TexasCHLforum.com

DPS has an online application for a new CHL or a renewal.

Has anyone used it?

I went through it last night, and it seems to ask all the relevant questions, and you can pay your $140 at the end. I didn't get past that step to see what it would say about sending in all the other paperwork (pics, prints, cert, etc.).

I plan to take the course later this month -- should I go ahead and do this app before that?

When you apply online all you are doing is filling out the forms electronically. They will print the forms out and mail them to you with your packet that has your fingerprint cards etc that you take to the class.

I used it, and I found it very useful. When the rest of my CHL class was filling out their paperwork I got to go spend some time on the range.

I did the online application before I took the class and definitely would recommend you do that, seems to make things easier

vanuta wrote:I did the online application before I took the class and definitely would recommend you do that, seems to make things easier

Likewise, AND DPS sent me my PIN with the return application packet. It was listed on the hard copy of the forms DPS returned to me that I filled out on-line. Apparently some people wait a week or two AFTER sending in the application for the PIN. The packet arrived about 5 or 6 days after I filled in the forms on-line.

I took the class a few days after I had filled out the app on-line and did not have the packet yet. The CHL Instructor stated I should have waited till I got the packet back to take the class, but allowed me to do the class anyhow. I filled out all the docs in class and just substituted my application form which DPS sent me a few days later for the one provided in class. Just had to write my number on one photo and the photo form after I got the packet back.

Of course, the USPS took a full seven days to deliver the registered mail package with all my forms back to Austin - I could have driven it there in a couple of hours!

Now, I see "Processing Application" when I check status, --- Day 18 since snail mail finally got it there.

yep, I did my app online. You can do your payment online up front too and go ahead and get that out of the way. It's part of the application process. It was nice having my forms already filled out for me too and having my PIN already on the form.

When I'm up for renewal I'll do the same thing.

Online app is definitely the way to go.

Just one tip -- write down your pin before you mail in your packet or better yet, make copies of the packet before you mail it in.

We checked and double checked and triple checked everything to make sure we didn't miss anything required to be sent with the packet AND didn't think about writing down our PINs.

I've emailed for my pin to be re-sent. Fosforos (my husband) thinks if he doesn't think about it, the time will pass by faster.

[quote="MrsFosforos"] <snip> make copies of the packet before you mail it in.

<snip> quote]

For sure --- ALWAYS , unless you truly believe the USPS never loses anything

BTW, my application was finally approved as of Monday of this week, about 45 days after Austin received it. Hopefully the plastic really IS in the mail.

heh, speaking of which... my first packet mailed FROM austin via the online form hadn't arrived after 2 weeks so I called up and had them ship me another packet. I got that one 3 days later and he next week I got the first one. :)

go figure.

I took the class today, didnt know about the online thingy, can I still do online or just use the yellow paper?

Welcome aboard poke82. We are glad to have you. The wait should not be long for your plastic. One of the computer guys or gals will let you know. I barely get mine turned on.

Lufkin eh? you know an old man that calls himself the suasage man?

No sir I dont.
Got a real name & location?
Been pastoring a chruch here since 1985 so I know a lot of folks.
This place is a LOT bigger than it was 22 yr ago.

Figure I will just do it the old fashioned way and use a pen!!

Wish I would have found out about the online thingy first, did get some tips from it on what to put if you dont have a work history at a certian point in the last 5 years, I.E. college student