Good Experinces Applying For And Renewing CCW

[Thefabulousfink]

I just got back from renewing my CCW license at the Spokane County Court House and it was very easy and hassle-free. First off, I arrived at the court house and left my pistol locked in the car (I am not stupid enough to try and carry a weapon into a court house), but when I got to the security checkpoint I saw a sign that said: "Gun lockers available upon request." I didn't ask, but does anyone know if these are only for LEOs, or would it have been OK for me to walk up to the checkpoint and hand them my gun?

The lady at the licensing desk was friendly and didn't even bat an eye when I told her that I was renewing my CCW. No weird looks, no pointed questions, no jerking me around of any type. I was in an out after 10 minutes and a $10 fee.

I wasn't sure what to expect because I had gotten my initial license in a smaller, rural county and I had heard some negative rumors about anti-gun officials in Spokane.

I just thought I'd share a positive experience, and see if anybody else had good or bad stories about applying/renewing their ccw license.

 

[tank mechanic]

I have my arizona ccw and need to change it over now that I live in colorado. I hope it is as painless here as you described your renewal.

 

[Spare]

Applying in MA

I am in the process of applying for a License to Carry (LTC) in MA, first time. I went to the police station on 12/12/06, got the form, filled it out and returned it next day (along with $100 money order). When I returned the form, I was asked when I wanted to schedule my interview with the Licensing Officer. I asked for the first available time, and I got an appointment for 1/16/07.
So I will have more to report after Tuesday

I'm taking a 'hope for the best, prepare for the worst' attitude, as I have an absolutely clean record but I live in a suburb of Boston and MA is notoriously reluctant to give out Class A LTCs with no restrictions (which would allow me to carry concealed). They can either attach restrictions like 'Target & Hunting only' or just give me a Class B which limits me to non-high-capacity firearms and no concealed carry.

There is also a law stating the LO has 40 days to process my application, so I don't know if the 40 days starts from when I returned the application, or when I have the interview. Unfortunately this law is generally ignored, so it probably won't matter.

 

[Ala Dan]

As a former LEO, I know for a fact that non LEO types are forbidden
to carry in court houses, police buildings, etc whether it be city,
county, or state owned. I'm not sure 'bout your area, but I would
simply ask the next time you happen by there? Most likely, the lock
boxes you saw were for deputies to secure their weapons when
transporting prisoners. At least that would be my guess~!

 

[Dave in PA]

Northampton County, PA

There are gun lockers available at the screening desk where the metal detectors are located at the court house. Only officers of the court are allowed to be armed in the court house. You go to the revenue office (3rd floor) and pay be check, $35. Then you go to the sheriff's office in the basement who takes your picture and reviews your form and paperwork (application, photo ID, DD214 if applicable, out of state CCW permit, etc). Your license is mailed to you in up to 45 days. I got my last one in less than 14 days. There was a line of five people at the same time that I was there, 2 renewals and 3 new issues. My boss and I were 2 of the 5. It took longer because we were there at lunch time (maybe 35-40 minutes).

 

[gezzer]

Wife and I just renewed ours. Dropped off applications and $10 fee at selectman’s office on 12/29, Chief of PD was on holiday vacation. received call from Chief to pick the up 1/4, not bad 3 work days.

 

[CarpenterCrack]

I'm supposed to pick up my first CHL tomorrow after an 8 month wait.

 

[Langenator]

Lacey (Thurston County) WA

Renewing my LCCP (License to Carry Concealed Pistol) at the Lacey PD was painless. Walked in, told the lady at the customer service desk what I was there for, filled out the form, gave her the money.

"OK, we just need one of the captains to sign off on this." Looks around, sees one walking down the hall. "Oh, there he is."

Capt signed, card got laminated, and out the door I went.

Also, during an extended TDY in Yakima, one of our NCOs went to the county sheriff's office to get his permit. Went in at lunch, did the form, fingerprints, etc. Asked when he could expect to get his permit.

Was told, "Well, if you'd come in before 10, you could have picked it up between 4 and 5. But you can pick it up first thing in the morning."

Ala Dan-RCW 9.41.300 (1) (b)

(1) It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon:
.......
(b) Those areas in any building which are used in connection with court proceedings, including courtrooms, jury rooms, judge's chambers, offices and areas used to conduct court business, waiting areas, and corridors adjacent to areas used in connection with court proceedings. The restricted areas do not include common areas of ingress and egress to the building that is used in connection with court proceedings, when it is possible to protect court areas without restricting ingress and egress to the building. The restricted areas shall be the minimum necessary to fulfill the objective of this subsection (1)(b).

In addition, the local legislative authority shall provide either a stationary locked box sufficient in size for pistols and key to a weapon owner for weapon storage, or shall designate an official to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building. The locked box or designated official shall be located within the same building used in connection with court proceedings. The local legislative authority shall be liable for any negligence causing damage to or loss of a weapon either placed in a locked box or left with an official during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building.

No guns in the courthouse, but they have to provide a place to store them. Most of WA's gun laws were written before the GFWs from Seattle and the Evergreen State Commune took power.

 

[CarpenterCrack]

I got it.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Only good thing about my experience was at the Sheriff's dept for my original. The guy that fingerprinted me was a detective that they had enlisted for the duty. Poor guy. But he was quite chatty and a terrific guy as well. It made a crappy situation a lot better.

 

[57Coastie]

My experience with the Texas Department of Public Safety has always been smooth, professional and friendly.

As an example: not too long ago it came time for me to request the paperwork from them for the renewal of my CHL. They have provision on their web site to provide basic information about who you are and affirming that you still meet the requirements (e.g., you haven't been convicted of a felony during your current licensed period).

I could not get the web site to work, and after two unsuccessful attempts I sent them an email nicely reporting that there appeared to be a problem with either the web site or me.

I got a very courteous email reply from the DPS saying, "Yes, the web site has a glitch. We are sorry about the trouble you have experienced. We are working on it, and in the meantime we have manually triggered the mailing to you of the renewal package."

Can't be any better than that. My experience across the board with the DPS is that they, at the highest levels of officialdom as well as at the local LEO level, treat CHL holders with courtesy and respect, and of course we treat them the same.

Jim