Stepwise TXCHL

[Bitterclinger]

I'm just starting the CHL process and just wondering if anybody has put together a sort-of Best Practice listing of the steps (order of things to do) for getting a CHL in Texas. The initial impression is that there is a bewildering array of things to accomplish, so I started searching for things like "CHL Texas steps" and I get everything from "Two steps: 1. Take Class, 2. Apply" to ")

The first thing the TX DPS says to do is read CHL-16. I understood about 25% of it, but the balance just left me more confused, and I'm a fairly intelligent guy. My summary of the work: Here's a bunch of laws from various areas of Texas Law written in "lawyer-ese" that may or may not be relevant to getting a CHL in Texas.

... in a KISS format, something like...
1. Take a certified Class
2. Get fingerprinted by XZY Agency
3. Get a passport photo from ABC company
3. Fill out the forms
4. Mail everything
5. Wait 90 Days

Ideally, what I'm looking for is a simple list of steps that would impart the benefit of your experience to expedite the process. Is there anything that can or should be done before taking the class. I realize my example is grossly oversimplified, but that's what I'm aiming at, just to get a set of pegs to hang all the major requirements on.

Is it best to show up at class with the fingerprints and passport already done and all the forms filled out (would that help?) etc.?

-baffled

[Bitterclinger]

It might be nice if the steps list took the things-to-do approach and avoided the things-to-get hairball. Also, assume success to avoid processing loops and the complexity of things like what to do if you have no fingerprints; got arrested for selling puppies in a snowstorm 4 years and 11 months ago; etc. etc.

[Crossfire]

Try this: http://www.crossfire-training.com/conte ... ocess.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[urnoodle]

I'm sure applicants do things in a different order. I had no issue with mine.
1. Apply on DPS Website
2. Schedule an appointment with L-1 for fingerprinting
3. Take 10 hour class - my class provided the passport photos too
4. Complete fingerprinting
5. Mail all required docs to DPS with delivery confirmation
6. Wait 41 days and the plastic was in my mailbox

It was as simple as that. Now the time to mailbox does very based on background, time of year and DPS employee that works your application.

[Thomas]

Mine was:
1. Apply on DPS Website
3. Take 10 hour class - my class provided the passport photos too
2. Schedule an appointment with L-1 for fingerprinting
4. Complete fingerprinting
5. Mail all required docs to DPS with delivery confirmation
6. Wait about a month and the plastic was in my mailbox

[jayinsat]

I'm sure applicants do things in a different order. I had no issue with mine.
1. Apply on DPS Website
2. Schedule an appointment with L-1 for fingerprinting
3. Take 10 hour class - my class provided the passport photos too
4. Complete fingerprinting
5. Mail all required docs to DPS with delivery confirmation
6. Wait 41 days and the plastic was in my mailbox

It was as simple as that. Now the time to mailbox does very based on background, time of year and DPS employee that works your application.

With a little variation
I'm sure applicants do things in a different order. I had no issue with mine.
1. Apply on DPS Website
2. Schedule an appointment with L-1 for fingerprinting
3. Take 10 hour class - if you have a TX license or I.D. no photo required. Tell them to use photo on file
4. Complete fingerprinting
5. Scan and upload all docs to DPS website (quicker response/turn around)
6. Wait 41(or less) days and the plastic was in my mailbox

Just options you can choose.

[The Annoyed Man]

Where are you located? Some of the CHL instructors on this forum are able to help you with the fingerprints and the photo part during the class. Crossfire Training in Fort Worth comes to mind, and our moderator here, Crossfire, is the owner of that business. In any case, most instructors understand that their students are probably needing to be handheld through the process, and they try to make sure that you understand what you need to do.

Otherwise, do the online application and follow all the instructions. Then when you have the completed and signed CHL-100 form from the instructor, send in to the DPS all of the required materials. But, it doesn't matter if you complete the online application before, or after you complete the CHL class.

Then, you have two choices: 1) bite your nails and stare at your mailbox until the CHL comes in the mail; or 2) forget about it until the CHL arrives in the mail. Both take the same amount of time, and both take too long.

[Bitterclinger]

I'm just North of San Antonio.

I think I'll adopt jayinsat's steps.

1. Apply on DPS Website
2. Schedule an appointment with L-1 for fingerprinting
3. Take 10 hour class - if you have a TX license or I.D. no photo required. Tell them to use photo on file
4. Complete fingerprinting
5. Scan and upload all docs to DPS website (quicker response/turn around)
6. Wait 41(or less) days and the plastic was in my mailbox.

I called the closest CHLI and he said pretty much the same thing, but he's booked up until mid February. He also mentioned that they can just use my TXDL photo in lieu of the passport-photo.

Since I have a TXDL and several handguns to choose from, I think the only outstanding quesiton is who to tell to use the photo on file. jayinsat's steps seem to indicate I tell my class instructor.

[Keith B]

I'm just North of San Antonio.

I think I'll adopt jayinsat's steps.

1. Apply on DPS Website
2. Schedule an appointment with L-1 for fingerprinting
3. Take 10 hour class - if you have a TX license or I.D. no photo required. Tell them to use photo on file
4. Complete fingerprinting
5. Scan and upload all docs to DPS website (quicker response/turn around)
6. Wait 41(or less) days and the plastic was in my mailbox.

I called the closest CHLI and he said pretty much the same thing, but he's booked up until mid February. He also mentioned that they can just use my TXDL photo in lieu of the passport-photo.

Since I have a TXDL and several handguns to choose from, I think the only outstanding quesiton is who to tell to use the photo on file. jayinsat's steps seem to indicate I tell my class instructor.

You will write 'Use Existing Texas Drivers License Photo' on your CHL-6 form that you send in with your paperwork from class.

[Songbird]

My CHL INSTRUCTOR had one tip that made sense. Do the online app before you do your fingerprints. He said if the fingerprints are sent to DPS before an application has been started, there's more margin for error and may delay getting your CHL.

[jayinsat]

I think the only outstanding quesiton is who to tell to use the photo on file. jayinsat's steps seem to indicate I tell my class instructor

As was stated, you will receive a form CHL-6 in class. Fill it out and, next to where the photo should be affixed, write:"please use Texas D.Ł. Photo on file"

In San Antonio, I recommend http://www.tac-safe.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. These guys are great and affordable.

[Crossfire]

My CHL INSTRUCTOR had one tip that made sense. Do the online app before you do your fingerprints. He said if the fingerprints are sent to DPS before an application has been started, there's more margin for error and may delay getting your CHL.

It is not possible to be fingerprinted without first having an application on file with DPS. If you try to schedule a fingerprint appointment first, the L1 system will not accept your information, and will not let you schedule.