Opinions on when to send in my Renewal Application?

[AEA]

OK, here's the deal.....

My Current CHL expires in the 3rd week of March 08.
I paid online and received my renewal packet in Oct 07. I have completed the renewal class and the packet is ready to send to Austin.

Knowing that you cannot have more than one active/current license, I am wondering when I should send this in? If I send it in now, will they issue a license BEFORE my March 08 expiration (say January)? Or will they wait and send me a new License sometime in March?

I am leaving the Country in 2 weeks and expect to be away until sometime in January. So, should I send it in now or wait until January? The idea being that I do not want to have any lapse in license/carry validity.

[Kalrog]

Send it now. The new one isn't technically active until the 3rd week of March (something to do with the 5 year FBI check requirement when they extended the length of the renewal period).

[txinvestigator]

Send it now. DPS will send the renewed license to you when they finish the backround.

I have always had two licenses when I do a renewal.