71 days and counting

[mcneyens]

I've read a few posts recent about some folks writing their local representative about the excessive time it's taking DPS to process LTC applications and the impossible task of trying to actually get someone on the phone. Does anyone have anything they've used that they'd be willing to share?

I've been staring at this status (see the text in bold below) since I filed my application on December 29th, 2015. I called two days after I submitted my CHL-100 on January 31st (application went in 12/29/15 and finger prints on 1/12). I actually got through that day and talked to someone and they confirmed I had successfully submitted all required paper work and they would contact me if I was missing anything or if they needed any additional information (standard response from what I've read). I never received an e-mail like I've read so many other have, but I figured if I called and they said it's all there, then it must be all there.

I've been calling in every couple days since around day 60 with zero luck and I submitted an online request on April 4th with no response.

So I'm thinking of sending a letter to my local representative in the Texas Senate and Texas House to see if that doesn't spark a change in my completely ambiguous status.

Choose Service

LICENSE APPLICATION STATUS: If you have a pending License to Carry a Handgun application, please allow sufficient time for processing. If you have not already done so, please submit all of the items listed on the checklist you received. DPS will notify you by mail if further information or additional documents are required.

Start Application
Select the application you would like to complete at this time.

Apply for Instructor Certification (to teach LTC courses)

[The Annoyed Man]

Nobody is goofing off, if that's what you're worried about. There was an unprecedented backlog of applications, and not enough people to clear them. I've read that this has since been rectified and the process is beginning to, or should begin to speed up considerably in the near future. Calling every couple of days isn't going to speed it up, and given that there is no malfeasance involved, merely sheer numbers, I'm doubtful that your representative could do much to influence it, particularly this late in the game.

My own first application - back in December of 2007 - took 74 to 75 days to process. There have been recent posts here complaining of applications taking over 90 days. So I'm not sure that pestering DPS employees will gain you anything. It's the fault of all those other folks who were rude enough to apply around the same time you did.

One thing to be aware of....... When your status changes to "mailed", it has NOT been mailed. It has been sent, in a big batch, to the mailing house that handles these things for the DPS, and it is "fixin' to be mailed". It might actually take another week or two after the status changes before the plastic shows up in your mailbox.

Patience, paduan.

[doncb]

All I can say is to be patient. I was lucky enough to submit mine before the rush. At the 30 day mark, I started checking the web site. Sometimes I'd check 2 times a day. I checked one day in the evening and nothing had changed. Checked the next day mid morning and the page had changed to the one where I could change address, etc. Plastic was in the mail box that same day. For some, the web site changes and they get their plastic that day, some a few days later. I wouldn't bother calling. Just check the web site and one day it will change.

[mcneyens]

Patience I have. Not knowing if I'm zero days gone or 72 days gone is what's killing me.

I never received a confirmation e-mail, but did talk to someone on 2/2 that said I had submitted everything.

I trust an e-mail more than the kid working the phones.

Just say'n it would be nice to see a website that said you are on step 3 of 10 or at least get a chance to talk to someone and get another confirmation that I'm actually on day 72.

[mr1337]

I think San Bernardino and all the press about Open Carry and Campus Carry have reminded people that they can legally carry a firearm in Texas. I know it's not fun waiting, but you just kinda have to. You'll have your plastic before you know it and you'll never have to go through this again as long as you keep up with renewal every 5 years.

[mcneyens]

Just to be clear.

I'm not complaining about the wait.

I'm complaining about the lack of information.

Their system needs a complete overhaul, which probably means more funding for better tech and more bodies.

[meyerch5]

Just to be clear.

I'm not complaining about the wait.

I'm complaining about the lack of information.

Their system needs a complete overhaul, which probably means more funding for better tech and more bodies.

Agree with this completely.

Dominoes can tell you exactly where your pizza is in the process of making and delivering it. This seems much more important.

[Chrisginner]

Just to be clear.

I'm not complaining about the wait.

I'm complaining about the lack of information.

Their system needs a complete overhaul, which probably means more funding for better tech and more bodies.

[surferdaddy]

I had a class about 5 weeks ago and some of them already have their licenses. I had a class a couple of weeks ago and they are having trouble even logging into the DPS system to finish their applications. They are also not having any luck calling the service line. They must be swamped. Weird how just a month made this much difference.

Surfer