May 2010 Applications

[Rvrrat14]

I'm another May holdout. I'm pitching a tent and strongly considering pouring a slab!

[Clutch]

Misery loves company...

[coryeller]

Been waiting since mid-May. Monday, July 12 will be day #60 and after that I'll start to worry a little. But in the interval I've been able to enjoy this forum and get to learn some of the lingo... FTF, FTE, BUG, LEO, EDC, BG- it's a whole new dialect.

I've had no communication from DPS and every attempt to log into the database results in a "can't access system" or the "you've exceeded the number of log-in attempts in a 24 hour period" scold.

Coryeller

[chasfm11]

Been waiting since mid-May. Monday, July 12 will be day #60 and after that I'll start to worry a little. But in the interval I've been able to enjoy this forum and get to learn some of the lingo... FTF, FTE, BUG, LEO, EDC, BG- it's a whole new dialect.

I've had no communication from DPS and every attempt to log into the database results in a "can't access system" or the "you've exceeded the number of log-in attempts in a 24 hour period" scold.

Coryeller

Just a curious question from a fellow "waiter". Did you send your application in via mail or do it on line? If by mail, did you send it certified? Do you have any indication that your application was ever receivered?

Thanks.

Chas

[canvasbck]

Been waiting since mid-May. Monday, July 12 will be day #60 and after that I'll start to worry a little. But in the interval I've been able to enjoy this forum and get to learn some of the lingo... FTF, FTE, BUG, LEO, EDC, BG- it's a whole new dialect.

I've had no communication from DPS and every attempt to log into the database results in a "can't access system" or the "you've exceeded the number of log-in attempts in a 24 hour period" scold.

Coryeller

If you haven't called them yet, then you sir, have the patience of Job.

[coryeller]

chasfm11...

The online application was done May 10, fingerprints @ L-1 FAST on May 11, excellent quality passport style photos May 11 also and signed by the L-1 staffer, shooting qualification (scored 100 using an LCP new out of the box) completed May 12, class taken and documents certified mailed May 13, green card from DPS indicating the packet was received by them May 14.

canvasbck...

Never met Job but yes, I am pretty patient but beginning to run thin. The opening of the mailbox is now known as "the daily disappointment" lately.

This CHL forum is friendliest I've ever encountered. This helps a lot.


Coryeller

[Clutch]

OK, i couldn't hold out any longer, so I called the CHL office this morning. I explained that my app has been in the system for about 60 days. I gave the (very helpful and cordial) lady my SSAN and full name and she told me that a Ms. Valentina had my app and she would transfer me. Ms. Valentina was very nice and she told me that my back ground check had just begun and that I should only have to wait another couple weeks!

All were very nice and helpful, but I can't believe a couple more weeks. Having said all that, I was surprised that I was able to get to the desk of the person processing my application. I was surprised that all were very nice and helpful. So here's a question. Since I just called and took up 5 minutes of Ms. Valentia's time, how long do you think that equates to stalling EVERY BODIES application process?

My point is, the more I (you) call, the more time it takes away from processing someone's app... I'm just sayin'...

[Rvrrat14]

My recent call got me the standard answer and being told applications are taking more than 60 days
When I advised her that some people (here on the forum) are receiving theirs on less than that and sometime much less, she had no comment and fell back upon the standard answer. Can't say much about their customer service from a state agency.

[chasfm11]

Can't say much about their customer service from a state agency.

When a commercial business gets more customers than it can handle at once, that is a good thing and they usually can staff up to handle it. In any governmental entity, they are operating on a fixed budget, no matter how many customers they might get. They don't get to add people just because the workload goes up. Our local post office has the same 3 people on the same three counters whether there is nobody in line or the line is out the door. I suspect that the DPS folks have to deal with a lot of manual steps to process a license application.

A larger car manufacturer that I worked with had a great process to handle loans and lease applications because everything was scanned in upon receipt and the paper copies were stored only for a short period. The workflow was managed electronically and there were enough people watching for exceptions and dealing with them. The car dealer had great incentive to process the application quickly to get the car off the lot. I suspect that DPS doesn't have similar motivation to put the plastic in our hands and that they are still "pushing paper" right up to the manufacture point.

Knowing that doesn't help our wait, however.

[Rvrrat14]

Can't say much about their customer service from a state agency.

When a commercial business gets more customers than it can handle at once, that is a good thing and they usually can staff up to handle it. In any governmental entity, they are operating on a fixed budget, no matter how many customers they might get. They don't get to add people just because the workload goes up. Our local post office has the same 3 people on the same three counters whether there is nobody in line or the line is out the door. I suspect that the DPS folks have to deal with a lot of manual steps to process a license application.

A larger car manufacturer that I worked with had a great process to handle loans and lease applications because everything was scanned in upon receipt and the paper copies were stored only for a short period. The workflow was managed electronically and there were enough people watching for exceptions and dealing with them. The car dealer had great incentive to process the application quickly to get the car off the lot. I suspect that DPS doesn't have similar motivation to put the plastic in our hands and that they are still "pushing paper" right up to the manufacture point.

Knowing that doesn't help our wait, however.

I also work for a LARGE state agency. I am a manager and deal with customer service. This program, CHL, is mandated by legislation and monies are appropriated for such things. Yes, we all DO MORE WITH LESS. But as a state agency, legislation is a priority. If you have issues getting the job done, you borrow from other areas, etc. You still have to get ur dun. I can bet they are very busy at DPS. However, my complaint is the lack of CONSISTENCY in their processes. As I read all the posts I can see that everyone is told something different or the same AGENCY LINE. What happened to the TRUTH. I cannot understand when my buddy, who took his the same day as me, and turned his papers in 2 weeks later than I, have already been sent his app back for clarrification, returned it, and is now in the manufacturing stage. I guess some of us are unlucky and/or fell thru the cracks. Whew.....I feel better. Thanks...

[chasfm11]

I also work for a LARGE state agency. I am a manager and deal with customer service. This program, CHL, is mandated by legislation and monies are appropriated for such things. Yes, we all DO MORE WITH LESS. But as a state agency, legislation is a priority. If you have issues getting the job done, you borrow from other areas, etc. You still have to get ur dun. I can bet they are very busy at DPS. However, my complaint is the lack of CONSISTENCY in their processes. As I read all the posts I can see that everyone is told something different or the same AGENCY LINE. What happened to the TRUTH. I cannot understand when my buddy, who took his the same day as me, and turned his papers in 2 weeks later than I, have already been sent his app back for clarrification, returned it, and is now in the manufacturing stage. I guess some of us are unlucky and/or fell thru the cracks. Whew.....I feel better. Thanks...

Clearly, some agencies seem to do a better job than others. What seems consistent across State lines, however, is the motor vehicle related department. We've experienced PA, NJ and TX and they all seemed to struggle a lot more than other agencies. DPS seems to have a pretty broad range of responsibilities including CHL. My guess is that, man-power wise CHL application processing isn't a priority. The heavy manual nature of the process makes the timing people dependent. The faster processors turn things around faster. I promise you that my application got assigned to one of the not-so-fast staff, it just seems to be my lot in life.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

The faster processors turn things around faster. I promise you that my application got assigned to one of the not-so-fast staff, it just seems to be my lot in life.

Mine, apparently, has been outsourced to India.

:)

[budroux2w]

I might just have to email tomorrow if status doesn't change. Funny how my employer can do a drug test, FBI and local BGC in less than two weeks......

[chasfm11]

The faster processors turn things around faster. I promise you that my application got assigned to one of the not-so-fast staff, it just seems to be my lot in life.

Mine, apparently, has been outsourced to India.

:)

[Clutch]

I can't believe I got an update!


* Background Check : Completed
* Concealed Handgun License : Manufacturing Pending

21/Dec/09 App Submitted to DPS
23/Dec/09 Received Pin
8/May Course taken
10/May Application mailed
12/May Package rec'd by DPS
13/May In the freakin' waiting room...
26/May WOO HOO! I'm officially waiting on my reviews!
1/Jun ...err, uhh, I gotta resubmit photos... bummer
15/Jun New photos mailed
28/Jun called and talked to Rebecca… she told me to be patient and don’t call back…
11/Jul Mfg. pending

So, I'm guessing that means a couple more weeks 'til I receive my plastic and FINALLY join the Carry Club!