TYLER--The number of Texans applying for concealed handgun licenses increased by almost 40 percent over the last year.

The Department of Public Safety is having a hard time keeping up with the license demand. DPS processed more than one thousand concealed handgun applications last week. However, there were still more than 800 additional applications the department did not get to. Reports show it's taking about a month longer than the 60 day processing time period that the law allows for.

Jay Carson, a licensing instructor, says his licensing classes are booked months out.

"Handguns are just like clothes, they have to fit the person," says Carson.

Carson says that more women are applying and taking classes than ever before. Rhonda Buckingham carries a 38-special. "It is comforting to know I could protect myself if I needed to...Things are kind of out of control and i believe women especially alone today feel like they need to do something to be prepared to take care of themselves if they need to," says Buckingham.

The application process through DPS includes fingerprint cards, background checks and paperwork.

"They are very thorough, very thorough, and it needs to be like that," says Carson.

Carson also says that the amount of paperwork required may be a reason DPS is struggling to process the applications on time, because placing a gun in the hands of any applicant is something DPS won't do.

"We want to make sure they're putting licenses in the hands of the right people," says Carson.