I've Been Doing This How Long?

[RossA]

I was asked the other day how long I have had my instructor certification, and I had to stop and think. I can't remember exactly what year I attended my class, or how many renewals I have been through. How can I check to see when I first got certified?

[Mike S]

If you happen to still have your original instructor certificate, that would be my first look (at the date).

If not, perhaps use the search function on the email account you used to correspond with the DPS back then (for your reporting instructions for your class, or search for CHL-7 or CHL-8's, as we used to send these in via email before their portal was up). Unless you did everything via paper mail back then, then I'm outta suggestions.

[RossA]

I probably USED to have my original certificate, until it was lost in the Harvey flood like a lot of other stuff.
Which reminds me of another thread I need to post.

[Mike S]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that.

Any chance you formed an LLC for your firearms instruction? You might be able to get a copy of your incorporating documents from the Texas Secretary of State website, & figure out a close approximation of how long you've been instructing from that.

[RossA]

Good idea about the LLC, but no such luck.
You would think DPS has a way of looking that up, but would they go to the trouble?

[RossA]

Update:
Two days ago I emailed RSD and explained the problem with flooded records. I have received the automated response that they received my inquiry.
I'll report as to whether they can help or not.