SLED is experiencing delays

From the SLED site:

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is experiencing a tremendous influx of concealed weapon permit applications, both new and renewal. The applications are processed in the order in which they are received, starting from the date SLED actually receives the application. Processing is taking the full ninety days on both new and renewals. Please know that we are processing all applications as quickly as possible, while maintaining the quality of backgrounds required by law. Your patience is greatly appreciated during this time.

*Below is a temporary change in the concealed weapons permit law enacted during the 2013 legislative session. Temporary provisos are enacted in the State budget and are only effective for the State fiscal year (July 1 – June 30); unless re-enacted they expire on June 30, 2014.

62.22. (CWP Renewal and Replacement) A concealed weapons permit may not be suspended by a state official, agent, or employee supported by state funds if the permit holder has initiated a renewal or replacement application and the processing and issuance of a renewal or replacement permit is delayed for administrative reasons. A concealed weapons permit remains valid during the pendency of the renewal or replacement process so long as the application for replacement renewal is submitted prior to the expiration of the permit.

Based on comments from my students, it’s pretty clear to me that applications are NOT being issued NOR renewed inside 90 days. If you have sent in the renewal, but not received your permit yet, make sure you read the last part of the above paragraph well.

In stark contrast, I just submitted my renewal for my Utah permit. The process was all on-line, including submitting the photograph, cost only $15.75 and I should have my permit in only a few weeks.