New Online CHL Application Coming?

[Liberty]

I'm a little concerned about the new system.
I filled out the personal information, most of it stayed the same.. But I lived away from my home for about 9 months because of Hurricane Ike, I wasn't allowed to back up and I never saw a place in the online application to address the issue.

[Crossfire]

After you do the online application, they send you a packet with your prefilled info. Once you get it, you have a chance to make corrections before sending it back.

[Liberty]

According to the papers (checklist) they had me print out the only thing I am to send to them is my CHL100 form, and the checklist They don't mention any packet or or anything. Am I to wait for them send me a packet now? I know that is how it used to be. It looked to me that this new system does away with packets for renewals

[Charles L. Cotton]

they won't send you anything..

Now that's news to me and I'm supposed to know these things! I'll check this out.

Thanks,
Chas.

[Liberty]

According to the papers (checklist) they had me print out the only thing I am to send to them is my CHL100 form, and the checklist They don't mention any packet or or anything. Am I to wait for them send me a packet now? I know that is how it used to be. It looked to me that this new system does away with packets for renewals

I called the 800 number and talked with a young lady (after going through several prompts) .. she told me that what I had to do now was find a class and take the refresher course..

No new fingerprints needed.. No new picture needed (unless I had drastically changed) ..

the CHL 100, I'll get from the class.. they won't send you anything..

Thats what it sounds like to me. The CheckList only mentions sending itself and the CHL100. I am a little confused on just how I am to handle my refugee status of 9 months. I guess I never really abandoned my real home and was working on it most days, maybe I can still consider my legal address for that period. I don't see where I have an opportunity to otherwise to clarify it.

[Crossfire]

It was still your permanent residence address, even though you temporarily lived somewhere else. You don't need to so anything with it on your CHL application.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Here is an update on changes to the application process.

People applying for their first CHL can either apply online, or they can use packets their instructors may have in class. I say "may" because they are not required to have packets. As you will see below, I strongly recommend that everyone use the online application. If you are renewing a CHL, you must use the online process.

Initial applications for first-time licensees:

Applicants for a NEW CHL (not a renewal), will be provided a checklist of any required supplemental documents (ex. CHL-100, fingerprints, photos, DD-214, criminal history disposition documents, etc.) that need to be provided. Since the application itself is completely online (except for supplemental docs that the applicant must provide) DPS will not be mailing anything to applicants.

Renewal applications:

Applicants who apply online for renewal will be presented with a checklist that includes any supplemental items they need to send to DPS to process their renewal. As most folks already know, DPS no longer requires photos (for in-state applicants) or fingerprints for any applicant on renewal, so for the majority of applicants they will only be sending in the CHL-100—and then only if they are in a renewal period that requires them to take the renewal course.

WARNING ABOUT PAPER APPLICATIONS:

If applicants send in a paper application but want to get digital fingerprints from FAST/L-1, they must take the CHL class, submit their application to DPS and wait to schedule their fingerprint appointment until AFTER they receive a confirmation from DPS. They cannot schedule with FAST/L1 until they are in DPS's system so that FAST/L1 knows they are a CHL applicant.

All L-1 a/k/a FAST locations are now doing fingerprints for CHL applications:

It was previously reported that some FAST locations were not doing fingerprints for CHL applicants. This has changed and every FAST/L-1 location is doing prints for CHL's

This is the latest information from DPS and it's a much better process. Prior to May 1st, I used to recommend using the online application for an initial application only if you had at least 21 to 30 days before you were scheduled to take the class. This was intended to make sure the applicant got the DPS packet prior to class day. Obviously, this changed on May 1st.

Good job DPS!
Chas.

[sjfcontrol]

Does this mean ALL fingerprints must be done thru FAST/L-1 now?

[Charles L. Cotton]

Does this mean ALL fingerprints must be done thru FAST/L-1 now?

No, digital fingerprints are not mandatory, at this point. They are highly recommended because 1) the FBI reject rate is much lower (< 1% v. 30+%); and 2) it will speed up DPS processing of your application.

Chas.