TexasCHLforum.com

rockinar wrote:

dieharddano24 wrote:I sent my completed application and sent in my materials to DPS on 2/5/13. Fingerprints were taken in Kingwood, TX on 2/3.

6 weeks later and the DPS site shows the same ol "awaiting required materials". WTH is going on? I've read a lot of "status update" posts and no one appears to have been waiting as long as I have to see ANY change whatsoever. I thought this might be an isolated incident, by my wife did the exact same thing and hers shows no update either. The only common denominator here appears to be the fingerprinting location. On Monday, I'm going to call the dreaded CHL help line (or whatever it's called) and inquire. Something isn't right here.

I waited longer than you. Mine and my girlfriend's apps took 8 weeks before they showed an update.

when did you send your materials in?

After just shy of 3 months my wife's status was changed to "Manfacturing Pending" yesterday.

jmra wrote:Completed online app for renewal on 3/25. Emailed docs at same time. Updated to Manufacturing Pending on 4/25.

Well, again... no rhyme or reason there. Pretty sure they still run background checks on renewals just like new applications. Maybe renewals go through a different "department". Ha - who knows. No telling.

Who did you email your documents to? I didn't know you could email your documents in.

nightmare69 wrote:

dieharddano24 wrote:So considering that you still aren't showing up in the system when you try to login, have you tried to do the online application? I ask because you keep saying "I did the mail in app instead of the online app" and I (and everyone I talk to) did/does both - you just do the online app BEFORE you mail your app in. That's pretty lame that your instructor didn't tell you about the online app - he probably screwed you and all your classmates over. Anyway, even if you physically mailed in your app already, maybe you can do the online app now since your paperwork hasn't shown up in the system Just a thought. I hope everything works out for you quickly ....or at least quicker rather than later. I feel your pain, believe me - I'm almost 3 months into this with no more legal "time-limit" =)

You cannot file 2 applications, you do one or the other, not both. Plus I don't want to pay another $140. I have never heard of anyone filing a online and mail in application. Most just do the online app and then mail in all other docs, not another application.

When you said you "mailed it in", I was thinking that you simply mailed in all your documents - not technically "filed an application". Since I did mine online and then mailed all my crap in, I figured you just mailed in your paperwork and haven't heard anything yet and skipped the online part - i.e. you don't actually have an application on file, but apparently I misunderstood. Obviously, they cashed your check so I don't blame you for feeling extra-screwed right now. It makes no sense to me that they have obviously received your paperwork and cashed your check, yet can tell you nothing about your application status or why you aren't showing up in the system. Of course, not too much makes sense regarding the TX CHL process. Like so many others have said - they are damn sure quick to cash a check, but that's about all they are fast at.

Hell, I didn't even realize you could complete an actual "application" through the mail.

So considering that you still aren't showing up in the system when you try to login, have you tried to do the online application? I ask because you keep saying "I did the mail in app instead of the online app" and I (and everyone I talk to) did/does both - you just do the online app BEFORE you mail your app in. That's pretty lame that your instructor didn't tell you about the online app - he probably screwed you and all your classmates over. Anyway, even if you physically mailed in your app already, maybe you can do the online app now since your paperwork hasn't shown up in the system Just a thought. I hope everything works out for you quickly ....or at least quicker rather than later. I feel your pain, believe me - I'm almost 3 months into this with no more legal "time-limit" =)

Did you pay your fees already?

The reason I ask is because when I went through the CHL class the instructor told us specifically "You have to complete your application packet online FIRST, make your payment, and then you can schedule your fingerprints".

I came right home from CHL class, went online and completed the online application and paid my fees, then went right to the Murpho website and scheduled for my fingerprints. All done/scheduled in the same day... with the fingerprint appointment being about 2 weeks out from that day. You don't have to wait until DPS shows your packet received online to schedule your fingerprints.

nightmare69 wrote:

dieharddano24 wrote:I called yesterday and spoke to a very nice and helpful lady. I wanted to inquire as to whether or not my fax had been received even though I was expecting her to tell me "There's no way for us to know that" and leave me in limbo for an indefinite amount of time. Suprisingly, she told me the following: "Your investigators name is Judy. I can transfer you over to her and she may be able to tell you more. If she doesn't answer, you can certainly leave a voicemail". So, I happily accepted the offer and thought I was transferred... but I guess I was put on hold. About 2 minutes later, the lady came back and said "I just spoke with Judy - she told me she did receive your fax - it was 8 pages long". I laughed and said "That's it! Great!" She could provide no estimated date for decision (which I expected) and I was more than happy to simply hear that they received it. I know that there is now basically an indefinite amount of time before they may make a decision, but at least I know it's at the final stage. No more need for calling. As far as my wife's progress, she couldn't tell me anything because of "confidentiality".

So, back to the waiting game. I wish all the people I spoke to at DPS were as nice and helpful as that lady was. I will post any updates that I get.

Did you do the mail in application? I did the mail in app and its been 50 days since DPS received my mail in app and all other paperwork and Im still not showing up in the system when I try to login, I get the *Error no information found* message.

I called Tuesday and spoke to Rebecca and gave her my tracking number for my full app and packet, she showed to be there but no other information. I asked if they even started on it and she said she didn't know, she said she could not see my status in the system.

I told her I was aware of the 60 day statute that allows them 60 days to complete an application (to either approve or deny you a CHL) from the time they receive it. SHe said that is true but there is no way they would be able to complete my app in that time frame. I understand cause they haven't even started on it yet.

At least I know they have it, just wish they would start on it so I can go schedule my fingerprints.

I originally mailed my completed application packet in back on February 3, 2013. Apparently, they are "allowed" to take 60 days from the day they "receive" it (which actually means the day some person physically opens it and notates it as received in the system, NOT when it arrives on location) to process and mail your CHL as long as you don't have any arrests or situations where you need to provide more documentation. If THAT happens, such as my case, they can take an indefinite amount of time after requesting and receiving your docs. I think that the way they are getting around the initial 60 day requirement is that they are just not entering your data as "received" until they feel like it - since once they do, the clock starts. It took them almost the entire 60 days to show mine as "received" after I first sent it in. I can't imagine how long it is taking applicants who sent in their info after me!

My question to you is this: Why do you have to wait to send in your fingerprints until they show it as received? I have seen many other people do the same thing. I had my fingerprints taken the day before I mailed my completed packet in and I sent proof of my fingerprints being taken in with my packet. Please explain....and as always... hang in there.

I called yesterday and spoke to a very nice and helpful lady. I wanted to inquire as to whether or not my fax had been received even though I was expecting her to tell me "There's no way for us to know that" and leave me in limbo for an indefinite amount of time. Suprisingly, she told me the following: "Your investigators name is Judy. I can transfer you over to her and she may be able to tell you more. If she doesn't answer, you can certainly leave a voicemail". So, I happily accepted the offer and thought I was transferred... but I guess I was put on hold. About 2 minutes later, the lady came back and said "I just spoke with Judy - she told me she did receive your fax - it was 8 pages long". I laughed and said "That's it! Great!" She could provide no estimated date for decision (which I expected) and I was more than happy to simply hear that they received it. I know that there is now basically an indefinite amount of time before they may make a decision, but at least I know it's at the final stage. No more need for calling. As far as my wife's progress, she couldn't tell me anything because of "confidentiality".

So, back to the waiting game. I wish all the people I spoke to at DPS were as nice and helpful as that lady was. I will post any updates that I get.

Got a letter in the mail yesterday requesting disposition information on an arrest of mine from 2007. I have all the required paperwork in the world that would clear me from being denied (legally) and I have prepared that packet and faxed it in today. I am fully aware that "the investigative group" could take from tomorrow to next year, so I probably won't have any updates for a while. However....

My wife, who sent in her application packet complete on Feb 6th, has been sitting on "background check in progress" for almost a month now and has never been arrested in her life. I can understand a person who has been arrested taking a long time, but a person with 0 arrests should come back with a clean report almost instantly. Who knows how long it will take for her.

She is now 2 1/2 months into the process, for the record. I'll post any changes if they come!

MrEd44 wrote:Good to hear Dano, but 7 weeks is still a long time. I saw your post and earlier called today. After 20 plus minutes on hold. I spoke with Dan also, I had spoken with Dan last week and fax him another copy of the documents I had previously email on the 3rd of Feb. He actually remembered me...

Good luck!

Mr Ed,

Sorry to hear that you have gotten nowhere as of yet. I find it absolutely strange that both you and I spoke to the same person and that you ALSO spoke to him randomly last week. What does that suggest - the DPS for TX has 1 person handling the customer service for the entire state? Seriously? What are the odds that both you (2x) and I got the same guy on the help line? This is very concerning. Again, I'm sorry to hear you have gotten no where. All a citizen can really do at this point now that you have called and re-faxed or emailed is wait. You could keep calling, but you never know what this "Dan" could do to your docs if you annoy or piss him off. I must admit I was very surprised to see a change in my status 24 hours after talking to Dan when he had told me that faxing him the documents was basically like "starting over", but what can I say, ya know? I hope you see some change in your status very quickly. The state needs to be doing a better job of keeping the citizens informed of what's going on. EVERYONE is well aware that the amount of applications has sky-rocketed. However, that's no excuse for leaving all of the law-abiding citizens in the dark on the STATUS of RECEIPT. No one expects the CHL's to be produced in a day but no one should be left wondering 7 weeks later if their materials even arrived. I'm sure you feel the same way I do (and countless other submitters) - we just want to know that our paperwork arrived and that we are in line. That's not too much to ask.

One other thing - you mentioned a "3 week window" after submitting that a person should call. Dan told me that they are currently working "5 weeks behind" - in fact, he even knew the exact day of which they were working on applications that were submitted. So, I don't think anyone is going to see any change before 5 weeks. Of course, that was 2 weeks ago - it could be longer now. I would say if you don't see it in 5 weeks, call the VAST customer service department and expect to speak to "Dan". Hang in there man and good luck.

I'm going to completely ignore your last response, "Paustin". You either have a great difficulty reading or you are a deliberate troll, neither of which are worth my time.

***UPDATE***

Anyway, 1 day after contacting the DPS and speaking with "Dan", my status has now changed entirely.

"Concealed Handgun License : Print pending completion of application review "

The summary so far (condensed):

Sent in application packet: 2/4/2013
Pring pending app review: 3/25/2013

7 weeks in the works.

I finally called today - not too much of a phone wait, 15 minutes maybe. First time to try to call 2 minutes earlier said "Too many calls - call back later" (I'm paraphrasing). Anyway, this is how the conversation basically went:
Guy: When did you send it in?
Me: Both me AND my wife sent ours in on Feb 4th
Guy: Hmmm... strange. We are currently 5 weeks behind - processing apps received on March 21, so yours should definetly have been started... probably 2 weeks ago or so
Me: Ok, so.... where's my stuff? My wifes?
Guy: I don't know - maybe lost in the mail. Did you send certified mail?
Me: Uhhh no... didn't think I would have to. Besides, what are the chances that the USPS lost BOTH mine and my wifes which were sent from two different locations?
Guy: I don't know. Here's what I can do: I'll give you my fax number. Send me your CHL-100, CHL-6, and DD-214. I'll walk your app downstairs and get them started on it.
Me: Awesome! So how long should I be looking at now?
Guy: 5 weeks.
Me: What? I've already been waiting 7 - so you're telling me I have to basically start over? You walking it down there only saves me the 2 days it takes my mail to get to Austin?
Guy: Yeah, sorry... hopefully it will get done sooner.
Me: FML. This is ridiculous. What's the fax number?
(END)

So, according to that guy they are 5 weeks behind..... but are apparently losing people's applications. Moral of the story: If it takes more than 5 weeks to see some action, you better be calling.... because they might have lost it. TX CHL/DPS is an absolute nightmare.

It's absolutely nuts. You make a great point. $140.00 per person......aaaaaaaand for what exactly? If you are going to rape us on a fee, at least provide a reasonable service. For that amount of fee x applicants, you should be able to hire 10x the clerks to process apps!

Not sure what this has to do with just acknowledging receipt of it. Certified mail has them receiving packet on 2/8. Fingerprints were completed on 1/31. Still awaiting receipt of materials on website. This has nothing to do with the Feds at this point.

Jaybeau - thanks for the information. I hate to say that I'm "glad to see" someone else experiencing this ridiculous delay, but at least now I know that it literally is taking the DPS 6+ weeks to show ANY activity relative to processing CHL apps on their website. You and I are in the same boat man. I'll update the thread with any changes.

paustin wrote:

dieharddano24 wrote:

Couple of things:

1) They are completely overwhelmed with applications right now, and actually I think (taking 5 weeks door to door for mine) are doing a good job.
2) They have to wait for FBI (NOT DPS) to complete fingerprint and background--again they received more applications than ever before over the past 6 months. It's completely out of DPS hands.
3) It's a government agency--name one that is fast

Hey I know it's frustrating, but DPS cannot control time frames when they are waiting on the Feds. IF anything call your president and complain that the Feds are slow--oh never mind, there is a sequestration going on

Hang in there...

I think you are misunderstanding. This has nothing to do with the FBI, the background check, or any of the latter processes. What I was inquiring about was a simple acknowledgement that they received my materials and are "working on it". I don't even care how long "working on it" (all the actual processes, BGC, manufac. etc.) takes, I just think it's completely ludicrous that they still show that they are "waiting to receive" my stuff - I sent it 6 weeks ago. My post was an attempt to see if anyone else has waited 6 weeks for the initial receipt/status change.

Gotcha...what I read was:

This is absolutely ridiculous that there isn't more oversight at this place especially considering the amount of money that hard working Texans are giving to the DPS.
What oversight is needed? Get back to CHL applicants faster? Trust me, that is NOT their primary concern at DPS. It's protecting you and Texas highways.

First thing Monday I'm writing to my State representative regarding the numerous delay issues at DPS.
When you say numerous--can you expand on that?

Then I'll call the Representatives office. After that I'll call DPS.
Answer: They won't care and they won't care. But hey go for it.

My point being your question should have just asked "has anyone waiting 6 weeks for processing?"

I would call them and ask NICELY if they have received your paperwork--simple. Maybe, just maybe, there was an error on your behalf in filling it out.

Hope you resolve it soon--just would suggest being SUPER nice to DPS people when you call, otherwise it might go to bottom of stack

Agreed. None of ^^ that has anything to do with showing receipt of materials. You should pay attention. As far as your "point" that I "should have just asked ...." - that isn't a point at all because you didn't point out anything, except maybe the fact that you have trouble understanding paragraphs with more than one sentence in them. I don't see anyone else asking for clarification of the original post - pretty simple English up there.

Furthermore, you keep quoting something that I (the original poster) didn't say - someone else made those statements. See the author.