What happens when your Texas CHL is denied or revoked
A Texas concealed handgun license (CHL) can be denied when you first explore, or revoked after you already hold one. The reasons vary — a criminal conviction, a protective order, loss of lawful permanent resident status, or a mental health commitment can all trigger denial or revocation. When this happens, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sends you a written notice explaining the reason.
If you believe the denial or revocation was wrong, or if the reason no longer applies to you, you have the right to request that DPS reconsider. This process is called a petition for reinstatement. It is not automatic, and DPS will review your situation before deciding whether to restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- You must file your petition within one year of the date DPS denied or revoked your license, or you lose the right to request reinstatement.
- Your petition should explain why the original reason for denial or revocation no longer applies, with supporting documents like court records or medical clearances.
- You send your petition to the Texas DPS Licensing Division by mail; there is no online filing system for reinstatement requests.
- DPS will review your petition and may request additional information before making a decision, which can take several weeks or months.
- If DPS denies your petition, you can request a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to present your case in front of a judge.
The one-year important date for filing your petition
The clock starts on the date shown on your denial or revocation notice from DPS. You have exactly one year from that date to submit your petition. If you miss this important date, DPS will not consider your request, and you will have to wait until you can reapply for a new license under the normal process.
Mark the important date on your calendar and submit your petition well before the one-year mark. Mailing delays can happen, so sending it 30 to 60 days early gives you a safety margin. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
What to include in your petition letter
Your petition should be a clear, straightforward letter addressed to the Texas DPS Licensing Division. Start by stating your full name, date of birth, and the license number that was denied or revoked. Include the date of the denial or revocation notice so DPS can locate your file quickly.
The core of your petition is explaining why the reason for denial or revocation no longer applies. If you were denied because of a criminal conviction, explain what has changed — for example, that your conviction was expunged, that you received a pardon, or that the waiting period has passed. If you were revoked because of a protective order, state that the order has expired or been dismissed. If mental health was the reason, explain that you have completed treatment and have documentation from a mental health professional.
Be honest and specific. Do not argue that the original reason was unfair; instead, focus on showing that the condition that led to denial or revocation has changed. Attach supporting documents: court orders, expungement records, pardon certificates, letters from doctors or therapists, or proof that a protective order has ended. The stronger your documentation, the more seriously DPS will consider your petition.
Where to send your petition
Mail your petition to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Licensing Division, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0001. DPS does not have an online portal for reinstatement petitions, so mailing is your only option.
Include your phone number and email address in your letter so DPS can contact you if they need more information. If your address has changed since the denial or revocation, make sure DPS has your current mailing address. You can call the DPS Licensing Division at 512-424-2000 to confirm you are sending your petition to the correct address and to ask whether they need any specific documents from you before you mail it.
What DPS will do with your petition
After DPS receives your petition, a staff member will review it and compare your explanation to the documents you provided. They will check whether the reason for the original denial or revocation has genuinely changed. This review can take several weeks to several months, depending on how busy the Licensing Division is and whether they need to request additional information from you.
DPS may contact you by phone or mail asking for more documents or clarification. Respond promptly and provide whatever they ask for. If you do not respond within a reasonable time, DPS may deny your petition without further review.
Once DPS has made a decision, they will send you a written notice. If they approve your petition, they will issue a new CHL. If they deny it, the notice will explain the reason and will tell you how to request a hearing.
Requesting a hearing if DPS denies your petition
If DPS denies your petition, you have the right to a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). This is a formal proceeding where you can present evidence and argue your case in front of an administrative judge. The judge will review DPS's decision and decide whether to overturn it.
The DPS denial notice will include instructions for requesting a hearing and the important date to do so — usually 15 days from the date of the notice. Follow those instructions carefully. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. At the hearing, you can present documents, call witnesses, and explain why you believe your petition should have been approved.
SOAH will mail you a decision after the hearing. If the judge agrees with you, SOAH will order DPS to issue your license. If the judge agrees with DPS, your petition is denied and you cannot request another reinstatement petition until the original one-year window has passed and you are may be able to access to reapply.
When reinstatement is not possible
Some reasons for denial or revocation cannot be reversed. If you are a convicted felon and your conviction has not been expunged or pardoned, DPS will not reinstate your license — Texas law prohibits people with felony convictions from holding a CHL. If you are subject to a protective order that is still active, you cannot get your license back until the order expires or is dismissed. If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you cannot hold a CHL under federal law.
Before you spend time and money on a petition, think carefully about whether the reason for denial or revocation can actually change. If it cannot, your petition will be denied. In that case, you may want to focus on addressing the underlying issue — for example, pursuing an expungement if you have a conviction, or waiting for a protective order to expire — before filing a petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a handgun while my reinstatement petition is being reviewed?
No. Your license is still denied or revoked while your petition is pending. Carrying a handgun without a valid license is illegal in Texas. You must wait for DPS to approve your petition and issue a new license before you can legally carry.
Do I need a lawyer to file a reinstatement petition?
No, you can file a petition on your own. However, if your case is complicated — for example, if you are challenging a mental health commitment or a criminal conviction — an attorney who knows Texas gun law can help you gather the right documents and present a stronger case.
What if DPS asks for documents I do not have?
Contact DPS and explain what you cannot provide. If a document no longer exists or is not available, ask whether DPS will accept an alternative — for example, a letter from a doctor instead of old medical records. Be honest about what you can and cannot get. DPS may still approve your petition if the documents you do provide show that the reason for denial or revocation has changed.
How long does the whole process take?
From the time you mail your petition to the time DPS makes a decision typically takes two to four months, though it can be longer if DPS requests additional information or if they are processing a large backlog. If you request a hearing with SOAH, add another two to four months for the hearing to be scheduled and decided.
Can I reapply for a new CHL instead of petitioning for reinstatement?
You can reapply once the one-year reinstatement window has closed, but reapplying does not may provide approval. DPS will review your new process using the same standards they used for the original denial or revocation. If the reason for denial or revocation still applies, your new process will be denied. A reinstatement petition is usually faster and more direct if you believe the original reason no longer applies.