I think my "bet" is safe!
Just called NH Licensing. They claim that they "received" my application on 7/28/07 (date that they deposited the check, which cleared my bank on 7/31/07).
She told me that they have hundreds that they are currently processing, and I can expect to wait another 2 weeks or so before I get it.
Now here's the real time-line:
7/2/07 - NH mailed notice for renewal. I probably received it ~7/5.
7/13 - I put the renewal in the USMail to NH.
7/28 - Is the date that they claim to have "received it". Could that be the day they opened the USMail and started to process the application?
7/31 - Check cleared my bank.
8/8 - Told to expect it in another 2 weeks or so. Also told that I can NOT legally CCW in NH after expiration and before I receive the new license (no "grace period").
8/17 - Expiration of current license.
So, it looks like you really MUST send in your renewal the SAME DAY you receive the application if you don't want to be expired before you get your new license. Expect a ~6-7 week turn-around. [Yes, I know that NH laws says that they MUST issue within 2 weeks. We in MA know how useful these type laws are!!
]