A simple step by step process for CHL application

[drw]

It seems like there is some confusing or downright conflicting information about the actual process of submitting an application, and I'd like to get some clarification from the experts, if possible. I'm sorry to have to ask such a basic question that probably has a very obvious answer, but I'm just not "getting it" and would love clarification.

The way I understand it, you have several roads to go down to get your CHL:

1) Go straight to a CHL instructor, take the class and have them help you fill out the paperwork that they supply. They take the photos, prints, etc, and you then mail the whole lot in when you're done. Lock N Load in Tyler promotes their class as a complete solution. You walk in with nothing and you walk out with a completed packet ready to be mailed.

OR

2) Go to the DPS website and fill out an online application, and then they mail you a blank packet. You then go to the instructor and take the class, but don't use the packet that the class gives you. Source: http://www.txchia.org/getchl.htm

OR

3) Take the class and get the complete packet from them. Then go online to DPS and request a packet from them. Then mail the packet you got from the instructor.

This is confusing to me. Can anyone shed light on this subject?

[seamusTX]

You can do it any of the ways that you listed. However, if you do #3, you have to make sure that the correct license number is on your TR-100 form (which shows that you passed the course).

The TR-100 form does not come with the application. Instructors buy them from DPS and fill them out for each student.

You're better off with #1 or #2, so that the instructor can check your application.

There appears to be no appreciable difference in processing time if you do the online application.

- Jim

[drw]

Thanks Jim.

A question then, if I may, regarding the data entry on the DPS side. Apparently if you apply online, then you are entering your own information into their database, and thus avoiding potential data entry errors? If you don't apply online, then you are basically at the mercy of a data entry clerk in Austin?

[seamusTX]

That true to some extent. You can be sure your name, address, etc., are correct. DPS has to enter other information.

- Jim

[drw]

My wife has taken her class and has her instructor-supplied packet ready to go. Should she just mail it, or do the online thing first? What would you do?

[Skiprr]

My wife has taken her class and has her instructor-supplied packet ready to go. Should she just mail it, or do the online thing first? What would you do?

IMHO, if she has the packet from her class completed, checked, and ready to go, I'd let it go. Actually, I'd photocopy everything for my records, then I'd send it certified mail to Austin.

Filing online at this stage and waiting for the packet to arrive would probably just slow things down. If the license happens to show up with a data entry error (my original one showed me to be one year younger than I really am), DPS will correct it and you can continue to use the first-arrival plastic until the corrected version gets there.

[seamusTX]

At this point, doing the online registration probably wouldn't speed up the process at all. I've heard of a grand total of one person who got the wrong driver license number on the CHL due to an error by DPS, so the risk of that kind of thing seems low.

I went the old-fashioned route and had no trouble with it.

- Jim

[KaiserB]

1) Go straight to a CHL instructor, take the class and have them help you fill out the paperwork that they supply. They take the photos, prints, etc, and you then mail the whole lot in when you're done. Lock N Load in Tyler promotes their class as a complete solution (as to many other CHL instructors). You walk in with nothing and you walk out with a completed packet ready to be mailed.?

This is an efficient method, but will take the longest to get a PIN as the application will take longer to enter into the system. It is a good turn key, one stop shop method of doing things.

2) Go to the DPS website and fill out an online application, and then they mail you a blank packet. You then go to the instructor and take the class, but don't use the packet that the class gives you. Source: http://www.txchia.org/getchl.htm

This method is the fastest for getting your PIN, however you will have to wait 7-14 days to receive an application packet (which will be prefilled out with your information) that you can mail back with finger print cards, affidavits, etc from training class.

3) Take the class and get the complete packet from them. Then go online to DPS and request a packet from them. Then mail the packet you got from the instructor.

This method will take you the longest as the online app to receipt of the prefilled packet (which you need to apply) will take 7-14 days to receive.

I would choose #1 or #2 depending on preference.

[drw]

Option #1 it is, then! Thank you folks.

[KC5AV]

Let me echo the suggestion to always sent your packet with some sort of tracking. It won't speed things up any, but it does allow you to verify that the packet reached Austin, and when.

[drw]

Tracking, as in "Delivery confirmation" through the USPS? Or ought one to send it UPS or FedEx?

[KC5AV]

I just sent mine with delivery confirmation. You can opt to add return signature, but it really isn't necessary (IMO). You just need to get something that will allow you to verify that it made the trip to Austin. Delivery confirmation allows you to pull up the USPS website and enter a tracking number to get that info. It will cost about $5, and is money well spent. I don't recall any threads about apps getting lost in the mail, but with the backlog, things are falling through the cracks at DPS.

[drw]

Super - thank you!