TexasCHLforum.com

New to the board. I've been lurking here since I mailed my CHL application on May 19. Here's my story:

I received my PIN on June 12. I started checking my status, which initially was 'Processing Application', almost daily. A few weeks after receiving my PIN, probably around the first of July, the status changed to 'Application Incomplete - detailed letter sent'. I waited about a week for the letter that never came, then I called DPS. They said that since I had a self-reported arrest (non-felony), that they were waiting for additional information and that a letter had not been sent, keep waiting, probably another 30 days.

On July 17, I called to check on the status again, as this was at about the 60 day mark. They still said everything was still in review, and they were still waiting for information about my arrest. About a week later, the status changed back 'Processing Application'. My thought was, cool, they must have received whatever info they were waiting on.

I was leaving for vacation for about 2 weeks on July 26 and was pretty much resigned to the fact that I wasn't going to have my CHL by the time I left, but at least I thought that when I get back I should have the license in the mail. When I got back, I went through all my mail twice, but didn't find anything from DPS. This past Monday, August 7, I called DPS again and asked about the status. They said Roger has my file and they transferred me to him. Roger found my file and said that since I had a self reported arrest, they need me to call the county where the arrest occurred and request a felony search. He was going to send me a letter, which he said would go out in the mail the next morning (Tues). It's now Friday, still don't have a letter.

To say the least, I'm frustrated. Basically, this guy has been sitting on my app since the status first changed to 'Incomplete' and never sent me a letter asking for more info. Also, shouldn't the DPS be able to do a felony search of my records, they have access to those records don't they? Why should I have to call and get that info for them? What is my $140 application fee to DPS for?

What should I do next. I don't want to be a pain in the rear and keep calling, but like I said, I'm getting kinda antsy.

minman01 wrote:They said Roger has my file and they transferred me to him. Roger found my file and said that since I had a self reported arrest, they need me to call the county where the arrest occurred and request a felony search. He was going to send me a letter, which he said would go out in the mail the next morning (Tues). It's now Friday, still don't have a letter.

You have a name to call (Roger) and you have a situation. Don't wait for the letter from Roger. Check with the county where the arrest occurred and get them pulling what records you will need. Probably a date, a case number in which ever county court and how and when it was dispensed.

A "To Whom it may concern letter" signed by the clerk and faxed to Roger at the DPS will probably have your license on its way.

Good luck, you may be closer than you think.

minman01 wrote: Why should I have to call and get that info for them? What is my $140 application fee to DPS for?

What should I do next. I don't want to be a pain in the rear and keep calling, but like I said, I'm getting kinda antsy.

First - your instructor should have told you to send in a certified copy of the disposition of your case with your application. But, that didn't happen. So, what you should do now is what you should have done to start with.

Contact the court that processed you, get a certified copy of the disposition, and send it to the DPS by certified mail.

Or, you can sit back and wait for Roger to get around to researching it for you, on a day when he has nothing else to do. Your decision.

Roger has my application too. He did send me a letter about a week ago requesting that I contact the courts for certified copies of dispositions of past misdeameanor arrests by asking for a felony search. This letter was after more than 120 days. That cost me $50 in fees for the courts to do this. He said I should have sent these in with my application. I told him I did the best I could trying to remember which was where when. They finally matched them up, and I still had to do this.
I tried to tell him that the instructions do not say you must do this, they only say "if you have certified copies of dispositions it will expedite processing of your application."
I talked to Jan Coffey, the manager, and she said if I do not comply with Roger's request within 90 days, they will terminate my application!
I came back with "failure of the department to act within 120 days of the time they are required to act constitutes denial" and I would request a hearing on those grounds!
She said they are acting!
Sounds like they want to fight.

ETA: All this for misdemeanors in 1972 and 1976!

Well, just as a followup.... I requested the felony record search from the arresting county on Monday (per Rogers request). They mailed it to me, with no felonies, as expected. I faxed this to Roger yesterday morning, and last night the status of my app changed to 'Application Completed - license issued or certificate active'. Woohoo. On top of that, yesterday was my birthday.

I also had a non felony arrest on my record. I went to the county in which it accured and got cerified copies of everything.

mailed mine on 5/23/06 Certified Return Receipt
got there 5/25/06
Got the receipt bact on may 27th or 29th
They issued my Pin 06/14/06
They issued my license on 08/10/06
Got my License in the mail 08/14/06

Congrats minman! And Happy Birthday!

thank god i have no arrests to report.....

Congrats minman, glad it all went well! Happy Birthday!

cyphur wrote:thank god i have no arrests to report.....

Yeah, but be even more thankful that they don't base it on looks!



{...sounds of Bill running away before Cyphur can hit him...}

The Marshal wrote:

cyphur wrote:thank god i have no arrests to report.....

Yeah, but be even more thankful that they don't base it on looks!



{...sounds of Bill running away before Cyphur can hit him...}

funny!!

next time we go bowling i'll remember to let one slip when i swing it back....in your direction!