1. Only one fingerprint card (not two) is required when applying for an initial CHL. Obviously, this presumes you are using "rolled prints" and not digital prints.
- a. If you are going to use digital fingerprints, you must use the online DPA application process before you make an appointment with L-1;
b. It has been reported that some L-1 locations are not doing photographs, while others are.
3. When renewing a CHL, it is not necessary to submit new fingerprints or photographs. However, if the fingerprints on file are rejected by the FBI, or if your appearance has changed significantly, DPS may require new prints or photos.
This just keeps getting better folks! I again want to thank DPS for the tremendous, job of improving the system.
Chas.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... ntInfo.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
DPS wrote:Fingerprint and Photo Information
Under State law TXDPS must conduct a fingerprint based State and FBI Criminal History background check as part of the application process for both original and renewal applicants.
As a courtesy, TXDPS will resubmit renewal applicants’ existing fingerprints for background check processing; however, if fingerprints on file do not meet current FBI or Texas quality standards applicants will be required to submit new fingerprints to complete the renewal application process.
There are two methods available for submitting CHL applicant fingerprints to TXDPS: Electronic Fingerprint Submission through L1 or Paper Card Fingerprint Submission.
Electronic Fingerprint Submission
CHL applicants can schedule an appointment with the state approved electronic fingerprint collection agency, L1. Electronic fingerprints have a 98% classifiability rate which results in fewer fingerprint quality rejections. L1 currently has fingerprint locations available across the state of Texas. During scheduling, the applicant will select the location, date and time that is most convenient to them. Before CHL applicants can schedule an appointment with L1, TXDPS must be in receipt of a new CHL application. Applicants who choose to submit an online web application can schedule their L1 appointment the same day they complete their online application. Applicants who choose to submit a paper application may still submit electronic fingerprints; however, they must wait to schedule their L1 appointment until after the application has been processed through the mail and they have received confirmation that the application has been entered into the CHL database. To eliminate processing time, TXDPS encourages all applicants to utilize the secure online application. Alternatively, paper applicants can check online to see if the department has received their application may proceed to schedule their appointment with L1 for fingerprinting.
1. Submit application – We encourage you to Apply online!2. Schedule fingerprint appointment* – go to http://www.L1enrollment.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; to schedule an appointment at a convenient time and location. Alternatively, applicants may call L1 directly to make an appointment at 1-888-467-2080.
- * If submitting an online application – applicants may proceed to schedule their L1 fingerprint appointment immediately.
* If submitting a paper application – electronic fingerprints cannot be scheduled until after the applicant has received confirmation from TXDPS.
3. Payment – The L1 fee is $9.95. Electronic fingerprint services may be paid for online with a credit card. If paying at the L1 site, payment must be made by check or money order.
4. Electronic fingerprint collection & submission - When an applicant chooses to use L1, their fingerprints will be digitally imaged and automatically sent to TXDPS electronically.
*note: CHL applicants must make an L1 appointment before L1 will collect their fingerprints. Applicants who show up at an L1 site without a fingerprint appointment will not be fingerprinted.
Paper Card Fingerprint Submission
CHL applicants can submit rolled ink fingerprints on Applicant paper fingerprint card.
1. Submit application – We encourage you to Apply online!2. Ink fingerprint collection – Obtain ink fingerprints from a law enforcement agency or someone qualified by a law enforcement agency to collect fingerprints.
- * If submitting an online application – The online system generates a printable checklist and an email confirmation. Include your paper fingerprints along with all of your checklist items.
* If submitting a paper application – Include your paper fingerprints with your complete application.
3. Payment – Ink fingerprint collection fees are the sole responsibility of the fingerprinting entity and may not exceed $10.00.
4. Ink fingerprint submission – paper fingerprint card must be completed and mailed to TXDPS. The following required fields must be completed or the fingerprint card will be rejected:Mail paper application and paper fingerprint cards:
- * Name
* Signature of person fingerprinted
* Aliases (Also Known As)
* Date of Birth (DOB)
* Residence of Person Fingerprinted
* Citizenship (CTZ)
* Sex
* Race
* Height
* Weight
* Eyes
* Hair
* Place of Birth (POB)
* Date (date fingerprints taken)
* Signature of official taking fingerprints
* SSN
Texas Department of Public Safety
Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau, # 245
P.O. Box 15888
Austin, TX 78761-5888
Original Applicant Fingerprint & Photo Requirements
All Original CHL applicants are required to submit fingerprints to TXDPS as part of the complete CHL application. CHL applicants can choose to submit electronic fingerprints or an ink rolled paper fingerprint card* regardless of whether the applicant submits a paper application or an online application.
*TXDPS now only requires that applicants submit ONE (1) ink fingerprint card, which will be used to process background checks.
Original CHL applicants must continue to sign the photo holder and return it with two (2) passport photos regardless of the method used for fingerprinting; however, signatures are no longer required on the back of the photos.
Renewal Applicant Fingerprint & Photo Requirements
As of May 1, 2010, CHL renewal applicants are no longer required to submit fingerprints or photos as part of their renewal application. TXDPS now has the technical capability to resubmit good quality fingerprints* and photos**.
*As a courtesy, TXDPS will resubmit renewal applicants’ existing fingerprints for background check processing; however, if fingerprints on file do not meet current FBI or Texas quality standards applicants will be required to submit new fingerprints to complete the renewal application process.
** TXDPS reserves the right to request replacement passport photos in the event current photos do not meet quality standards and/or a person’s appearance has changed substantially. TXDPS will send notification to the applicant if new photos are required.
Fingerprint FAQs
Q: Is the fee associated with collecting fingerprints part of the $140.00 CHL application fee?
A: No. Fingerprint collection fees are separate from the $140.00 Original application fee and are not paid to TXDPS. The entity collecting the applicant’s fingerprints collects and retains any fingerprint collection fees.
Q: Do I have to submit electronic fingerprints with my CHL application?
A: No. CHL applicants can choose to submit electronic fingerprints or ink rolled paper fingerprint cards regardless of whether the applicant submits a paper application or an online application.
Q: Why should I get electronic fingerprints?
A: Electronic fingerprints have a 98% classifiability rate which results in fewer fingerprint quality rejections. The electronic fingerprints are automatically forwarded to TXDPS on the same day; therefore, eliminating mail processing delays.
Q: I am renewing my CHL. Do I have to submit fingerprints and passport photos?
A: No. As of 2010, CHL renewal applicants are no longer required to submit new fingerprints or photos as part of their renewal application. CHL can now resubmit good quality fingerprints and reuse previously submitted photos. However, TXDPS reserves the right to request replacement passport photos and fingerprints for renewing applicants, in the event that the previously submitted photos or fingerprints on file do not meet current quality standards. If previously submitted photos or fingerprints are found to be defective, the applicant will receive notification from TXDPS with instructions for resubmitting the defective items.
Q: Is the Online Application secure and is the information that I enter on the website safe?
A: Yes. Data and payment information entered online is encrypted for security. Payment information is not stored, please be sure to print your online receipt at the time of application. For your convenience, the online system also sends a copy of your receipt to the email address provided.
Q: Why do I have to wait to schedule my L1 electronic fingerprints, until TXDPS acknowledges that my application has been entered into their computer system?
A: Until the CHL applicant is known to the CHL database, the applicant’s fingerprint based background check results cannot be matched to the applicant. Using the Texas online system allows the applicant to schedule an L1 appointment after completing the online application because the online data is uploaded into the CHL database thereby eliminating the need for manually data entering mailed in applications.
Q: If I am reapplying for a CHL license, do I need to submit fingerprints and passport photos?
A: Yes. Reapplications are considered the same as an Original application. If the renewal grace period lapse, you will be required to reapply. New fingerprints and passport photos must be submitted.
Q: Do I still need my PIN number to access my application status on the TX online system?
A: No. The Tx Online system now has improved security levels. To check the status of your CHL application online, you will be required to enter your Driver License # or ID#, your Driver License Audit #, your date of birth and your Social Security number. These data elements are verified against a secure secondary database for authentication purposes.
Q: How do I apply online?
A: Visit the TXDPS CHL homepage for links to the Tx Online system. See “Online Services”.
