Expiration in 7 months: How early can I renew?

[ag05]

My CHL is up in March of next year, and considering the massive wait time horror stories I've been reading, I want to get my renewal done as quickly as possible. Can I apply for a renewal this early (I still need to take the course, but I want all my ducks in a row so I can schedule things), or do I need to wait to get the packet in until <90 days prior to expiration? I couldn't find a good answer at the DPS website, but maybe I missed something.

[longtooth]

Not until 6 months before expiration.

[ag05]

Bollocks. That's what I was afraid of.

Thanks for the info.

[ELB]

There is another thread on this somewhere on the board, if your search-fu is good-- but anyway here's what I did for the same reasons you are worrying about it:

You can apply 180 days in advance of your birthday. The DPS website won't let you sign up for renewal until then. Your renewal course must be within 180 days of your APPLICATION DATE (not renewal date/birthday); so theoretically you could take the course up to almost a year in advance as long as you get your application in at the 180 day point. I took my course the weekend before I hit 180 days from my birthday; then as soon as I crossed the 180 day point, I applied online, then sent in my package (with confirmation of receipt, of course!). It actually took me a couple days after the 180 point to get it in the mail, but anyway, I had my renewed license 35 days later. This was last summer, May-June timeframe.

Just make sure, in the midst of your haste, you have all the paperwork correct and complete. If you are eligible for any of the discounts, make sure that documentation is there too. Last I look they did not give you any instruction on what is needed for a veteran's discount, but if you are eligible, a plain paper copy (i.e. doesn't need to be certified and all that) of your DD214 works just fine.

So you can get started on the course and the paperwork right now... you just can't submit it until 180 days out from your birthday.

Good luck.

[ag05]

Good to know. I'll get all the papers in order now.

[Bird of Prey]

I'm taking my CHL course on the 23rd and getting the ball rolling but I didn't realize I have no idea how long is a CHL good for until it has to be renewed.

[USA1]

I'm taking my CHL course on the 23rd and getting the ball rolling but I didn't realize I have no idea how long is a CHL good for until it has to be renewed.

its good for 4 years from the date of completion .
then until your next birthday .

so , if its completed right after your b-day , you get almost 5 years .

kinda like a drivers license .

[Bird of Prey]

I'm taking my CHL course on the 23rd and getting the ball rolling but I didn't realize I have no idea how long is a CHL good for until it has to be renewed.

its good for 4 years from the date of completion .
then until your next birthday .

so , if its completed right after your b-day , you get almost 5 years .

kinda like a drivers license .

That's not too bad. Let's just hope I don't forget!

[LarryH]

The expiration date is on the certificate.

[ELB]

Texas CHL is good for five (5) years. Used to be four, but it changed in...2007 I think.