To follow up, I got my renewal letter today and tried to use the online renewal.Charles L. Cotton wrote:Good new Mike! DPS has already had their system upgraded to apply the discount regardless whether you apply online or with a "paper" renewal forum. If the discount would be available on the date your CHL would have expired (your birthday) it is calculated properly when you apply online prior to expiration.
How's that for a fast response time?
Chas.
Mike1951 wrote:I realize I was jumping the gun by a year but wanted to know what to expect next year.
Besides, it might apply to someone sooner.
The email and reply should explain.
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 7:22 PM
To: CHLS
Subject: Question about senior citizen rate
This actually won't apply until 2011, but wanted to clarify.
My license expires on my 60th birthday. If I renew in the prior six months, I will still be 59 and would not qualify for the reduced rate.
Yet, the new license would take effect the day after my 60th birthday.
Also, this will be my fifth class, so I will qualify for a pass on taking the course.
Once my 6 month window arrives next year, what may I expect?
License #xxxxxxxxx
Sincerely,
Mike xxxxxSo, we are all supposed to apply online, but if I apply online I don’t get the discounted fee.If you apply online prior to your 60th birthday you will pay standard amount. If you mail in your application process you can submit the discounted rate for senior citizens.
Simone
Customer Service II
Texas Department of Public Safety
Austin, Texas 78773
But if I mail the application, I can get the discounted fee.
But this being my fifth renewal, I don’t have to take the class so I won’t be getting an application.
What am I overlooking? Or is it Catch-22?
It did NOT calculate the senior rate and would have charged me the full $70 fee.
So it appears that their system has not been upgraded as Charles was told.