When to Apply Online

[Mrkash]

My wife and I are scheduled for our initial CHL class on January 23, 2011. I'm wondering if it is too soon to apply with the state online. I am concerned applying online too soon would create delay or problems, since all needed paperwork is not yet available.

What do you guys thing?

[mikeintexas]

Apply! Get your fingerprints and pics taken. As I understand the process now, you are given a PIN to put on your class/range paperwork to link the different parts.

And welcome to the fourm!

[Teamless]

You can apply anytime, but as the application will be online, there is no reason to do it now.
personally, I would wait until after the class, just for the very slim chance that something goes wrong.
Either you fail, or learn something in the class that makes you think you may not qualify, or you need to reschedule your class for some unknown reason and then do not get it done before the application expires.

[dalto]

You should apply ahead of time and gets your fingerprints done ahead of time. That way when you take your class you will be ready to submit.

[Mrkash]

Apply! Get your fingerprints and pics taken. As I understand the process now, you are given a PIN to put on your class/range paperwork to link the different parts.

And welcome to the fourm!

Mike,
Thank you for the tip on the pin number. I'll keep an eye on that.

Dalto,
Thanks for voting. I will definately apply online before the class, but just not sure how soon.

Mr Kash

[Mrkash]

You can apply anytime, but as the application will be online, there is no reason to do it now.
personally, I would wait until after the class, just for the very slim chance that something goes wrong.
Either you fail, or learn something in the class that makes you think you may not qualify, or you need to reschedule your class for some unknown reason and then do not get it done before the application expires.

Teamless,

Thanks for your feedback. I'm pretty confident I am eligible, but I didn't think about the class getting postponed or cancelled. I think I wait another week or so and then do my online application. I'm less than 30 days out now, but was really fighting the urge to apply online when I knew class was 60+ out. At least now I'm within the 60 day window the state gives to review the CHL online application.

Mr Kash

[mt_goodrich]

I applied online about four days before the class and didn't have any issues. Got the confirmation bar code, etc.

Once class was done, the next day I put everything into the envelope and sent to Austin. Made sure it was certified/return receipt.

The wait begins.

[Crossfire]

Apply! Get your fingerprints and pics taken. As I understand the process now, you are given a PIN to put on your class/range paperwork to link the different parts.

And welcome to the fourm!

Mike,
Thank you for the tip on the pin number. I'll keep an eye on that.

Dalto,
Thanks for voting. I will definately apply online before the class, but just not sure how soon.

Mr Kash

DPS has changed the application process several times in the past year, so it's hard to keep up.

There is no longer a PIN number. You just get a barcoded receipt with a list of the documents you need to send in.

The list may or may NOT be correct. For instance: you do not need to have your photos signed. You only need 1 fingerprint card - not 2. And, if you apply online, you don't need your affidavits notarized.

[Rebel]

I filled out my online application back in May and just took the class in mid December, got fingerprinted at FAST the day before my class.

Sent in my paperwork on the 21st, but due to the holidays, they didn't receive the packet till the 27th.