Two quick questions for CHL application process?

[beornls]

Hi all,

Long time CHL holder, just now getting my Texas license (Long story short I moved back to Texas in 2010 with a Utah permit which let me carry, but as of 2011 I have to hold a Texas CHL to renew my Utah permit).

First question, I just took the CHL class this weekend and when I applied online for the permit I saw that the closest appointment I could get for the FAST fingerprints was about two and a half to three weeks out (I'm in the SW Houston area). Do I need to wait to send in my CHL-100 until AFTER I get printed? Or can I go ahead and send in the CHL-100 and barcode page now? I would think I need to wait, but wanted to be sure.

Second quick question, my CHL instructor told me it was best to mail in the application and NOT submit it online. This was just based on his personal experience and feedback from his students, he said the online submissions sometimes take longer, etc. Anyone else have any experience with this? He also said to not sent it registered mail, etc., as this puts it to the mail room and delays it as well.

I must say, I'm glad I found what appears to be a great forum!

Thanks in advance for the answers gentlemen.

[RetNavy]

what i did was scan everything into ONE pdf file (CHl-100, bar code, for me DD214, copies of retired ID and receipt of FAST finger prints) then submited electronically. that way didn't have to submit different files. also when received confirmation email knew they had everything.

some sent registered mail which is also a good idea...

[casp625]

You can send it in now, however you like. They will just mail you a letter stating they won't process your application until the prints are received. The last thing DPS received from me was my prints, and I filed everything online. License was in hand exactly three weeks after prints were received. YMMV

[beornls]

Thanks for the answers gentlemen! I went ahead and mailed in the barcode and CHL-100 page so hopefully they'll be waiting when the fingerprints are electronically sent.

[allisji]

I submitted the application online 2 weeks ago. I called the DPS and asked if I needed to wait until I got my prints done before I submitted the CHL100. They said "no". So I went ahead and submitted the CHL 100 before I got printed. I got an email comfirmation of receipt two days later.

As for the fingerprints. I was looking at about 2 weeks as well... I originally booked the Galveston location because it was first available. They told me that they only accept money order or cashier's check at that location. On the day of my appt they called me and said that the person who works that location unexpectedly quit. So I called back and they helped me get an appointment for the next day in Baytown.

The Baytown location was excellent. Right by San Jacinto mall, and very cordial. They accept all methods of payment there.

FYI if you call Morphotrust to book your appointment you might be able to get in sooner than if you book online. No guarantee, but it's worth a shot.

[TXBO]

I submitted the application online 2 weeks ago. I called the DPS and asked if I needed to wait until I got my prints done before I submitted the CHL100. They said "no". So I went ahead and submitted the CHL 100 before I got printed. I got an email comfirmation of receipt two days later.

As for the fingerprints. I was looking at about 2 weeks as well... I originally booked the Galveston location because it was first available. They told me that they only accept money order or cashier's check at that location. On the day of my appt they called me and said that the person who works that location unexpectedly quit. So I called back and they helped me get an appointment for the next day in Baytown.

The Baytown location was excellent. Right by San Jacinto mall, and very cordial. They accept all methods of payment there.

FYI if you call Morphotrust to book your appointment you might be able to get in sooner than if you book online. No guarantee, but it's worth a shot.

This gentleman is right on. My wife and daughter both did theirs in Baytown. Appointments were almost immediate.