3.2 License Applications, Fingerprinting and Criminal History

Why This Section Matters

Application mechanics look like paperwork trivia until you notice how many TFM11 questions are simply "which of these four items is required?" The rule enumerates them, so the answers are closed-ended. Learn the list and the form numbers.

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1. What Makes an Application Complete (§ 34.613(b)(1))

The fingerprint service code request must include:

1. The natural person's name;
2. The natural person's state of residence;
3. The natural person's email address; and
4. The license type the person is applying for.

Sequencing matters. The rule says a natural person "must start the application or registration process by submitting a formal request for a fingerprint service code." Fingerprinting is the first step, not a closing formality. TDI's licensing page likewise instructs applicants to include a fingerprint receipt with the application unless prints are already on file with the SFMO.

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2. The Employment Precondition

You cannot hold a license in a vacuum:

• § 6002.154(c): a licensee must be an employee or agent of an entity holding a registration certificate to engage in the licensed activity.
• § 34.613(b)(1): the application itself must be signed by a person authorized to sign for the registered firm.
• TDI's licensing page states the SFMO cannot issue an individual license until the applicant is employed by a registered company, and that new company and individual applications should be submitted together when both are new.

That is why a brand-new firm submits Form SF031 (ACR) and Form SF032 (individual) as a package with one combined payment.

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3. The RAL Application Is Different (§ 34.613(b)(7))

An applicant for a residential fire alarm technician license must provide evidence of successful completion of the required residential fire alarm technician training course from a training school approved by the SFMO — see § 6002.154(d-2). There is no separate SFMO-administered technical test for the RAL.

Section 34.613(b)(1) closes the loop: the qualifying test given as part of the RAL training must include questions regarding Insurance Code Chapter 6002 and Subchapter F. Section 6002.158(e) sets that in-course examination at at least 25 questions with a passing score of at least 80 percent, and allocates at least one hour for completion.

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4. Renewal Applications (§ 34.613(d))

A renewal application is complete only when submitted on the adopted form (Form SF094 for individuals; Form SF084 for certificates) and accompanied by all fees, documents, a criminal history report from DPS, and the required information. Note that the DPS criminal history report is required at renewal, not only at initial licensure.

Mailbox rule. A complete renewal application deposited with the United States Postal Service is deemed timely filed regardless of actual delivery date when its envelope bears a postmark date before the expiration of the certificate or license being renewed (§ 34.613(d)(1); § 6002.203(f)).

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5. Criminal History in Context

Chapter 6002 does not contain its own list of disqualifying offenses. The mechanism is:

1. § 34.613(b)(1) and (d)(1) require a DPS criminal history report with every initial and renewal application.
2. § 6002.302(a) lets the state fire marshal suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew — after notice and hearing — for acts that violate the chapter, violate rules or standards adopted under it, or constitute misrepresentation in connection with the sale of products or services.
3. § 6002.301(2) makes it a prohibited practice to obtain or attempt to obtain a certificate or license by fraudulent representation — which includes concealing history on the application.

If an exam item asserts a specific list of automatically disqualifying crimes drawn from Chapter 6002, treat it as a distractor: the chapter does not contain one.

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6. The Two Application Clocks

These run in parallel from different start points. Passing TFM11 in January and TFM12 in June, then filing in October, is fine on the test clock but starts the 180-day completeness clock at the filing date.