Around 4-5 days later, I checked the USPS website to see if DPS had received my renewal. At that point USPS says they "received electronic notification from our Automated Postal Center on July 15th to expect your shipment for mailing". I get a little worried that USPS ate my renewal, but decided to check again later before going back to the post office.
A week or so later, I check the USPS site again - same results. I check the DPS website - all they have is "Packet Sent". Now I'm more worried, figuring I'd have to complete the entire renewal application again, but decide to check one more time at a later point before really starting to panic.
Finally, on July 31st, I check status one more time - USPS - same result. Uh oh.. Dreading the result, I go to DPS - "Processing Application."

I checked the DPS website once or twice during August, not really expecting to see anything - really just hoping that they would get it done within the 120 days to my expiration.
Imagine my amazement when I check the mail yesterday and find my new plastic CHL in the mail!

In my case, at least, DPS somehow managed to complete my renewal in somewhere between 30-40 days, despite the best efforts of the post office to lose it each way.
