Renewal without taking class.

[Philipp2]

I just received my packet from the State and noticed online that for your third renewal, you are not required to complete the test or proficiency demonstration. However, after calling the place where I normally renew, I found that you still should use them for fingerprinting and photos. For this they charge $45 and would allow you to sit in on the class, if desired.
Has anybody else done this? Renewed without the tests? It seems weird.

[HankB]

I just received my packet from the State and noticed online that for your third renewal, you are not required to complete the test or proficiency demonstration. However, after calling the place where I normally renew, I found that you still should use them for fingerprinting and photos. For this they charge $45 and would allow you to sit in on the class, if desired.

I'm not there yet, just having renewed for the second time.

But DPS/FAST prints cost $10 and are less likely to be rejected than most other prints. Walgreens will do passport photos for, IIRC, about $8. (Get those first, since the guy who does your prints has to sign on the back of the photo.) Total about $18. They're not doing you any favors by offering this "service" for $45.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Fingerprints typically run $5 to $10 in the Houston area and photos can be had for $6.

Chas.

[Bily Lovec]

philipp

Im also up for 3rd and Ive received my packet from the state,
exactly what came in YOUR packet ? all i received was one fingerprint card, one passport photo card and a copy of my online form I filled out.
NO affidavides ?

[bdhawk]

yep, next time i will not have to take the class. my last renewal, i had trouble with my fingerprints. i had to submit fingerprints twice. i got the supposed county 'expert' the second time, and this time they passed. mine were pretty much worn off due to my very physical job. the local sheriff's department does prints for $10.00 and they insist on cash, for some reason. photos are available at the county clerk's office for $15.00, and they took my check card. next time i may opt for the electronic fingerprints to hopefully circumvent the fingerprint issue and maybe expedite things.

[Abraham]

Will someone kindly elaborate on "electronic fingerprints" i.e., how it's done, where, cost, etc?

Thanks!

P.S. I too suffered the rejection of prints - done by a very competent police officer. The second set, done by the same officer, were accepted - after taking many, many days to process...

Frankly, I think the first rejection (of good prints) for many of us, is possibly a method DPS uses allowing themselves more time for processing. This is a common rejection theme (first no - second time yes) and one I've heard repeatedly by those applying. I don't believe the many folks responsible for taking the prints are that poor at doing this job.

Most of the ones I know of that do the finger print job are well practiced and were well accepted before the rush began.

[Greybeard]

Question: "Will someone kindly elaborate on "electronic fingerprints" i.e., how it's done, where, cost, etc?"

Here's where you can read the first spiel on the sweatheart deal: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... dentix.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In our area, Lewisville Police Dept. also does CHL fingerprinting electronically. But, like with even a few of the FAST folks, I've got feedback from some students of even them being rejected the first go-round. The claim seems to be it's the Fibbies who reject the (blue lined) cards.

I added the following paragraph to our web site, believing it to be the most expedicious way for us to deal with the "3'rd renewal" issue.

" Effective Sept. 1, 2007, some license holders due for their 3'rd renewal may get the option to skip the CHL renewal class and send DPS the applicable paperwork. Those who believe they fall into this category (of not needing the class or Form TR-100) are encouraged to call DPS at 1-800-224-5744 for confirmation (as they do not necessarily clearly provide such in the paperwork sent to those needing to "re-up"). DCSA charges $20 to such students who need only the passport photos and notarization in conjunction with others during a scheduled class. (Only after getting confirmation from DPS that a class is not needed, such license holders can e-mail dcsa1996@yahoo.com for the best time to show up on any given scheduled class date.) "

[Abraham]

Thanks Greybeard!