to Louisiana for 3 years of medical residency. I'm returning to practice medicine in the great state of Texas but am trying to figure out what to do with my CHL in the meantime. I am purchasing a house in Louisiana with the intent to hold on to it as rental property upon my return to Texas. As a student I've maintained my parents address as my Texas permanent address for both drivers licence and CHL. I'm trying to decide if I can do the same for 3 years (with the purchase of a home) or if I need to just change address and get a non-resident license. Not sure if the purchase of a home (even without intent to stay) will force me to change residence. The other things is I should receive my commission from the Texas National Guard while in residency so that is another tie back to the state. Any experience with this kind of situation?
The other thing complicating the issue is my CHL expires next year. I understand I can simply change my address and get a non-resident license but can I renew a Texas CHL while living in Louisiana even as a non-resident license? Anyone know how early you can renew your CHL? Maybe I can renew before moving and then change address to get a non-resident license?
Thoughts? I'ts not just the CHL, I'm trying to decide on state residence for my drivers licences, etc as well.

It all depends on how you change your drivers license and other things. Personally, I would probably change my residence to Louisiana and just convert your Texas license to a non-resident with the address change. Once you move back all it takes is another $25 to change the address again and you are back to a resident Texas license. The advantage is you would also be able to apply for a Louisiana resident CHL if you convert.
Keith
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
Thanks for the quick response!
What are the benefits also having a Louisiana CHL if any? Also, will the renewal of my Texas CHL interfere in any way? I guess you can renew a non-resident Texas licence just as easy as a resident CHL?
What are the benefits also having a Louisiana CHL if any? Also, will the renewal of my Texas CHL interfere in any way? I guess you can renew a non-resident Texas licence just as easy as a resident CHL?
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
You address does not affect renewals. You should provide DPS with your address, regardless of where that might be.
Good luck with your residency.
Good luck with your residency.
Texas CHL Instructor
Texas DPS Certified Private Security Classroom and Firearms Instructor
TCLEOSE Instructor (now TCOLE)
Texas DPS Certified Private Security Classroom and Firearms Instructor
TCLEOSE Instructor (now TCOLE)
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
If you change your residence to Louisiana, you will have to get a Louisiana permit.Keith B wrote:Welcome to the forum.EsTxDr wrote:So I have a strange situation and hoping the experience here can be of some help. I've searched through the threads and haven't found anything addressing my specific situation. Explanation of my circumstance really quickly. I'm a native Texican who just completed medical school and will be headed to Louisiana for 3 years of medical residency. I'm returning to practice medicine in the great state of Texas but am trying to figure out what to do with my CHL in the meantime. I am purchasing a house in Louisiana with the intent to hold on to it as rental property upon my return to Texas. As a student I've maintained my parents address as my Texas permanent address for both drivers licence and CHL. I'm trying to decide if I can do the same for 3 years (with the purchase of a home) or if I need to just change address and get a non-resident license. Not sure if the purchase of a home (even without intent to stay) will force me to change residence. The other things is I should receive my commission from the Texas National Guard while in residency so that is another tie back to the state. Any experience with this kind of situation?
The other thing complicating the issue is my CHL expires next year. I understand I can simply change my address and get a non-resident license but can I renew a Texas CHL while living in Louisiana even as a non-resident license? Anyone know how early you can renew your CHL? Maybe I can renew before moving and then change address to get a non-resident license? They require residents to have a La permit.
Thoughts? I'ts not just the CHL, I'm trying to decide on state residence for my drivers licences, etc as well.![]()
It all depends on how you change your drivers license and other things. Personally, I would probably change my residence to Louisiana and just convert your Texas license to a non-resident with the address change. Once you move back all it takes is another $25 to change the address again and you are back to a resident Texas license. The advantage is you would also be able to apply for a Louisiana resident CHL if you convert.
NRA lifetime member
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
This is correct.. You cannot carry in LA if you are a LA resident unless you have a LA CHL.KC5AV wrote:If you change your residence to Louisiana, you will have to get a Louisiana permit.
If you maintain your TX address for DL, etc, then LA will recognize your CHL and you can carry.
There are probably some LA rules about the definition of "resident" that you would be skirting by keeping your TX ID's.
If it was me, I'd make the change to LA if I was moving there for 3 years. YMMV
http://handgunlaw.us/states/louisiana.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I am not a lawyer. This is NOT legal advice.!
Nothing tempers idealism quite like the cold bath of reality.... SQLGeek
Nothing tempers idealism quite like the cold bath of reality.... SQLGeek
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
Are there any changes in requirements for obtaining a "first time" LA CHL if you currently hold another states CHL? For instance if I decide to change my residence to LA will I be required to complete a full course including range time, etc? I didn't see anything in your linked pdf or on the state police website, but crossing my fingers.RoyGBiv wrote:This is correct.. You cannot carry in LA if you are a LA resident unless you have a LA CHL.KC5AV wrote:If you change your residence to Louisiana, you will have to get a Louisiana permit.
If you maintain your TX address for DL, etc, then LA will recognize your CHL and you can carry.
There are probably some LA rules about the definition of "resident" that you would be skirting by keeping your TX ID's.
If it was me, I'd make the change to LA if I was moving there for 3 years. YMMV
http://handgunlaw.us/states/louisiana.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also, does anyone know how early (before expiration) you can renew your Texas CHL?
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
You will be required to take the LA course to get your license. No way around that.EsTxDr wrote:Are there any changes in requirements for obtaining a "first time" LA CHL if you currently hold another states CHL? For instance if I decide to change my residence to LA will I be required to complete a full course including range time, etc? I didn't see anything in your linked pdf or on the state police website, but crossing my fingers.RoyGBiv wrote:This is correct.. You cannot carry in LA if you are a LA resident unless you have a LA CHL.KC5AV wrote:If you change your residence to Louisiana, you will have to get a Louisiana permit.
If you maintain your TX address for DL, etc, then LA will recognize your CHL and you can carry.
There are probably some LA rules about the definition of "resident" that you would be skirting by keeping your TX ID's.
If it was me, I'd make the change to LA if I was moving there for 3 years. YMMV
http://handgunlaw.us/states/louisiana.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also, does anyone know how early (before expiration) you can renew your Texas CHL?
And, you can renew your Texas license 6 months ahead of time. So, depending on when your license is expiring, you may be able to renew and change your address all in one shot.
Keith
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
I'm no lawyer if you are in Louisiana most of the time just get a Louisiana Chl and Drivers
license your Louisiana carry license is recognized in Texas
If it is worth it for you to carry take the Louisiana class and tests getting a good knowledge of Louisiana
laws and some range practice is a good thing. Keep your Texas license as a non resident to make it easier
when you come back to Texas
license your Louisiana carry license is recognized in Texas
If it is worth it for you to carry take the Louisiana class and tests getting a good knowledge of Louisiana
laws and some range practice is a good thing. Keep your Texas license as a non resident to make it easier
when you come back to Texas
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Re: Non-resident or maintain residence?
Yeah unfortunately it will be pretty difficult to find the time to take the LA course. I'll probably just hold on to my Texas CHL and just carry in my car while in LA (LA is open carry and legal in car carry). I can't carry at work (hospital) anyway. Makes one understand the value in getting our constitutional rights protected on the books.tommyg wrote:I'm no lawyer if you are in Louisiana most of the time just get a Louisiana Chl and Drivers
license your Louisiana carry license is recognized in Texas
If it is worth it for you to carry take the Louisiana class and tests getting a good knowledge of Louisiana
laws and some range practice is a good thing. Keep your Texas license as a non resident to make it easier
when you come back to Texas
I appreciate all the responses, thanks for the help!