On January 31, I finally received a reply to my email question. It stated that they would delete my old application and that I could go back in about 3-4 days and submit a new application. Bummer! I just wasted a week.
I called and got through after an hour to a rep who said that I would have to complete a new application (fine), resubmit all of the paperwork (fine), and get refingerprinted (grrr! time off work plus $10). I was patient and kind but asked to speak with the next level. She was kind and agreed that I would have to do it all over again but said that she would check into it more. I then received a call back from someone else who understood about the extra wait, expense, and frustration. She already had my fingerprints and asked me to resubmit the CL100 and my military LES etc by email.
She called me an hour later to let me know that I would receive my license in 7-10 days (ahead of schedule). One thing that we did learn from speaking with them was that all packets sit in a warehouse for about 3 weeks (which is why you see no updated status online for about that long). They are just that overwhelmed. The other thing we learned was that, once it is in someone's hands, it takes about an hour from start to finish. The third thing we learned was that mine showed mailed Monday morning. That was 4 days after it was actually "completed". It is a one day turn around between Austin and San Antonio so I expected it Tuesday but now I'm shooting for Wednesday. Probably sits in a warehouse for a few days before it actually gets mailed.
Overall, I had a good experience with the CHL division. Well, at least the one lady who took my potential delay and turned it into an expedite.
To compare, my co-worker did his by the book and is still waiting for a status update. He mailed his 2 weeks ago....I feel guilty....
