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So, I guess I am lucky. DPS returned my message by phone and told me that they are:

1) Issuing me a refund for my $150 renewal fee, but that who knows how long it could take because it's the government.
2) Renewing my instructor credentials

Apparently it is written into law that certificates cannot expire before 2 years are up. BUT, their system only prints odd years on certificates. They had multiple complaints and fixed the issue, but I was very proactive and had already paid my renewal fee and attended the renewal class in Georgetown. I suppose a somewhat happy ending, but it was a real bummer to waste a day at that training class when I didn't have to.

When our credentials renew, are we supposed to get a new certificate in the mail? I want to make sure that I know my instructor license is renewed and that I wasn't just told that it was when in fact it did not. That would be a bummer since I teach every month.

Anyone still out there needing to complete their shooting qualification? I got so busy that I wasn't able to do mine yet...

Side note: I just obtained my LTC Instructor Credentials at the end of 2016. A friend who got theirs at the same time received a notice saying that as per Government Code, their certificate should not expire until after the 2nd anniversary of their certificate date. As such, they were being auto-renewed until Dec 31, 2019.

If we all renew right now, how long do our cert's last? If they're just going to expire on Dec 2019 anyway, then I'm going to push back on DPS hard to get my renewal fee back (which I am sure they will not do). That said, I am not counting on them for a response... So, for now I'll just enjoy my 2a being infringed and go shoot the re-qualification anyway because I don't want to lose my license.

I just found this forum, I am also searching for someone in DFW to help me shoot the qualification; obviously I would reciprocate. I'll pass the 1st time no problem, so no worries about a re-shoot :). I am located in Dallas, I work in Coppell, and I shoot all around:

DFW Gun Range
Eagle Gun Range (Lewisville & Farmers Branch)
Elm Fork
Dallas Pistol Club (not a member, but my office is right next to it and I shoot action pistol/shotgun there)
North Texas Shooters Assoc

Note: If we ask, I am sure that many of these ranges will let us shoot a qualification course. I know Eagle is pretty accommodating so that's where I would try first.

I'm willing to travel a bit to get this done. I want to submit my paperwork ASAP to avoid the September 1st rush of applications. If anyone is interested in meeting up I'll make it happen any place any time, with the exception of this Sunday (27th) from 10am-630pm. Just email me at Ty@DallasCarry.com or send me a message with your phone number and I'll reply back right away. I'd post my ph# here but I don't want it on the internet for the whole world to see.