This is getting ridiculous

[javechet]

One week from today it will be officially 6 months since I sent in my CHL application. I have emailed the DPS, and got the response that it was my background check that was taking so long. After a little while longer, I contacted my Rep. (or should I say, the office) and they contacted DPS and was told that my background check was taking so long because I was born abroad. It seemed to make sense.

I told my grandpa (who also has a CHL) what was happening. He got his CHL quite a few years back and it only took him about 6 weeks, and he was born in Czechoslovakia back when it was a Communist country.

I literally don't know what to do. I have been very tempted into just carrying my rifle around with me just because I can't carry a pistol. I'm pretty sure that's not the greatest idea in the world, but it's legal. It took less time to be approved for military service. Can anyone tell me anything? My patience will only last for so long.

[SC1903A3]

You can still carry a pistol in your car until you finally get your CHL (motorist protection Act).

Section 46.02, Penal Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and (a-2) to
read as follows:
(a) A person commits an offense if the person
intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or
her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:
(1) on the person's own premises or premises under the
person's control; or
(2) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle
that is owned by the person or under the person's control.
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person
intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or
her person a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person
or under the person's control at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a
Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance
regulating traffic;
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm;
or
(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as
defined by Section 71.01.
(a-2) For purposes of this section, "premises" includes
real property and a recreational vehicle that is being used as
living quarters, regardless of whether that use is temporary or
permanent. In this subsection, "recreational vehicle" means a motor
vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters or a
vehicle that contains temporary living quarters and is designed to
be towed by a motor vehicle. The term includes a travel trailer,
camping trailer, truck camper, motor home, and horse trailer with
living quarters.

[USA1]

PM sent ,check your messages.

[ExMarlboroMan]

6 months! Holy smokes!


If I reach 90 days without some plastic I'm contacting my rep!


Hopefully it wont go that far, I'm praying it will come soon, very soon!

[AEA]

I think you have already waited long enough.

I suggest you contact your Rep and let him/her know that you were born in another Country and you have been told that the delay is waiting for a background check (supposedly from that foreign Country).

You might then remind him that Texas is a SHALL ISSUE State and if for any reason they cannot determine in-eligibility, they are REQUIRED to issue the license! Additionally, they are REQUIRED BY LAW to do this within the allotted time period which is considerably less than 6 Months!

You might then tell him/her that you are amazed that the TDPS would wait on a background check from a foreign Country that has no interest in doing the check or reporting the results. Especially if the Country happens to be opposed to gun ownership as many are.

If your Rep agrees with all that I have said here, you might find that he/she can get something done to get your license to you ASAP.

Good Luck!

[PuntoQuatroCinco]

Yeah I'm at about 6 months too. I sent my application in June. In late July it was sent back because I accidentally omitted my address on one of the forms (it was mailed back to me...go figure...) and didn't realize I was supposed to include a notarized copy of an order of dismissal for a misdemeanor incurred as a minor over ten years ago (I did divulge the citation and outcome though, but since the form only referenced the past 5 years I figured I was OK). My fault, both mistakes; so I forfeit the first month and a half. I sent in the required info in August and my status was changed to "Processing Application" where it has remained since.
Last week I politely emailed DPS and when I got no response (still haven't) I finally broke down and emailed my rep on Tuesday. I got a quick response telling me they'd look into it and advise, but I haven't heard back yet. I guess I'll give them a week and then follow up with a phone call. I don't mean to be impatient but I'm seeing October applications with plastic in hand, and it's making me think my application slipped through the cracks and needs a little TLC.
I hate to say it but I get the feeling I should just start all over...

[javechet]

So, USA1 directed me to this magical lady, and I gave her a call today. She in turn called the DPS, and then just now called me back. She informs that my application has been approved.......They're not enough of the little smiley things to express my happiness and relief. I think I should go to her office and give her a hug.

But anyhow, she said it was sent to the printers, or whatever, and I should have my license in about 2 weeks (factor in the holidays). This could very well be the greatest Christmas present ever. Thanks to all for the advice and support.

[PuntoQuatroCinco]

If you send me her number I'll give YOU a hug :-)

[USA1]

If you send me her number I'll give YOU a hug :-)

PM sent

[joe817]

Good things happen when you join the forum.

USA1, you get thumbs up from me for your good deeds and win the gold star for the day!

[javechet]

She was very pleasant to talk with. But now thinking about it, I'm not sure if it was her, or the 6 month wait. I do know that calling sure didn't hurt. Anyhow, best of luck to you PuntoQuatroCinco.

Agreed joe817.

[USA1]

Good things happen when you join the forum.

USA1, you get thumbs up from me for your good deeds and win the gold star for the day!

I was helped by another forum member who was kind enough to take the time to point me in the right direction.

Its always been in my nature to assist someone in need if I can , whether its a helpless person on the side of the road struggling to change a tire , or my fellow forum member having issues with an application.

Good Karma.

[Oldgringo]

When Mrs. Oldgringo's plastic drug out to 160 days over her fingerprints, the Gov, Lt. Gov, Head of DPS and the CHL manager, our state Senator and our state Rep all got a letter (like in an envelope like delivered by USPS like you know).

Her plastic arrived within a week of our mailings on the heels of written responses from the Gov, head of DPS and a call from our Senator's office. If our state Rep did anything, we couldn't tell it.

Something usually happens to the squeaking wheel - like it gets greased or replaced, you know?

[USA1]

Something usually happens to the squeaking wheel - like it gets greased or replaced, you know?

Yep ,exactly.

There are many representatives. Some who care , some who don't.
The key is finding the one who does , and has influence with DPS.

...And it doesn't hurt if their office is in Austin..wink wink

[javechet]

...And it doesn't hurt if their office is in Austin..wink wink

I think that was the kicker: She's in Austin, I'm in Austin. It's a perfect match really.