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OK, 62 days now since receipt of all completed materials. But, they are not completed yet. I talked to the "technician" who is working my file yesterday, and he now is going to send me a letter.
A long time ago, in another lifetime, I was arrested for a misdemeanor. In fact, during that lifetime, more than once. I could not remember all the details of arresting agency, date, and disposition of each one. I talked to my instructor about this before filling out my application, and he said "just put it down, to the best of your recollection". I even called Austin before sending my app in, and they said the same thing.
Now, those misdemeanor arrests are what's holding up the process. According to this technician, I have to contact each court within the jurisdiction of the arrests and have them do a "felony search" to see whether or not they were felonies. I am suppossed to do this with certified letters, and then forward the results to Austin.
Excuse me, you mean Austin can't tell if I am a convicted felon? I thought that was their job when they do a background investigation!
I just bought another gun yesterday, and the FBI don't think I am a felon!

Luck of the draw I guess, my brother had a run where he got 2 or 3 arrest and listed them like you as best as he could remember, he passed thru with flying colors.

I hope it is not going to take a year. I am wondering...the application fee is to pay for the processing time I guess. If they are collecting money to process the application, why do I have to spend money for certified letters to provide them with information they should be able to obtain just as easily as me, if not easier?

AC - contact the county criminal court clerk in the counties where you had cases. Ask for a certified copy of the disposition of those cases. Depending on the county, they may send it to you based on a phone call. If they want the request in writing, then so be it. Some of them want some money to do this... I think it's $6 or so in Tarrant county.

Trust me, it will take less time for you to do this then to convince the DPS that THEY should do it. Hang in there!

That was the problem, Watson, when I applied---I didn't remember what county or when for each. They were in different counties at different times. We are talking around 1972! I was kind of moving around at the time, in another state.
At any rate, I just got off the phone with them. They are going to provide me with that information. Funny thing that they can't get the information when they know where to get it!

Yeah... that is kinda odd, that they are going to provide you with the info that they need for you to give to them...

Just got off the phone, was talking to the FBI. They were amused by all this. I found out there is a better way! The reason I want a CHL is for avoiding the inevitable delay when purchasing a gun. The FBI issues, through NICS, a "UPIN", unique personal identification number. With that, you just show it when making a purchase, it lets NICS know you have already been cleared and are good to go. They don't have to treat you like a first time caller. They are sending me the necessary form. I'm going to get one. We'll see how long that takes.

Just received an application from the ATF for a C&R FFL license. If I get it, and a UPIN from NICS, I wonder if Austin will believe I am not a felon?

Today I faxed the dispositions to Austin. Cost me an additional $50 to get them. They told me my license will go out today. I guess when you are playing with their ball, you have to go by their rules!
I don't know if I'm happy or just relieved.
Guess I won't need the UPIN, but I"m still going to get a C&R FFL.

Congrats man! Wow sounds like you had your work cut out.

Well glad it all worked out, Be safe.

Good job, good follow-up. Let us know when it is in your pocket!

137 days from DPS receipt of original application to license in hand! 144 days total, which is what really counts; we're still waiting on the mail! Man, what a party! I appreciate all the support. Now that I am an almost 5 month veteran of the waiting room, I'll come back. I'll miss this place!:anamatedbanana

Wow! I feel lucky to be a 45-day Waiter.

Congratulations AC, you showed a lot of perseverance. Good on Ya!