Checklist Suggestions

[wrt45]

I received my renewal packet in the mail yesterday and I have a concern. I only recall seeing ONE fingerprint card in the packet. From reading above, it looks like I was supposed to get two. What is the best way to go about getting another one?

Renewals only require a single card, the FBI card.

[Braden]

Ahhh....then I have no reason to be concerned. Thanks!!

Is it worth it to go pay and get electronic prints done even though ink prints are included in the price of my renewal class? I've heard they have lots of trouble with ink prints.

[antfarmer]

There is only one FP card required for renewal.

Wow. beaten to the answer!!

[switch]

You only need one for a renewal.

[kanders]

On the two photos - one must be signed by you and the fingerprinter, and it's a good idea to paper clip it together with the 2 fingerprint cards. The other photo should not be signed and should be mounted in the holder.

Also, not sure about this, but my instructor told us the felt tip pen for signing the back of the first photo was not really required, but was a holdout from years ago, when perhaps some pens couldn't make a permanent signature on the back of official passport photo paper. Kinda makes sense, i.e. if you get a good permanent signature in black ink, how could anyone tell whether the pen was a felt tip or not? However, please don't take my word on this!

[ElGato]

as of September last year they told us to have the officer and applicant sign both photo's and put the CHL # on them also.
I think the reason was in case a new license might have to be made, but then just last week a young Lady who had lost her license had to come in and get new photo's made????

The felt tip is only required for the signature on the photo holder.

[rkenny]

I recently received my new applicant CHL paperwork. The paperwork I received still says that a money order or certified check is required for processing.

However, buried in the various papers provided is a recent legislative change saying that personal checks can be used for all chl payment requirements (or something like that).

Conflicting information. If so, you would think changing it on the paperwork would be simple enough to do.

Can someone please confirm if personal checks are accepted? Having this clarified on the checklist could be helpful. Forgetting the payment or using an unacceptable form of payment could delay things considerably.

Thanks....

If so, I wonder if these get processed much quicker than the actual applications.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Personal checks are accepted. I have no idea if the online applications are processed faster.

Chas.

[HighVelocity]

I filled out the app online and paid with a credit card. The only benefit I found to having done this is that when the packet arrived from the state, all my info was printed on it so no risk of my handwriting causing a problem.
It didn't speed anything up other than the state getting the money real fast.
In fact, I could have shaved two weeks off that it took to get the packet AFTER I PAID, had I gotten the packet from a turnkey class and sent it in with the money.

[longtooth]

Personal checks are accepted. They do not start processing the app. until the check clears the bank. A lot faster to send money order.

[switch]

Paying online saves 2 days processing in Austin. You get an envelope with a different PO Box. It goes directly upstairs. If you mail it in w/a check, it has to go to bookkeeping first for the payment to be processed.

While it is true that it may delay you on an initial license, if you apply on-line about the same time you take the class (why not apply 2 weeks early?), I suspect you will get a renewal package faster if you 'pay first' than if you call and ask them to mail you one (assuming you can even get through )

Yes, you can pay by personal check - I assume they are just using up old forms.

[piro]

Not sure if we can post questions on the checklist here.

I noticed that you said sign the pictures by fingerprinter and applicant.

I got my pictures taken at walgreens. Should I go back to the fingerprint place and find who took my prints and ask them to sign the picture?

And where do you sign, on the back of them?

[switch]

Yes, the directions say to get your pictures first, then take them to be fingerprinted. Most instructors provide fingerprinting and pictures as part of the course. They should have warned you that your pictures needed to be signed by the fingerprinter.

[piro]

I see, I somehow missed this along the way.

Ill just go back to the dps office today and see if the lady who took my prints last week is there.

If an instructor doesn't provide the passport picture holder, where can one be acquired? Taking the course tomorrow through a guy at cabela's south of austin and he said he doesn't do fingerprints or pictures and get fingers prints from the dps office for 9.95 for the two cards and walgreens for passport pictures. In terms of price i am at 75 for the course and 9.95 for the fingerprints and I should be done at that point so 84.95 for all of it seems like a decent price imo.

[switch]

The instructor should have it. If not, any instructor could. You can get one from DPS.

Probably any DPS could/would sign your picture, I doubt if you HAVE to find the lady that took your prints.