Fingerprint Problem--Maybe???

[larryj]

Hi-
I hope someone had an experience similar to this and can advise.

My first go around with fingerprints ended with an email from CHL saying the prints were "unacceptable" I made a new appointment, got the prints retaken and haven't heard anything back. The guy who took the prints the second time marked up the original form and provided a new fingerprint "number" which was submitted with the application.

BUT--here is what the CHL status website says:

Application : Received
Fingerprints : Quality unacceptable, notice sent to applicant
Affidavits : Received
DL or ID : Valid
Citizenship : No documentation required
Passport photo holder : Received
Photo : Received
Proof of Classroom training : Received
Proof of Proficiency training : Received
Fee : Received
Background Check : Under review
Concealed Handgun License : Print pending completion of application review

Should I be calling about the prints? Or should I just simply wait?

Any experiences out there?

Thanks-

Larry

[USA1]

There are some people that do not have well defined finger prints resulting in rejection by DPS. The best way to solve this problem is to use corn huskers lotion and drink plenty of water before having the prints done. This will significantly raise the ridges on the finger tips to allow better printing.

In your case it would also be a good idea to have the print technician make a note stating "Best possible prints" on the card.

Hope this helps.

[larryj]

Hi-

Thanks for the response-

I guess what I am asking is "how do I know if the second set of prints were OK?"

I know the first were rejected, but did not receive any notice after the second set was taken--and the technician did note on the scan that they were the best possible prints.

I hate to call just to call--but if no one had a similar experience I will.

Does anyone know the best number and time to call?


Larry

[USA1]

how do I know if the second set of prints were OK?

They might might have been accepted but the DPS website just hasn't been updated yet.
How long has it been since you submitted the second set?

[larryj]

Hi--Thanks for the reply--

The second set paperwork was sent in with the application. The prints were taken the day before I sent the application in. It has now been just about 30 days.

But, the web site says the same thing since it was first available.

Thanks-

Larry

[USA1]

Dps is famous for slow updates on their site. Most likely everything's ok but since it's been that long, I would definitely call to follow up. (512) 424-7293

https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/contact/default.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldgringo]

Yes.

Mrs. Oldgringo had to submit FOUR (4) sets of prints over a 160 day period back in '08 before her prints were accepted. The 4th set of prints were submitted simultaneously with letters to the Gov, State Senator, head of DPS and state Rep. Our State Senator's office called and told her that her prints had been approved about four days after the last submission.

Good luck with yours.

[larryj]

Well--Interesting---I just got a letter from CHL saying my fingerprints were rejected and my application will be terminated in 45 days. This is after I called them and gave them the second TCN number for the prints. I decided to send in the L1 form with the second TCN number since apparently the phone call did no good or perhaps the information phoned in didn't get there in time before the form letter went out.

It's Veterans Day so no phone call. I think I will wait until I get the return receipt on the letter I am sending with the new L1 TCN number.

Do you think that calling L1 will do any good?

Larry

[Crossfire]

Larry - calling L1 probably will not help at all. They have done their part - taken your prints and submitted them.

The letter you received from DPS is probably a followup to the email on the first set of prints, but you can't be sure. Unfortunately, you can't do anything until Tuesday, so just relax for the weekend. Call up DPS on Tuesday and find out if the letter refers to the first set of prints, or the second set. If the tech doesn't give you a good answer that makes sense, then you may need to talk to a supervisor.

If you DO have to go back for a third set of prints, here is what you need to know. Drink lots of water in the 24 hour period before your appointment. Lots means excessively lots - like twice what you normally consume. Maybe more. Hydrated fingers have better prints. And to further help with that - go to Walmart and get some CornHusker's lotion. Nothing else raises prints like CornHusker's, so don't bother with any fancy good smelling stuff. Use that several times a day for a few days before your appointment.

For MOST people, that will be enough to get discernable prints. But not for everyone. Some people really do not have fingerprints left after years of working with their hands. For those people, we just have to submit a note that these are the best impressions available. After 3 tries, they have to accept that.

Good luck to you on this! This waiting is the painful part, but it will soon be over. Just know that, even people without fingers have managed to get their CHL. You will too.

[larryj]

Crossfire-

Thanks for the info. It is appreciated.

I don't think that the issue is with image, at least for the second time. At the first L1 site I went to, I was supposedly first appointment after lunch. The guy (just a room in one of the local government welfare offices) showed up 45 minutes beyond his lunch hour (there were now 4 people waiting) and obviously had other things on his mind as he was interrupted by personal cell phone calls twice while he was doing my prints.

When I got the email to have the prints redone, I went to a different place which was obviously more professional, with several private booths, etc. There the guy looked at my hands in advance (I do have an issue with missing and messed up fingers on one of my hands) and made several notes on the image regarding --best image possible, etc etc. He "guaranteed" me success.

However, I think the mistake was made in that they used the original L1 form and just kind of added a second column, probably not really looked by the state.

Anyway, I sent a certified letter with the new TCN number and the form highlighting the second set of information on Saturday so they should have it in Austin on Tuesday or Wednesday latest. I think I will wait until maybe Wednesday or Thursday to call again.

Meanwhile, I went ahead and ordered a glock 19 as recommended here by a cop buddy of mine as a carry weapon---so I am all set as soon as I get the license.

I am still hopeful this will all be straightened out real soon.

Larry

[Crossfire]

Sounds good, Larry. Good choice on firearm. G19 is my daily carry too.

[rossgirl]

Thank you Larry for all the good information. I failed fingerprinting due to my age and am waiting for tomorrow morning to reschedule. I bought the corn huskers and will start drinking tons of water. I will also pray for good success. Good luck on yours!!

[larryj]

Well first--Rossgirl--thank the others--I just got this started.

My continuing saga.

Well--I called CHL and spoke to a very helpful young man named Dan.

He told me that my application is proceeding well and I am not to be concerned about any chance of terminating my application---WHEW!!

He also told me that they could not find my latest set of fingerprints. He made a point of saying that they are not lost, just can't be found. When questioned he said this is a pretty regular occurrence---hmmmm, but I feel I have to trust him--he was very helpful and sincere.

Anyway, he said if I don't hear otherwise that I should call back by end of month just to make sure that everything is OK.

Application was received October 6 so pushing 6 weeks--maybe only one or two more to go.

Larry