Got a few questions about my chl

[13MWZ]

Howdy yall, first post. Here's a little bit of background leading up to my questions.
I got my CHL quite some time ago. It expired in June of 07 while I was deployed for the second time with my Army Reserve unit. I returned home in Oct 07. Sometime around Dec 07 or Jan 08 I took the renual class but due to lack of funds never sent my papers in. I'm obviously past the 1 year mark now and have finaly gotten "situated" financialy and driven once again to re-obtain my CHL. So I wanted to ask and make sure that I'm fixin to do things the right (and best) way. I see that you can fill out the app online now, if I do that I need to fill out for a NEW license correct? Also, is it better (faster) to do it online or wait and do the paperwork when I retake the class? If I do it online what happens.....do I send in my packet minus the app because they already have it or do I still need a hard copy to send in? Also, I will need to take the NEW license class correct? Since I'm currently still enlisted with the Army Reserve the only discharge papers I have are from leaving active duty during my deployments, is that what I need to send a copy of or do they need something else to prove my service for the 50% discount? That discount is only for the state portion correct....not for the class, picture, finger prints? I'd also like to ask about how long it's taking now days to get the plastic in the mail? And finaly, I have a Secret security clearence with the US Army and already had my CHL at one point, does this count as anything when doing the background check on me or is it meaningless to "them"?

Thank yall for any answers you can give, sorry for all the questions.

[Oldgringo]

Thank you for your service.

Why don't you call DPS and ask them? Take notes and names as you talk. I will suggest that you submit electronic fingerprints with your application.

[13MWZ]

Yes I plan on calling in the morning, I'm just wanting to get as much info as fast as I can so I can book a class. How do I do electronic fingerprints?

-Nevermind, I found it and have set up an appointment. Thank you for the heads up!!-

[brianko]

Yes I plan on calling in the morning, I'm just wanting to get as much info as fast as I can so I can book a class. How do I do electronic fingerprints?

-Nevermind, I found it and have set up an appointment. Thank you for the heads up!!-

No use going until you get the fingerprint cards from DPS...unless, of course, you know *exactly* what they want on them.

[Oldgringo]

When Mrs. Oldgringo submitted her fourth (4th) set of prints, the state approved electronic print guy used his own cards? She finally got her CHL after submitting this fourth set of prints AND e-mails and letters to the Gov, Lt. Gov, State Senator, Representative, DPS CHL Manager and the Commissioner of Agriculture. Her process only took 160 days - last winter and spring.

God Bless and good luck.

[13MWZ]

So I need to go to DPS and get a card, or are you saying they have the right ones there to use? I used the link on DPS's site to find a place here in town that does it.....I just figured if DPS recomended them that they'd have what ever was needed.

[brianko]

So I need to go to DPS and get a card, or are you saying they have the right ones there to use? I used the link on DPS's site to find a place here in town that does it.....I just figured if DPS recomended them that they'd have what ever was needed.

The F.A.S.T. folks told me I needed to bring the DPS cards. But then they printed out an extra card for my own records.

OK, I'm comparing the extra card they printed for me and the copy of the DPS card. The cards are identical in layout. But the F.A.S.T card has three blank fields the DPS card has filled in:

Reason fingerprinted:
Concealed Handgun
Texas Government Code 411.174 & 411.176

ORI:
TX921890Z
TX DPS/CHLB
AUSTIN, TX

Employer and Address:
RENEWAL

[fingerprintguy]

No worries about the empty boxes on the card for your own records. Those boxes simply indicate the reason being fingerprinted (CHL License and the corresponding Texas statute) and the ORI info (agency identifier). You would only need this info filled in should you have to submit that particular card to DPS for your CHL permit. This could be for any number of reasons which are already talked about in the forum.

David Mallen
[url]http://www.applicantfingerprintingservices.com[/url

[getnit1]

My situation was similar to yours but a few years ago. I did mine online pay for it upfront and did the FAST fingerprints - the finger print cards i sent in were blank or without the concealed handgun on them. Took 53 days I believe after i returned it. That was 2 years ago. They mail a copy of the application with your packet and you get your pin # when you get the packet. I just got my wifes packet yesterday as she is going to take her chl.