TexasCHLforum.com

How long does it usually take for DPS to receive a packet that was mailed to them and begin processing it?

I started the CHL process online and received my PIN with the application packet. I mailed the packet back to them on 8/14/2006 and their tracking website shows only "Packet mailed to applicant" when I check the status. What is the "normal" turn around time for DPS to acknowledge receipt of and begin processing an application?

Just to give some perspective, I had another piece of mail that went out 8/14/2006 to a State agency and it had a check in it. The other agency received the check, cashed it and sent me a receipt back through the mail. I got the receipt on 8/22/2006.

Meanwhile, DPS shows no further activity on my application since they mailed the packet to me...

From what I can tell from reading all the other posts, the DPS is lacking in the ability(or habit) of timely updates on the status website.

I also filled out the information online and sent the packet in on 8/14 and that status changed from "Packet Mailed to Applicant" to "Processing Application" around 9/22. From what I can gather about DPS processing time, there is a large variance and isnt a "norm".

I mailed my renewal packet on 8/29 and their website still says "Packet Mailed to Applicant", so that should make you feel a little better since it's not just you. As long as they have it and they're working on it I'm not TOO concerned about the website, but it WOULD be nice to see a little activity.

About a week after I posted originally I went ahead & called DPS. I was basically told that they don't have any means of tracking the packet beyond what's on the website (hogwash, but that's what they said). I was also told that it takes between 4 and 6 weeks to show up on the web site after they receive it.

About two weeks later, on 15-Sep-06, the status information on the DPS website changed to "Processing Application" from "Packet Mailed to Applicant" so at least I know they received SOMETHING.

I checked today (like every other day ) and it still says "Processing Application" so I guess that they haven't rejected the fingerprints (yet - maybe not going to <crossing fingers>) and they are waiting for a response from someone (the good Lord only knows who - I don't have any arrests, misdemeanors, felonies, etc.). I don't expect to get as much crap as the other fellow who posted his joyous time on the phone with them, but until I have plastic in hand I will consider it to be a possibility.