help me get started

[rob m]

OK its time to get my CHL. Where do I start?
Online app or sign up for an all in one class?
Rob in Austin

[budroux2w]

Good thread. I don't have mine yet either and I was considering filling out the online app, then signing up for the class when it arrives in the mail.

[Drewthetexan]

All the stuff that comes in the packet you get after you apply online should be available when you take an all-in-one class. I applied online, but scheduled and took the class before I recieved the packet. I just mailed all my stuff once the packet from DPS came in the mail. Your instructor will (*should*) make sure all your ducks are in a row before you mail it off, and they will tell you what, if anything is missing or whatever.

I recommend getting your fingerprints done electronically. I, and many others, had to redo fingerprints, which caused a delay.

Edit: and be sure if you apply online that you sign the filled out application that they send you. Also causes delay if you don't. (Ask me how I know!)

[Rex B]

Do the all-in-one class.
I did a cheaper class, registered electronically, got my own prints.
Major hassle, don't do that.

You should leave a one-day class with a packet completed, checked, and ready to mail.

[USA1]

Welcome to the forum Rob.

I don't know if there's an advantage one way or the other. But like Drewthetexan said, a good instructor will help make sure your application is correctly completed.

Personally, I like the "all in one stop" method.

[UpTheIrons]

I would also recommend the one-stop-shopping option. I know some do it with photos, some without. After my class, all I had to do was fill out the app, write a check and stuff in in an envelope. Made it much easier than running around all over the place. Of course, My prints didn't have to be redone, so I didn't have that problem to deal with.

Depending on where you are, many of the fine members here would likely recommend an instructor in your area.

[joe817]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Glad to have you with us!

I used this link to find a CHL instructor:

http://www.txchia.org/inst.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DrBillC]

Definitely go for the all-in-one class. My instructor said if I listened to her, all my information would be filled out correctly and nothing was missing. She was right!

[joe817]

I did the online route, and glad I did. For me there was a couple of benefits. One was that I received my PIN# with the application packet DPS mailed me. So no waiting for it, and I could immediately track my progress thru the DPS website.

Secondly, was that a CHL handbook came with the packet. A BIG plus for me, as it gave me a chance to read cover-to-cover the Handbook 3 times before class. There was about a month and a half span from the time from when I applied online until I took my class. So I had ample time to prepare. During that time, I also spent as much time on the forum as I could, and asked every question I could think of. As I had a "record" of sorts, I also found out exactly what court documentation was needed to send with my packet(thanks to this forum). And the time gap allowed me to do get that documentation.

I felt thoroughly prepared when class day finally arrived. So for me it worked out well. Glad I did it my way. But there are more than 2 ways to skin a cat. The other way works well too, and there's absolutely nothing wrong in doing it that way.

Sooooo, it's what ever trips your trigger.

[Spanky]

I would suggest you do the one stop shopping route.....and do it fast because once you submit everything your going to have a long long long wait. I waited for 5 months before I got the plastic, and I have never even had a single traffic ticket.

[jmorris]

All the stuff that comes in the packet you get after you apply online should be available when you take an all-in-one class. I applied online, but scheduled and took the class before I recieved the packet. I just mailed all my stuff once the packet from DPS came in the mail. Your instructor will (*should*) make sure all your ducks are in a row before you mail it off, and they will tell you what, if anything is missing or whatever.

I recommend getting your fingerprints done electronically. I, and many others, had to redo fingerprints, which caused a delay.

Edit: and be sure if you apply online that you sign the filled out application that they send you. Also causes delay if you don't. (Ask me how I know!)

And be sure to sign the fingerprint cards. Causes delay if you don't. (Ask me how I know!)

[Spanky]

I think it's worth it to get the FAST laser fingerprints done the first time. My prints were rejected originally then it took six weeks to get my rejection info from DPS. The second time I did the laser print thing for like ten bucks....perfect prints and no rejection

[garcia946]

FYI , my boss` wife just had FAST prints done for a job and they were rejected and she had to pay for prints out of pocket. He told me she was charged $50.
My point is even FAST( Laser prints ) can come back,suprised me that they came back. Not the first time that Ive heard that about laser printing though.