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CHL Application Process

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:03 pm
by vallen
New to the forum. New to CHL. Long Time shooter and happy State of Tx employee...


I just find it a bit confusing on the DPS site as to the process. Take the class first? Do I fill out the on-line application first? (the on-line app states you WILL take a class...)
I was under the impression I'd take the class, then send in the app...

Any info is appreciated.
Also recommendations for instructors here in Austin?
Thanks!

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:15 pm
by seamusTX
You can apply online before you go to the class. Otherwise, when you take the class, the instructor will give you a paper application. It's your choice.

- Jim

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:21 pm
by vallen
So if I do the app online, pay my $140, what do i receive? An envelope for my certificate, passport photos and fingerprints? Will I have to fill out the app again?

What I'm getting at- is there an advantage to doing the on-line application?
or is it more confusing for the DPS clerks?


Thanks!

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:37 pm
by seamusTX
I don't know exactly what you get when you fill in the application online. Someone who has done it will have to answer.

AFAIK, there's no advantage to applying online. Possibly it will cut the processing time by a couple of days because DPS doesn't have to wait for a check to clear.

- Jim

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 5:09 pm
by txinvestigator
You will not have to fill out the application again. You will receive a packet with a hard copy of the application you did online, and instructions to correct any mistakes or ommissions there. You will also get 2 fingerprint cards, 3 affidavits that must be notarized, a passport photo holder, instructions, and a CHL handbook.

You can apply online and take the class before the packet arrives. Just remember that the application your instructor gives you will have a red number on it which would be your CHL number had you not applied online. Just trash that and instead include the hard copy DPS will send you from your online application when you mail your final stuff into Austin.

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:21 pm
by boomerang
The disadvantage of applying online is you have to wait for DPS to mail you the printed application.

And then you can mail it back to them with the fingerprint cards, passport photos, affidavits and training form.

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 11:01 am
by DoubleActionCHL
boomerang wrote:The disadvantage of applying online is you have to wait for DPS to mail you the printed application.

And then you can mail it back to them with the fingerprint cards, passport photos, affidavits and training form.
Exactly! Although it seems more convenient to apply online, you're actually delaying the process. It's a little more writing on your part, but much faster if you get your packet from your CHL instructor and apply by mail after your class.

The exception to this would be renewals.

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 11:35 am
by striker55
vallen wrote:So if I do the app online, pay my $140, what do i receive? An envelope for my certificate, passport photos and fingerprints? Will I have to fill out the app again?

What I'm getting at- is there an advantage to doing the on-line application?
or is it more confusing for the DPS clerks?


Thanks!
One advantage is you get your pin number with the packet from DPS.