TexasCHLforum.com

Hi,

I got my TX CHL almost 4 years ago. It currently expires in October. I was told that I would get a reminder in the mail 6 months prior and that I had to go on-line to request my renewal packet, is that correct?

Also, since it's a renewal, do I have to re-list any prior offenses all over again or just the past 4 years? For example, I had a DUI over 20 years ago and couldn't get a copy of the final disposition from the courts because they didn't keep records that far back. I got a statement from the court saying that and sent it in. I think it took me 80 days to get my CHL the first time. Am I going to have to go through all that again? Shouldn't they already have that on record and just do the background check for the past 4 years or do I have to fill out everything again as if it's a first time application?

Thanks for any assistance. I know I have a few months to go but I want to make sure I get things ready early.

JimmyD - Welcome to the forum!

About your questions, look for your renewal notice sometime about April, then find yourself a renewal class as soon as possible.

You do NOT have to go through the whole application process again. Yes, DPS already has all that info now. The renewal application is just a verification that the info on your license is still correct. You don't have to worry about past offenses and disposition paperwork this time.

llwatson wrote:JimmyD - Welcome to the forum!
You do NOT have to go through the whole application process again. Yes, DPS already has all that info now. The renewal application is just a verification that the info on your license is still correct.

Excellent! Just what I needed to hear. Thanks for the quick response!

Welcome aboard JimmyD.
Be sure to begin early. 6 months is not a long time.

longtooth wrote:Welcome aboard JimmyD.
Be sure to begin early. 6 months is not a long time.

I agree with LT. You sure don't want to cut it so close that your current CHL expires. This has hppened to some here.

Welcome to the forum

longtooth wrote:Welcome aboard JimmyD.
Be sure to begin early. 6 months is not a long time.

I still have to wait for the renewal notice, is that correct? I plan on taking the class as soon as I get the notice. I took my original class at The Bullet Trap in Plano, which is where I plan on taking the renewal. Usually they only need a few weeks notice to register for an open spot. That way, I'll submit the paperwork almost 6 months before my license expires. I would think that the renewal shouldn't take as long as the original but I'm surely not going to count on it being quicker.

Thanks for the replies

The TR100 certificate for renewals is only good for 6 months. That's why you cannot take a renewal course more than 6 months before your birthday.

If your birthday is 10/15, you could take your renewal course on 4/16.

You do not have to wait on the renewal letter from DPS.

The renewal letter will have a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which is an Alpha character followed by 3 numbers. With the PIN you can log into the DPS website, fill out some forms and pay w/ a credit card. This will trigger and automatic renewal package. Said package has a white form that you have to sign and date and return with the rest of the forms.

If you do not renew online, you will have to contact DPS and request a renewal package, it comes with a blue form. You correct anything that has changed, (address, phone #, weight, sex), and return it with the other forms.

Seems like the letter says that if you do not take some action, they will automatically mail a renewal package around your birthday but I have not heard of that happening.

You do NOT have to wait to get the renewal package to take the class. Most instructors have extra forms, but you will have to wait for the renewal package to file with DPS.

I still think they should send the renewal packet instead of a letter telling you to contact them and request one, that would save them the time and effort of a second contact and mailing.

El Gato - Agreed. But, methinks they are trying to force as many people as possible to do the deal electronically ...

Where I find that all too many students screw up, is having a change of address and not informing DPS. And the DPS letters sent out in advance are typically not forwarded - which makes for some unhappy campers in Austin when licenses holders call them wanting to know where their stuff is ...

Do not wait too long for last year I was due for renewal.

I sent off for my packet straight away, but I procrastinated on the class a bit too long. My license expired in July and I took the class in May. I was without for a week before my new license made it back into my hand.

kw5kw, I am afraid I'll be in the same situation soon.

I cut it too close on the renewal class and had to walk around "naked" for a couple of weeks in December.