Sf045 - I'm just curious - you mention applying for a AZ CCW. Are you in AZ part-time?
I have a home south of Tucson and am there in the winter and in Michigan during the summer. I have a CCW permit for both states - but had to take the "approved" classes in each state as well.
AZ changed their CCW laws a couple of years ago - a CCW is not required in AZ - BUT - the rules for carry differ if you go through the process of getting an AZ CCW. Example: If you do not have a CCW, you cannot carry in to a bar - period. If you do, you can, BUT, you cannot consume alcohol. There are other differences as well.
The last I was aware of - in order to qualify for an AZ CCW, you had to attend a state approved course in AZ- an eight to 9 hour course including range qualification. I obtained mine two years ago - it also included submitting fingerprints and palm prints as well as the normal criminal background check. The paperwork was sent in along with my $60 and I received it back in about two weeks.
in MI, I had to complete the state approved course there as well as range time. The usual fingerprinting, background check and about a two week wait for me in my county - the "gun board" who reviews applications and approves / rejects meets once a month so it depends on date of your application and when they meet. Although MI recognizes AZ CCWs, I got it as it makes purchasing handguns in MI a little easier as far as being pre-approved for background check.
In AZ - even though you have a AZ CCW permit - if you are not a "resident", you cannot purchase a handgun without having a "State Identification Card". (since your driver's license would be for the state of residence - in my case, MI). A state ID is easily acquired through the AZ DMV office - once in hand, no questions asked when presented with the CCW permit and state ID.
From your post, I'm assuming you are in AZ and IL? If not in FL or AZ, at least part time, I'm not understanding how you would obtain a CCW for those states? If you are - you might give a call to the AZ Dept. of Public Safety and check on your CCW. I was surprised when I got mine back from them so quickly. If you have a place/mailing address in AZ - the possibility is that it may have been returned to the Dept. of Public Safety and not "forwarded" by the Post Office to you where you are now. I speak from experience on that - I just had to get several copies of 1099 forms that were supposed to be forwarded to me in AZ but instead, were returned. I don't remember how the envelope is marked on the AZ CCW license - but it may be that if it is not deliverable at your address (even though your mail is being forwarded) that it is returned to them. The CCW License for AZ does not have your photo on it so if it falls in to the wrong hands, I suppose it could be used for identity theft?
I know IL passed their CCW license - it would be nice to hear from those in IL as to how that is going? Not "bad mouthing" any state - but IL is one that I am very "leery" of - especially until all the CCW rules, etc. are understood by everyone - i.e. LE, etc. I still haven't found out if they are recognizing CCW licenses from other states?
Good luck to you!