TexasCHLforum.com

I completed my application online 2 years ago in January 2011. I fully expected to fill out a new application but once you submit the application you can't go back in and see it, change it, update it, nothing. Once I finally took my class on January 19, 2013, I sent an email through the website asking what I should do since my old application was still locked in the system. I couldn't get through on the phones and I didn't get a response through the email so I went ahead and mailed my package with the old application receipt on January 24.

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....

I actually just got off the phone with a super helpful rep named Rebecca, and found out that my license is print now, should have it in 10 days, even though the website says I'm still under review. I took the time to tell her how much I appreciated the work they do, and how I understood how crazy and stress full it is right now. She seemed over-the-moon that someone took the time to say thanks. Anyway, moral of the story? Make a phone, wait on hold, get answers.

How can they do the local check in an hour? Did the law change? Are they skipping it because they're too busy?

I'm not sure what their background check consists of. I assumed it was just an NCIS check similar to the FFL phone call check. She did ask if I was still active military and I do have a security clearance so that may have sped it up a bit but I still don't think it takes long to find out if someone has a record.