The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is urging residents to reapply for pistol permits on Feb. 1.

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum said residents can start the process a week before their permits expire. After paying the $20 fee, Granthum said permits will be issued a week later.

Several arrests have been made this year on suspects carrying a pistol without a permit.

“We want to make sure pistols are in the right hands,” Granthum said. “There may be some pistols that’s not in the right hands. It’s a check and balance thing.”

Pistol permits can be purchased anywhere between a year and five years at the rate of $20 per year.  A five-year permit would cost a resident $100.

Granthum said he’s enjoyed his first week as sheriff, succeeding Harris Huffman Jr. He officially took office Tuesday. He also thanked Huffman, the DCSO, Dallas County courthouse officials and Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson for their help.

“The transition has been smoother than I expected,” Granthum said. “I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep this week. I’m busy, but I’ve enjoyed it. I’m getting to meet a lot more people.”

Granthum said he’s looking forward to serving Dallas County residents as sheriff.

“I’m asking the public to be patient with me,” Granthum said. “We need to tighten up on a few things.”