Expedited Review

The Board conducts an initial review of complete applications called an expedited review. All applications are examined under an expedited review; there is no need to specially request a review. Applicants are not present at this review; an expedited review is just an examination of the criminal records and the documents the applicant submitted. The Board makes one of two determinations when reviewing files:

1. The file qualifies for a good cause exception under an expedited review. That is, the applicant can receive a card without having to appear at a hearing. The Board will direct DPS to issue a card, which normally arrives at your address within a couple of weeks.
2. The file does not qualify for a good cause exception under an expedited review. That is, the applicant must appear at a hearing. This determination is not the same as a denial. Applicants still have an opportunity to present their case with oral testimony and, in some cases, additional documents.

For applications received on or after September 19, 2007, the expedited review must take place within 20 days from the time the Board receives the complete application package, including the criminal-history information from the Department of Public Safety.