what first?

[stormbringerr]

please tell me what to do and in what order to get my chl with the least amount of confusion,,,for me that is.
i know how to shoot.i go to the range every 2 weeks, and have been studying the laws about guns in Tx.
i know i have to take a class and send things to d.p.s. but im not sure in what order. is everything done in the class or is it a two part deal with a separate d.p.s. test also? thanks, i live in Austin

[MoJo]

1. Get your packet from DPS.
2. Take class get prints and photos.
3. Mail to DPS.
4. Wait.
6. Get CHL.

[badkarma56]

please tell me what to do and in what order to get my chl with the least amount of confusion...

Dude, I highly recommend that you utilize the online CHL application service. This allows you to fill out the application digitally, pay up-front via credit card, and receive the pre-filled application directly from DPS (thus, no issues with bad handwriting). I did the online thing on 25 June, and received the hard copy back from DPS on 29 June.

Another benefit to the online application is that you receive your pin# with the pre-filled application that DPS sends you back, so you can begin obsessively checking your status immediately after sending your packet off to Austin! I've seen people on this board state that DPS takes between 2-3 weeks or longer to send pin #'s to people that completed standard apps.

It's important to point out that if you choose to utilize the online app., you should wait to receive the hard copy back from DPS before attending a CHL training course. CHL instructors will have blank, standard apps on-hand for folks that didn't do theirs beforehand via the online system. You won't need to mess with most of the forms if you simply wait for DPS to send your pre-filled materials.

Here's the link for the online application portal: https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/NAS ... AppManager

P.S., I also recommend that you attend an all-inclusive CHL training course (i.e., one that provides students with passport photos, on-site fingerprints, immediate access to a firing range on the day of training, etc.). There are plenty of CHL instructors all around Texas that offer these complete courses, so save yourself some trouble and get squared-away at one of these.

[seamusTX]

Applying online is an option, but some of the questions are confusing, and people make mistakes. If you take an all-inclusive class such as ElGato's he will walk you through every step, line by line.

In that case, you need to show up with just your driver license and shooting equipment.

- Jim

[Venus Pax]

Austin members, if you know of a good, all-inclusive CHL instructor, let stormbringerr know about him/her.

[stormbringerr]

Applying online is an option, but some of the questions are confusing, and people make mistakes. If you take an all-inclusive class such as ElGato's he will walk you through every step, line by line.

In that case, you need to show up with just your driver license and shooting equipment.

- Jim

yes,trying to answer a confusing question i don't fully understand is the only reason i don't want to take the test online.
i have heard that Ross & Dorothy Bransford chl instructors have a good class that includes everything.Has anyone ever taken the class given by them in Austin?

[KaProw]

I know your asking for a "one-does all", but since you are in Austin I thought I would offer an alternate suggestion.

We Took the class at Eagle Peak. They will do Pictures for extra money, but not prints. We didn't use the pictures 'cause they were kind of washed out. The local Walgreen’s passport photos were better and same price.

It only took a few minutes to get the prints done electronically and photos signed at the DPS office. The office is right around the corner from the CHL office. You can just stop by and drop your application off. The clerk that took ours went over it to make sure we had everything. No worrying about if prints were correct, if we missed anything or the mail.

Range Owner's daughter was instructor. Class also included a BBQ lunch, free sodas all day and chocolate in the afternoon.

Travis County is slow so be patient. PIN letter came really fast though.

[stormbringerr]

thank you kaprow, im not in that big of a hurry now,ever since finding out i`ll need minor back surgery.i think thats probably a good idea about the prints. i shoot at eagle peak just started about 2 months ago,but haven't been there lately.i like eagle peak.if you ever see someone there wearing a Hawaiian shirt and black nike cap its probably me.

[KaProw]

Oh man, I'm sorry about the back surgery. backs can be a real pain :)

I like Eagle Peak too. We haven't been since the Heavy Rain Started. Just joined ARC and haven't been able to get out there either. been going to Red's north, we live close anyway.

I know running around town to get all your chl stuff together sounds like a big hassle, but it actually worked out pretty good. Both offices are almost right across the street from highland mall. give it a thought.

I'll be on the look out for ya @ the range. don't forget the austin IDPA gathering this month. I've never done it. I can't wait to try.

c'ya
rick

[stormbringerr]

yes, thanks again kaprow, ill be back out as soon as i can,i live in South Austin and as the saying goes

south austin we`re all here because we`re not all there!
later,stormbringerr

[Longtooths]

Take the course at the Bullet Trap in plano and they give you a packet and walk you through each step of filling it out. Including fingerprints, and shooting test.

[JadeFire]

Yeah, they do that at Eagle Peak, too- great folks over there. it's a long drive from south Austin, but worth the time.

[stevie_d_64]

1. Get your packet from DPS.
2. Take class get prints and photos.
3. Mail to DPS.
4. Wait.
6. Get CHL.

Hey MoJo...What comes after "4" again???

[MoJo]

1. Get your packet from DPS.
2. Take class get prints and photos.
3. Mail to DPS.
4. Wait.
6. Get CHL.

Hey MoJo...What comes after "4" again???

The wait seems long you just skip to "6."

Five, we don't need no stinkin' fives.

[stormbringerr]

thanks for your help everyone.the dps sent me an application packet yesterday.i have a post about it somewhere on this forum.