1. Mail your completed packet in via US postal service CERTIFIED mail with return receipt requested (the card they mail back to you). That way you will know WHEN the DPS actually received your packet. Do not opt for the return notification via EMAIL as they will NOT email you. In fact, in my case they NEVER DID and after doing an "investigation" they told me they couldn't tell me what happened to it!
2. Pay by personal check as this then gives you the ability to see when they cash it and stamp the packet to allow it to go on to further processing. Because I had paid up front with the online application I had no way to know when my application got moving.
3. If you are a veteran be sure and include a copy of your DD-214 with your completed packet. (I DID remember to do this) Veterans get a 50% discount with the state on your CHL fee. That's $70!
Good luck
