CHL applicants must schedule an appointment with the state approved electronic fingerprint collection agency, L-1 Enrollment Services (L-1). Electronic fingerprints provide a higher quality print; resulting in fewer fingerprint rejections.

CHL applicants must have done one of the following to schedule an appointment with L-1:

1. An online application must have been submitted, OR
2. TXDPS must be in receipt of the paper CHL application.
   1. Applicants who choose to submit a paper application must wait to schedule their L-1 appointment after the application has been processed through the mail and they have received confirmation the application has been entered into the CHL database.

To reduce processing time, TXDPS encourages all applicants to utilize the secure online application.

In order to be fingerprinted, applicants must first schedule an appointment with L-1 Enrollment Services. Unscheduled walk-in service is not offered at this time.

To schedule an appointment at a time and location convenient to you, use one of the following methods:

1. Go online at www.L1enrollment.com, OR
2. Call L-1 directly at 1-888-467-2080.

To reduce processing time, TXDPS encourages all applicants to utilize the secure online application.

• L-1 locations are available across the state of Texas.
• Locations have various hours of operation, including some services on Saturdays.
• Applicants have the option to select the location, date and time.

The fingerprint processing fee is $9.95, payable to L-1 by one of the following methods:

• Online with a credit card, OR
• At the L-1 location, payment must be made by check or money order.

All Original CHL applicants are required to submit fingerprints to TXDPS as part of the complete CHL application. CHL applicants must submit electronic fingerprints regardless of whether the applicant submits a paper application or an online application.

Original CHL applicants must continue to sign the CHL-6 "Photo Holder/ID Signature" form and return it with two (2) passport photos regardless of the method used for fingerprinting; however, signatures are not required on the back of the photos. (Note: The photo taken at the time of electronic fingerprinting is for identification purposes only and will NOT be used for application purposes.)

CHL renewal applicants are not required to submit fingerprints* or passport photos** as part of their renewal application. TXDPS now has the technical capability to use the photo on file and to resubmit the fingerprints on file for the required background check.

* However, if the fingerprints on file do not meet current FBI or Texas quality standards; applicants will be required to provide a new set of electronically captured fingerprints using the State’s designated vendor, L-1 Enrollment Services (L-1).

** TXDPS reserves the right to request replacement passport photos in the event current photos do not meet quality standards and/or a person’s appearance has changed substantially. TXDPS will send notification to the applicant if new photos are required.

Q:  Is the fee associated with collecting fingerprints part of the $140.00 CHL application fee?
A:  No. Fingerprint collection fees are separate from the $140.00 Original application fee and are not paid to TXDPS. The fingerprint fee is $9.95 and must be paid to the State’s designated fingerprint collection vendor, L-1 Enrollment Services (L-1).

Q:  Do I have to submit electronic fingerprints with my CHL application?
A:  Yes.  Effective March 1, 2011, Texas Administrative Code Chapter 37 §6.11 requires electronic fingerprints for CHL applicants.

Q:  Why should I get electronic fingerprints?
A:  Electronic fingerprints have a 98% classifiability rate which results in fewer fingerprint quality rejections. The electronic fingerprints are automatically forwarded to TXDPS on the same day; therefore, eliminating mail processing delays.

Q:  I am renewing my CHL. Do I have to submit fingerprints and passport photos?
A:  No.  CHL renewal applicants are no longer required to submit new fingerprints or photos as part of their renewal application. CHL will utilize the fingerprints on file and previously submitted photos. However, TXDPS reserves the right to request replacement passport photos and fingerprints for renewing applicants, in the event that the previously submitted photos or fingerprints on file do not meet current quality standards. If either are of poor quality, the applicant will receive notification from TXDPS with instructions.

Q:  Is the Online Application secure and is the information that I enter on the website safe?
A:  Yes.  Data and payment information entered online is encrypted for security. Payment information is not stored, please be sure to print your online receipt at the time of application. For your convenience, the online system also sends a copy of your receipt to the email address provided.

Q:  Why do I have to wait to schedule my L1 electronic fingerprints, until TXDPS acknowledges that my application has been entered into their computer system?
A:  The application information must be in the CHL database, prior to L1 scheduling, to allow all information and responses to match up properly.

Q:  If I am reapplying for a CHL license, do I need to submit fingerprints and passport photos?
A:  Yes.  If your renewal period expired, you are considered the same as an Original application and must submit new fingerprints and passport photos.

Q:  Do I still need my PIN number to access my application status on the Texas.gov system?
A:  No. To check the status of your CHL application online, you will be required to enter your Driver License # or ID#, your Driver License Audit #, your date of birth and your Social Security number.

Q:  How do I apply online?
A: Visit the TXDPS CHL homepage for links to the Texas.gov system.  (see “Online Services”)