New Online CHL Application Coming?

[Sasnakra]

Charles, I am guessing, but hopefully none of the changes would impact reciprocal agreements with other states?
What about CHL holders when purchasing guns - would anything change regarding stores not having to phone in the NIC?

Thanks again for the information.

None of the changes will impact our reciprocity agreement and we will keep our NICS exemption.

Chas.

Thanks...It sounds like this will be a vast improvement.

[7GenTex]

My renewal is not until mid 2011.

But is there a way I CAN get a new photo - PLEASE?

[Greybeard]

question: "But is there a way I CAN get a new photo - PLEASE? "

Just guessin you'll be able to fill out another form. And pay em another twenty five dolla.

[shootthesheet]

My renewal is not until mid 2011.

But is there a way I CAN get a new photo - PLEASE?

I am with you on a new photo. I have to get that changed. I am getting "looks" every time I buy a gun the thing is so bad.

Good to hear about the changes.

[Vic]

Forgive me if I'm being dense, but my understanding of what this is saying boils down to this:

1. You will be able to complete the CHL application online. In fact, after a brief interim, you will be FORCED to do so.

2. Part of this online application process involves scheduling an appointment to get digital fingerprints made. This means no more ink-based fingerprints. You will be compelled to use the FAST Fingerprint system.

3. The FAST Fingerprint system is not free, nor even inexpensive. Also, not all of the places where you can go to have your digital fingerprints made will do so for every purpose. For example, here in the Beaumont area, there is only one place that does the FAST digital fingerprints. However, that location does NOT offer the service if your intent is to get a CHL. If you want to have digital fingerprints made for the purpose of getting a CHL, the closest location is in Houston, about 2 hours drive (each way), not to mention the fee for the service.

So, does that mean that, unless more FAST Fingerprint locations appear, those of us in inconvenient locations will be looking at not only a renewal class, lasting 5 hours or so, but also a long drive coupled with another fee that the CHL class doesn't cover?

I'm led to believe that the FAST digital fingerprint machines are very expensive, so the idea that local CHL instruction locations will be providing the service seems extremely unlikely.

I don't mean to rain on this parade, but this looks like a significant downside to this development. I'd have to take a day off of work just to get fingerprints done...

[boomerang]

question: "But is there a way I CAN get a new photo - PLEASE? "

Just guessin you'll be able to fill out another form. And pay em another twenty five dolla.

A CHL address change costs more than twice as much as a DL address change. For that price they should let you change the picture, pick a background color, choose a 1911 or Glock or SIG watermark, and send it Priority Mail.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Forgive me if I'm being dense, but my understanding of what this is saying boils down to this:

1. You will be able to complete the CHL application online. In fact, after a brief interim, you will be FORCED to do so.

2. Part of this online application process involves scheduling an appointment to get digital fingerprints made. This means no more ink-based fingerprints. You will be compelled to use the FAST Fingerprint system.

3. The FAST Fingerprint system is not free, nor even inexpensive. Also, not all of the places where you can go to have your digital fingerprints made will do so for every purpose. For example, here in the Beaumont area, there is only one place that does the FAST digital fingerprints. However, that location does NOT offer the service if your intent is to get a CHL. If you want to have digital fingerprints made for the purpose of getting a CHL, the closest location is in Houston, about 2 hours drive (each way), not to mention the fee for the service.

So, does that mean that, unless more FAST Fingerprint locations appear, those of us in inconvenient locations will be looking at not only a renewal class, lasting 5 hours or so, but also a long drive coupled with another fee that the CHL class doesn't cover?

I'm led to believe that the FAST digital fingerprint machines are very expensive, so the idea that local CHL instruction locations will be providing the service seems extremely unlikely.

I don't mean to rain on this parade, but this looks like a significant downside to this development. I'd have to take a day off of work just to get fingerprints done...

At this point, digital fingerprints are not mandatory, but they probably will be at some point in the future. The fact that some FAST locations don't do prints for CHL applications is being addressed by DPS. With the new procedures coming May 1st, the only time we will have to get prints is for the first license, since renewals won't require prints.

As for cost, FAST in our area charges $9.95, but I don't know if that varies throughout the State.

Chas.

[joe817]

As for cost, FAST in our area charges $9.95, but I don't know if that varies throughout the State.

It's $9.95 up here in Tarrant County as well.

[Vic]

The local FAST location lists their cost as $60, but that's the same one that does not offer the service for CHL purposes. I believe they only take fingerprints for public school teachers and nurses. Maybe there is a price difference because of that.

[Crossfire]

I'm led to believe that the FAST digital fingerprint machines are very expensive, so the idea that local CHL instruction locations will be providing the service seems extremely unlikely...

We have looked into getting hooked up with FAST, but have not been successful. We can buy the digital equipment for about $10K, but DPS won't accept digital prints from anyone other than FAST, so no go there.

We tried to get a FAST franchise, but they turned us down. Said they don't need any more locations in our area.

So, seems to me this little monopoly DPS has created will be holding all the cards.

[Teamless]

I think that is the form that the trainer gives you stating you have taken (and passed) the renewal course

[Charles L. Cotton]

I think that is the form that the trainer gives you stating you have taken (and passed) the renewal course

Correct.

Chas.

[KFP]

I think that is the form that the trainer gives you stating you have taken (and passed) the renewal course

Correct.

Chas.

Any idea (if you're able to say) when instructors will be able to take care of this online as well?

[Charles L. Cotton]

I think that is the form that the trainer gives you stating you have taken (and passed) the renewal course

Correct.

Chas.

Any idea (if you're able to say) when instructors will be able to take care of this online as well?

All I know is that is in phase 2 of the overall system upgrade. Class Notification and Certificate of Class Completion will be available online to instructors and my guess is that the Certificate of Completion may replace the CHL-100. If so, then a provision will have to be made for people who take the class before they apply with DPS. There has to be some way for the instructor to identify them to DPS without an application number. A driver's license number could be used if the applicant has a Texas DL.

The focus now is making sure there are no bugs in the new applicant procedures, then work will resume on the instructor side.

Chas.