Renewal- how soon to start process?

[flechero]

I just got the renewal letter- I don't expire until late May 2013. I don't know what processing times are these days (and if there will be another mad dash due to election results). Can I afford to wait until Feb to get the ball rolling? Seems like the CHL-100 form was only good for a certain period of time. Anyone know off hand how long that is?

Thanks!

[LabRat]

My license also expires in late May 2013; I've not received the letter yet.

But, I consulted with Crossfire on this board and I took my renewal class on Saturday, December 1.

She notes that the certificate is good for 12 months, so I'm just waiting on my renewal letter to submit my paperwork.

LabRat

[recaffeination]

Unless you're broke or don't have time right now, is there any reason not to do a renewal application 3 to 6 months before the current one expires?

[Crossfire]

Even if you dont have the renewal letter in hand, you should be able to go online and start the renewal process 6 months before your expiration. And, since you never know what may happen, I suggest you start as soon as you are eligible to do so.

[Teamless]

is there any reason not to do a renewal application 3 to 6 months before the current one expires?

My only thought here, is if you do it 6 months ahead and get it renewed 5 months ahead, it is good 5 years from that date, when you really had 5 months left of your old license,
so in essence you gave up 5 months that you already paid for, and if you get it 5 months early the next time, you have given up nearly 1 year of your licensing.

[Abraham]

On a side note: I don't recall ever receiving a renewal letter and I'm on my third CHL.

Is this something new?

Thanks

[Greybeard]

Quote: "get it renewed 5 months ahead, it is good 5 years from that date" ????? It should not matter, as the licesnse still expires on one's birthday.

[Teamless]

as the licesnse still expires on one's birthday.

what if the 5 months ahead, puts you ahead of your birthday, then you have lost over a year, right?

[Greybeard]

The license always expire on one's birthday.

[apostate]

as the licesnse still expires on one's birthday.

what if the 5 months ahead, puts you ahead of your birthday, then you have lost over a year, right?

Nope. I renewed early and got it 2-3 months before my birthday this year. New license expires on my 2017 birthday.

[Oldgringo]

Look here.

[stash]

I did it as soon as I could just to get it out of the way. My license expires the end of March, 2013. I took the class in the middle of July, 2012. The earliest I could apply was around the end of September, 2012, which I did. Got the new license the end of October, 2012. The new license is good for five years from the end of March 2013. Just keep in mind the CHL100 is good for only six months. By the way I did not get a renewal letter.

[tommyg]

If I take the 10 hour class will it count for a renewal sometimes it is hard to find the short 4 hour class

[longtooth]

It will. Tell your instructor you only need the renewal. He should only chg for a renewal. That is what I do.
Many of my students choose the full class for a full review. Especially on their 1st renewal.

[stash]

LT is right.This was my 2nd renewal and I took the 10 hour class, but only because my wife was taking the initial class and I took it with her ( kinda like killing two birds with one stone). On my CHL100 it did indicate the 10 hour class, but the renewal block was checked and the instructor charged me the renewal price.