Patience....

[PetrucciFan]

Patience is a apparently a virtue God is trying to test me with....

....but I am still getting a little frustrated by the whole DPS process. It's not really the waiting that is frustrating, but it's the inconsistency. I sent in my app on 1/28, and I have heard absolutely nothing (no PIN). I know some people who have sent in their paperwork a couple of weeks after me and they already have their license!! I have also seen people on this very forum who have started the process after me and at least have a PIN, if not plastic (nothing any of you guys personally AT ALL). But wouldn't you think it would be a first come first server type of deal?!?!

I sent an email to them back on 2/21 and immediately got a response saying, "Your application has not been entered into the system..." I emailed again on Friday and heard nothing, so I emailed again yesterday....still nothing.

Anyway, I've gotten all of that off my chest now....thanks for listening! :)

[PetrucciFan]

Well, after 20 minutes of hearing, "Please continue to hold for the next available representative," I finally spoke to Simone.

Now for more inconsistency....she said that as of today, they are entering paperwork that they received on January 24th!?!?!? How in the world are people's apps getting processed who sent theirs in after then?!?! Oh well, if you sent yours in after that and they are already processing it, then CONGRATULATIONS.

I'm sure the 60-day clock starts when they start processing it, right? Even though I am at day 50 since I mailed it.

[seamusTX]

If you read GC §411.176 and 411.177, DPS basically has to open your application envelope within 30 days of receiving it, and make a decision on issuing the license 60 days after that.

The problem is, there is no penalty for DPS if they fail to do so and no remedy for you other than going to a judge and getting an injunction, which is expensive and sure to create ill will.

The PIN and web site are "freebies" not prescribed by law.

IMHO, it's just a bureaucracy. They have problems with absenteeism and turnover, as every organization does, and people make mistakes.

Jim

[lionswrath79]

Still doesnt make it right and gives them no excuses to take so long to process something an individual pays $140 for the "privelege" to carry a concealed weapon. I feel they just have their heads up a dark place, and the millions of dollars they are scamming the people for, are going to every other thing they see fit rather than to making the system efficient.

IMO the "PIN numbers" and website are in no way a freebie, they are making MORE THAN ENOUGH to put up a website and issue hardworking citizens numbers in order to check the status of their money at work, especially when they take 90 days to get the job done!! I am tired of people in general defending this incompetince on DPS's behalf.

[seamusTX]

DPS does not get to spend the application fees. The money goes into the general fund.

DPS does not determine its own budget. The legislature does that. The budget has decreased every year since 2001.

DPS has no control over how many applications it receives each month. That's random. They can't hire extra people when they get more applications, because their budget is fixed for two years.

If you want to fix any of that, you need to talk to your state representative and senator. But guess what? No one cares until their application is held up (including me).

- Jim

[nedmoore]

Why don't you tell us how you really feel Lionswrath! LOL! I know that you are fed up, I am getting pretty antsy too. It is my understanding that the DPS has to wait on the FBI, as well as counties too. I think the DPS as a whole has their act together. The DL offices are always packed, but you get through in a timely manner. I just can't stand how they cater to those who do not speak english. I can't remember, but I wonder if they have a CHL application in espanol? That would be the "icing on the cake".

I went for years before applying for my CHL, I guess if I wanted bad enough I would have gotten it sooner. It would be nice for them to let you know that they received an completed application and the paperwork was complete within a couple of weeks of receipt. Relax a little, your gonna have a stroke!

[lionswrath79]

DPS does not get to spend the application fees. The money goes into the general fund.

DPS does not determine its own budget. The legislature does that. The budget has decreased every year since 2001.

DPS has no control over how many applications it receives each month. That's random. They can't hire extra people when they get more applications, because their budget is fixed for two years.

If you want to fix any of that, you need to talk to your state representative and senator. But guess what? No one cares until their application is held up (including me).

- Jim

Your exactly right on that, once you get your license you could care less how long you had to wait to get it. I still care since I should have had mine a month ago but do to whoevers fault it took 30 days to mail something from Austin to Ft. Worth.

And I will edit the post above with alternate language, my apoligies.

[lionswrath79]

Why don't you tell us how you really feel Lionswrath! LOL! I know that you are fed up, I am getting pretty antsy too. It is my understanding that the DPS has to wait on the FBI, as well as counties too. I think the DPS as a whole has their act together. The DL offices are always packed, but you get through in a timely manner. I just can't stand how they cater to those who do not speak english. I can't remember, but I wonder if they have a CHL application in espanol? That would be the "icing on the cake".

I went for years before applying for my CHL, I guess if I wanted bad enough I would have gotten it sooner. It would be nice for them to let you know that they received an completed application and the paperwork was complete within a couple of weeks of receipt. Relax a little, your gonna have a stroke!

I would almost be positive that they do, when you can give an illegal alien a license to kill someone on the roadways, why not do the same with a gun!!!

[XDman]

I am in the same boat - my wife and I sent in ours around Jan 19th. She has a pin # saying she will get a letter about something missing or incomplete. Still waiting for the letter. That was about 5 days ago but I am still waiting for a pin.

To answer some of why this is SLOOOOW I may have some more insight for you guys. Our wonderful law makers decided that all Realtors have to be fingerprinted when they obtain or renew thier licence. That IMHO is a big CROCK.
Seems to me someone is interested in creating a nice database of law abiding citizens...just in case.

I understand the logic of fingerprinting someone licenced to carry a lethal weapon but I don't think there are too many Realtors out there committing crimes - if anything we are getting killed without having a handgun for our defense.
Try visting a hundred acres in the boondocks and wondering if someone has a meth lab set up in a single wide that the owner isn't aware of!

Here is another fun part. Even if DPS has my prints for a CHL (they do), it's not good enough for renewal of my real estate licence. I HAVE TO have new prints and you guessed it - ANOTHER FBI background check. So if you think DPS was busy before processing CHL licences, now they are duplicating efforts for thousands more Realtor licence renewals.

What a waste of time, money and resources............at this point I would just like a pin #

[nedmoore]

I do not know why realtors need to be printed, their pictures are on everything!

[XDman]

I do not know why realtors need to be printed, their pictures are on everything!

YA GOT THAT RIGHT!

Ummm, maybe I am missing an opportunity here - I should offer my services to a great bunch of people - CHL holders.
Buy or sell a house with me and get your CHL or renewal for free!

[XDman]

Must have been Karma.

Got the pin # today and my wife got her letter telling her that she needs new prints.

Woo Hoo at least I know we are back on track - film at 11