TexasCHLforum.com

I tried to renew online but didn't know my PIN. I guessed at the PIN and it looked like I may have guessed right but I got the cryptic message: "may not be eligible for this service." I called DPS and they had already sent out my letter (I think the letter contains the PIN) - which I may not receive for a week or more. I went ahead and had them send me a packet. The lady I talked to didn't say there was an advantage to applying online.

I plan to take the class in the next couple of weeks.

I've been reading about digital prints on the forum. Is digital an option or required? If the prints are scanned what are you given to send to the state?

Paul

Thanks for the kind words about my service! My time in the military seems almost another lifetime ago - I was out in 1980 so no freebie CHL for me. But I'm happy to pay $35 or even $70 for it. I served in the Arkansas Air National Guard, in Fort Smith with the 188th Tactical Fighter Group. It was a group of highly experienced guys and if I had to go to war I would have been in great company. I was an autopilot specialist. I've been a Texan since late 1980.

My CHL doesn't expire until December but I'm going to jump on it right away. I don't like to leave home without my CHL!

Paul

Thank you very much for your research and I feel much better about filing the paperwork for the discount. I'll also look into NGB-22 and any potential benefits.

Paul

I signed up for an initial 6 year hitch with the first 9 months on active duty for training. I got out for a short time and then re-upped for another 3 years. My DD214 only shows the 9 months of active duty time. I have two honorable discharge certificates. I've never seen an NGB-22 form.

Since all my active duty time is for training I have no veteran's benefits. I'm pretty sure that if I'd stayed in the guard for 20 years but never called up for active duty (other than for training) I would not be a veteran. My brother was in the same ANG unit and is 13 years older than me. He was called up for the Cuban Missile Crisis for one year and is a veteran and eligible for benefits. The "180 days of active duty service other than for training" is a nice loophole to keep the guard from receiving benefits - even though I gave the military a longer commitment on my life than someone who served for 2 or 4 years.

I thought if I sent the TXDPS a DD214 with my renewal application they would probably give me an automatic pass for the veteran's discount. But, I don't want to risk slowing down the process for just $35! The CHL is of greater value than that!!

Paul

I served in the Air National Guard - 9 months active duty and 8 years weekend warrior. I was never called up for active duty other than for training purposes. I think the requirement for Federal veteran status is 180 days of active duty service other than for training purposes. I have a DD214. So I'm not a veteran per se, but do I qualify for the CHL veteran discount?

Thanks,
Paul