Ok, newbie here but thought I'd share my experience so far (btw, this really helps people as they go through this application process and thanks to all who came before me):
Application submitted: 12/9/12 - Online submission of documents; 12 / 10 /12 mailed the documents
Received by DPS : 12/13/12
Background under review: 12/14/12
Background complete: 12/18 /12
Manufacturing: 12 /19 /12
Mailed: 12 / 20 / 12
Plastic in hand: 12 / 24 / 12
Woo Hoo!
Online is the way to go. Note I also suggested they use my DL photo on record, which they did. That may have accelerated the manufacturing...