I think you might be elligible to skip the class, but think you might want to take it anyway.ScottDLS wrote:This is good news! So let me see if I have it right...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."This last - people repeating and paying for a class they don't have to - I find extremely surprising; where did you hear this?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 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 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
The renewal shouldn't be much more than $50-$65 for the class. You need to get the fingerprint photos and notary anyway, and having someone go over your paper work can't hurt. part of the class is putting 50 rounds down range make it all worth while. Lots of laws have changed in 5 years, It can be difficult to keep up without taking a class. If they are charging $200 for a refresher course I suggest coming down to Galveston county for a weekend. You will spend the $200 but should be able to get your class, a nights stay at the beach, and a meal or 2 for your family.
As a Veteran you are elligible for 1/2 price of the renewal fee. Lets see that's 1/2 of 140 for regular renewal . is $70 1/2 price of that for being an Honerably discharged Veteran is $35 its suddenly not all that expencive anymore. Folks over 60 get the same discount.