demosdarker wrote:Hi guys. I've been lurking on this forum since I started this process, but just never really had a reason to post until now. Now of course, I need advice
So, I completed my course at the start of March, and I sent in my paperwork on 3/16. Well, our instructor told us we could pay online, but the only way I could figure out to do that was to fill out another app online. So I filled the application out online, paid my 140, and began the wait on 3/16.
Well, I sat for about a month and got a notice saying that they needed a signature from me to start my application. Appearantly, when you do the online application they have to have a signature or something to start the process and run the background checks; and when you send both the hard copy application in and do the application online, they go with the first one they receive, so my hardcopy was thrown out in favor of the internet application.
So my timeline goes something like this:
March 3 took the class (119 days ago)
March 16 sent packet in (106 days ago)
March 18 filled out online application and paid (104 days ago)
April 3 Sent the signature (89 days ago)
Now, this entire time I've been on "Processing Application" and have had my Pin. I've even sweet talked my way into status updates about my application. Once when I called, I was told my Federal Background check was complete and they were just waiting on my local checks. Then I got the standard "backlogged" call back next month.
Well, now I'm wondering if I should get my state representative involved. I live in North Dallas, but I don't know who would represent me in this matter. What do you guys think I should do? I mean, I know the waits are horrendous, but everytime I've seen someone get a politician involved, things seem to speed up.
I guess I'm just looking for direction.
Dont' want to sound like the negative guy, but it sounds like you are partially at fault for not understanding the process, and you may have hurt yourself on this. In essence, you sent in TWO different applications rather than one. The application your receive from your CHL class is meant for people who are starting from nothing. You mailed that off, but I'm assuming did not send in payment. Then you decided to complete a SECOND, SEPERATE application via the online process and paid via Credit/Debit card. Using the online process, Austin will mail you a packet with your information pre-populated on the form. You then need to attach your prints, pictures, and notorized statements from your CHL class, and mail that back into Austin.
So looking back, you can see how you messed up the process. Austin received two packets from you, one from your CHL class that contains one set of paperwork, and another application via tha online route. The signature they are asking for is because it sounds like you did not properly fill out the online application. Since you sent in the signature on April 3rd, DPS probably received your application a week later, so let's call it April 10th, which technically means that you are only around 92-93 days at the time I'm posting this, and not 100+ days.
In this case, I think you complicated your own situation by mailing in two seperate application forms.