TexasCHLforum.com

tonygz88 wrote:Hi everyone! Sure am glad I found this forum, lots of good info. I completed my class 2 weeks ago and submitted my CHL-100 and fingerprints about a week and a half ago. Today I read on the checklist to submit my DD-214 (somehow missed that) Do you think it will cause a problem that I submitted them separately? I'm hoping to see status updates by the end of the month. Super pumped about being able to carry here.

No problem at all. Just upload the DD-214.

Chas.

DaveT wrote:

05kas05 wrote:i just renewed my chl online and my checklist does say to mail or email it with all other items listed my checklist does not have any other items listed on it so i was going to just email the checklist to dps as it states but there is no email address. so i guess i will just send it in if needed can anyone confirm that we actually have to send in the checklist in order for the process to start?

Any updates to report?

I completed all the online renewal stuff, paid the fee online with CC, then mailed in the checklist by itself as no supporting documents were indicated on the checklist as needed. That was on October 30, website status every day just shows that they are awaiting required documents.

I was under the impression that going to an online procedure for renewal would speed up the process.......

Is anyone else willing to share information on their renewal process under the new online system? How long it took, or is taking?

Thanks.

If you mailed it on Oct. 30th, DPS probably didn't get it until Monday, Nov. 4th. (USPS 1st Class Mail has slowed.) That means DPS has had it only 7 full workdays and only 8 workdays even if they got it on Friday. The website is rarely up to date because they are using everyone they can to process applications. My instructor renewal states the background check is still in process and that's wrong because I've already been to a renewal class and that can't happen until you pass the background check.

Online applications for new and renewal are much faster and uploading documents is faster yet. I wouldn't worry at this point.

Chas.

My crystal ball is in the shop, so I'm just speculating now.

When the new CHL provisions go into effect on Sept. 1st, I expect to see an onslaught of new and renewal applications hitting the DPS office in Austin. I believe a lot of people who have not previously gotten their CHL because of the 10 hr. course requirement will do so as soon as the law changes. I believe many people who planned to get this first CHL during the summer will hold off until Sept. 1st. I also believe that many CHLs with licenses expiring after Sept. 1st will delay renewing until the new laws go into effect.

Applications are already pouring in at record rates that double or triple the pre-Obama Rush rate. All of these factors are likely to lead to a workload on DPS that will make it impossible to meet the 60/45 day time limit. If time is of the essence in getting that first CHL, or renewing before expiration, then people need to consider whether delaying until Sept. 1st is a good plan.

Chas.

Good new Mike! DPS has already had their system upgraded to apply the discount regardless whether you apply online or with a "paper" renewal forum. If the discount would be available on the date your CHL would have expired (your birthday) it is calculated properly when you apply online prior to expiration.

How's that for a fast response time?

Chas.

Mike1951 wrote:I realize I was jumping the gun by a year but wanted to know what to expect next year.

Besides, it might apply to someone sooner.

The email and reply should explain.

Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 7:22 PM
To: CHLS
Subject: Question about senior citizen rate

This actually won't apply until 2011, but wanted to clarify.

My license expires on my 60th birthday. If I renew in the prior six months, I will still be 59 and would not qualify for the reduced rate.

Yet, the new license would take effect the day after my 60th birthday.

Also, this will be my fifth class, so I will qualify for a pass on taking the course.

Once my 6 month window arrives next year, what may I expect?

License #xxxxxxxxx

Sincerely,

Mike xxxxx

If you apply online prior to your 60th birthday you will pay standard amount. If you mail in your application process you can submit the discounted rate for senior citizens.

Simone
Customer Service II
Texas Department of Public Safety
Austin, Texas 78773

So, we are all supposed to apply online, but if I apply online I don’t get the discounted fee.

But if I mail the application, I can get the discounted fee.

But this being my fifth renewal, I don’t have to take the class so I won’t be getting an application.

What am I overlooking? Or is it Catch-22?

jester wrote:Is there an option to send a new photo if your appearance has changed significantly?

I don't really know, but just download the photoholder (link below) from the DPS website and send in new photos. They may or may not use them, but if you include a cover letter explaining that you sent the photos since your appearance has changed significantly, that should increase the likelihood they will use it.

Chas.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/chl-6.pdf

xdtom40 wrote:Since I had received my renewal packet last year and paid the renewal fee, then I NOW only need to send back the forms and no fingerprints and photos are needed? Take the class, mail back the forms and that is it?

That's correct.

Chas.

fire128 wrote:Im not one to complain to much, but I just fuddled through trying to follow the instructions I was sent to do an online renewal. To say I am flustered is putting it mildly. First off the letter I was sent gives misleading information as to the website layout and what to look for. After finding my way around and finding the online renewal link, I completed the application and made my payment via credit card as requested at which time I printed out my receipt and the online applicationn which stated I would need the CHL-100 Training form along with the checklist I had printed. I then visited the website that was supplied to retrieve the form only to find every attempt to download the form was met with a request stating it was password protected. Thinking this was where my supplied pin number was to be used (the letter stated I would need to enter my PIN before utilizing the online services) it was input, only to be denied access to the form. So at this point in time I have paid my renewal fee and now just need to some how get the proper forms so I can take my renewal course. Oh well, I will check back to the website in a day or two to see if I can access the form, and if not then I will have to call and see how to get the proper forms. Anyone else have these issue's or is it just my normal run a bad luck with computers.

KWW

Only CHL Instructors have access to the CHL-100 forms. Your instructor will provide the forum when you successfully complete the class.

Chas.

mikeloc wrote:Is there a charge at the time for the FAST/L-1 fingerprints when the applicate fills out his application online (or does he pay for them at FAST/L1), and is the applicate required to use FAST/L-1 fingerprints.

Thanks,

Mike L

DPS does not collect a fee for the digital fingerprints. I don't know if the fees vary by the different franchises, and the only fee I've heard is $9.95.

Chas.

Here is an update on changes to the application process.

People applying for their first CHL can either apply online, or they can use packets their instructors may have in class. I say "may" because they are not required to have packets. As you will see below, I strongly recommend that everyone use the online application. If you are renewing a CHL, you must use the online process.

Initial applications for first-time licensees:

Applicants for a NEW CHL (not a renewal), will be provided a checklist of any required supplemental documents (ex. CHL-100, fingerprints, photos, DD-214, criminal history disposition documents, etc.) that need to be provided. Since the application itself is completely online (except for supplemental docs that the applicant must provide) DPS will not be mailing anything to applicants.

Renewal applications:

Applicants who apply online for renewal will be presented with a checklist that includes any supplemental items they need to send to DPS to process their renewal. As most folks already know, DPS no longer requires photos (for in-state applicants) or fingerprints for any applicant on renewal, so for the majority of applicants they will only be sending in the CHL-100—and then only if they are in a renewal period that requires them to take the renewal course.

WARNING ABOUT PAPER APPLICATIONS:

If applicants send in a paper application but want to get digital fingerprints from FAST/L-1, they must take the CHL class, submit their application to DPS and wait to schedule their fingerprint appointment until AFTER they receive a confirmation from DPS. They cannot schedule with FAST/L1 until they are in DPS's system so that FAST/L1 knows they are a CHL applicant.

All L-1 a/k/a FAST locations are now doing fingerprints for CHL applications:

It was previously reported that some FAST locations were not doing fingerprints for CHL applicants. This has changed and every FAST/L-1 location is doing prints for CHL's

This is the latest information from DPS and it's a much better process. Prior to May 1st, I used to recommend using the online application for an initial application only if you had at least 21 to 30 days before you were scheduled to take the class. This was intended to make sure the applicant got the DPS packet prior to class day. Obviously, this changed on May 1st.

Good job DPS!
Chas.