TexasCHLforum.com

I was looking at my license and it expires in 2010, I have tried the "search' on this site and after digging thru many posts I fihure it would be easier just to ask the questions I have on Renewal of my CHL. So if any of you guys can help me out I would appreciate it.


1. When I go to the site to renew my license it asks for a pin #, Was I supposed to keep my pin # I received 4 years ago? I hope not its long gone.

2. I have read and correct me If I am wrong, that since this is my 2nd renewal that I will still have to take a range qualification test, and probably have to sit in on about 4 hours of CHL class.

3. Can I renew early or do I have to wait a specific period of time? I had read 6 months prior to the exp. date is this correct?

4. Do I have to apply for a "packet" or can I do everything online. (I am currently stuck with no pin when I go to the website), If someone could please explain the steps on renewing the license.

Thanks to all that reply.

First, yes it is the same pin from 4 years ago, email the CHL email address on the site and they will send you the pin via email ( i had to do that).

SInce this is only your second renewal, you still need the class and the range.... Next time (since it will be your second renewal) you will not

Anytime in that last year you can take the class, the packet and everything has to be mailed in no later than 6 months after you take the class

The application can be done on line but you will still need to get a packet (most instructors supply them when you take the class) for the finger print cards, Photo holder, etc.

Okay, just to be painfully clear, I have a related question for clarification. My license expires in December of this year. I am scheduled to take the class this weekend. Do I understand that it is okay for me to take the class this weekend (i.e. it isn't "too" early) and I can send the packet in any time within six months of the class... even next week? Thanks!

Yes, almost.

The TR-100 you will get from the class is good for one year. You send in your packet within 6 Months of the LICENSE EXPIRY (NOT within 6 Mos of taking the class unless it is the same).

I am not sure if you can take the class before the 6 Months (like now). I personally took it within the 6 Months. Possibly someone else can chime in here.

1st thanks for answering my questions, Do I have to take the full class over again or is it like half a class. I just remember when I took my class the first time we had some fellows who were renewing their license come in just for the shooting portion and written exam. Does this still hold true?

Nope.

You have to take a 1/2 day class that includes paperwork fill out, fingerprints, photos, new laws, etc.....depending on instructor, Range and written test.

I cannot understand why some came in for shooting portion and written test ONLY except that they may have had to leave during the first time and had to come back to complete. Also, some instructors break up classes depending on numbers and may have re-scheduled those folks for that portion because of that reason.

On the 3rd License (2nd renewal) you are not required to take the course or shoot, just fill out the paperwork, photo and fingerprints and send it in. But most people go ahead and take the 1/2 class anyway to catch up on new laws and to shoot as some of them don't have the opportunity to shoot as often as others.

Is the renewal application the same as the original? If so I guess I should have made a copy...

By law for renewals, you're still supposed to have some "instruction" . . . some classes are held so that the "basics" are covered in the morning, followed by testing (written and shooting)for renewals; then they're done. First timers have to go back and listen to more "instruction."

AEA wrote:On the 3rd License (2nd renewal) you are not required to take the course or shoot, just fill out the paperwork, photo and fingerprints and send it in. But most people go ahead and take the 1/2 class anyway . . .

This last - people repeating and paying for a class they don't have to - I find extremely surprising; where did you hear this?

boaterman wrote:Is the renewal application the same as the original? If so I guess I should have made a copy...

No, it is much shorter

HankB wrote:This last - people repeating and paying for a class they don't have to - I find extremely surprising; where did you hear this?

We have had a few renewals who were eligible to skip the class but elected to sit for it anyway.

We charge $25 for documents (photos, prints, notary) for 3rd renewals, and if they want to stay for the class, they are welcome to do so. We figure there aren't all that many of them, and since they have supported the Texas CHL program from the beginning, they deserve a break on the renewal class.

HankB wrote:By law for renewals, you're still supposed to have some "instruction" . . . some classes are held so that the "basics" are covered in the morning, followed by testing (written and shooting)for renewals; then they're done. First timers have to go back and listen to more "instruction."

AEA wrote:On the 3rd License (2nd renewal) you are not required to take the course or shoot, just fill out the paperwork, photo and fingerprints and send it in. But most people go ahead and take the 1/2 class anyway . . .

This last - people repeating and paying for a class they don't have to - I find extremely surprising; where did you hear this?

This was changed in the legislature 2 years ago. We instruct individuals who are on their 3 renewal to call DPS to insure they are allowed to only pay the fee and send in the fingerprints, photo, etc and NOT take the class. My instructor class was informed that we were not to give advice (say yea/no) on this and refer them.

I am under the impression it is on the 2nd renewal (not the 3rd).
In other words, First License, 1st renewal (2nd License), 2nd renewal (3rd License).

I could be wrong on this but I think I am correct.

I just did my 3rd renewal.
my buddy has never had a CHL so he took the long course and I went ahead and did the whole class with him like a newbie. written and shooting also...

I will probably take the whole renewal course when my time comes. It's best to stay informed about any new laws and it's fun to shoot!

ctxpta wrote:

HankB wrote:By law for renewals, you're still supposed to have some "instruction" . . . some classes are held so that the "basics" are covered in the morning, followed by testing (written and shooting)for renewals; then they're done. First timers have to go back and listen to more "instruction."

AEA wrote:On the 3rd License (2nd renewal) you are not required to take the course or shoot, just fill out the paperwork, photo and fingerprints and send it in. But most people go ahead and take the 1/2 class anyway . . .

This last - people repeating and paying for a class they don't have to - I find extremely surprising; where did you hear this?

This was changed in the legislature 2 years ago. We instruct individuals who are on their 3 renewal to call DPS to insure they are allowed to only pay the fee and send in the fingerprints, photo, etc and NOT take the class. My instructor class was informed that we were not to give advice (say yea/no) on this and refer them.

This is good news! So let me see if I have it right...

I got my license in 1996 (license #1). Took the (12hr, arghh..it was like 7am to 7pm...) course in June and got license in September. Lucky me, I got one of the staggered 2 year licenses (back then they didn't want them all to expire in 2000, 4 years after the CHL law took effect). I paid $70 vs. $140 for the staggered license which expired on my birthday (Nov.) in 1998.

1998 rolls around and I redid my license in the summer with the 5+ hour course, and written/shooting test, and $140 (license #2). Got a renewal good through 11/2002.

2002...Dragged my "self" down to Dallas and took another early bird (7am-12:30pm) classroom, written, shooting test again. This time the instructor let us shoot some pre-test practice and do range safety instruction and general gun/legal/CHL stuff. I found this one of the better classes. All the legally required course of instruction was there, but I actually learned some other non-required, but useful stuff. OK $140 license expires in 2006 (license #3).

2006...I got the renewal letter in June. Dragged my feet...didn't get around to course until late September. Another 5 hour, instruction/written/shooting process. Very professional and there was print/notary/picture for the price of the class. Another $140 fee to Texas. OK, bad news, my license expired in Nov and I didn't get the renewal till Dec. I had a valid Florida non-res, but I'm of the opinion that the cleanest way to go is your home state. Now (license #4) expires in 11/2011.

So here's my questions...

---In 2011, so I now just have to do application/prints/picture...really no class? Cool. I like the classes but they were $100-200 each time. Also, I'm one of those geeks who reads the CHL manual front to back, although obviously only recently the 2006 one recently, hence my questions.

---I am honorably discharged (1991) US Navy officer. I'm not retired or in the reserves, but I served in the '80's and 90's. Is there now a discount, or is this only for current reservists or returning combat veterans (Thank all of you!)?

Thanks for any input.

-Scott