Here is my first-time, non-resident, NH permit timeline
Application mailed via Priority Mail: Thursday, December 22, 2011 (no delivery confirmation)
Application fee check cashed by NH Treasurer: Friday, January 6, 2012 (cleared my bank on Tuesday, January 9)
Permit mailed, postmarked Friday, January 13, 2012 (I don't recall the day I got it out of the mail.)
The permit issue date printed on the permit is January 5, 2012, the day before the check was taken to the bank by the NH Treasurer's Office.
Application mailed via Priority Mail: Thursday, December 22, 2011 (no delivery confirmation)
Application fee check cashed by NH Treasurer: Friday, January 6, 2012 (cleared my bank on Tuesday, January 9)
Permit mailed, postmarked Friday, January 13, 2012 (I don't recall the day I got it out of the mail.)
The permit issue date printed on the permit is January 5, 2012, the day before the check was taken to the bank by the NH Treasurer's Office.