This is why folks need to send this return receipt, That way you know when they received the check and application. Once they receive the application they have 14 days to process that application, Issue license or deny with a written reason as why you were denied.
Letting Public Safety/State police get away with this only empowers them. There is no provision in the law for excuses as to why it goes over 14 days, and there should be none excepted. Keep letting them get away with this and it will end up just like MasShiTChusetts.