Trust me, I wanted to pay the Austin DPS a visit, but I figured they'd tell me the same thing they told me every time I called them... "We're still waiting on part of your background check." After several long months of waiting, I contacted my state senator. Her people looked into it, but shortly after that, I was told that everything was finished and my license was in the mail, so I didn't have them pursue it. Well, after about 15 days of waiting for it to arrive, I began to wonder. I called the DPS, and they told me that it had been mailed, and that I would need to wait 30 days before reporting it lost in the mail. I asked the lady if she thought it would take her 30 days to drive from Austin to Fort Worth.Kevinf2349 wrote:WOW, I mean WOW!
That is totally outrageous! How on earth did you manage not to drive to Austin and camp out at the DPS?
Did you never contemplate requesting a hearing?
I admire your patience though
Congrats on the licence....at last!
Be safe out there and a Wally Walk report is expected
(I realize that's not the most courteous thing to say, but at that point, my patience with the DPS was gone) She told me that she would mail me the forms that I would need if I wanted to report it lost prior to the 30 days being up. I received the documents two days later. 
In order to submit the forms, I would have to report that I either lost my CHL or had it stolen. In addition to that, I'd have to pay $25. By that point, I was used to waiting, so I just waited until my 30 days had passed, reported it lost in the mail, and had it re-printed. One lady told me it would take an additional month to print. Another lady told me it would take 2 days. Luckily for my sanity, the second lady was right. About 2 days later, I finally received my "golden ticket".
I haven't done a Wally Walk yet, but I did do a Target walk tonight. Does that count?
It was actually cold enough tonight to wear a coat, so I didn't have the first time "everyone is looking at me" feeling. It was uneventful, which I guess is a good thing. Needless to say, I am VERY appreciative that I have the ability to carry now, and I feel better knowing that I have a very effective tool available, should the need arise.Thanks to everyone for the congratulations. I'm honored to finally be an official part of our CHL community!
Stay safe out there everyone.
I think I officially hold a record that I would rather not have, but at least it's finally here. 