It sounds like you're doing everything correctly, and respectfully. You also seem to be aware that given the chance, any opportunity the state gets to delay, or deny you, they will. Keep doing what you're doing. Don't let them frustrate you or wear you out. That's part of the system as I'm sure you know. Again though, it's important to find out if they've cashed the check or money order you sent them. It's actually very very important to find this out. I'd actually call or email comm2a and tell them everything. They are awesome!! They won't ask you for any $$ as that's not what drives them. And certainly not to give you advice or consult with you. Get them on stand-by. The amount of time it's been, the excuses that you've got, and lack of action on their part is very good cause for you get ready for the next step if need be, as I'm sure you are, given the absolute resistance you've been getting. Given all you've said here, I cannot see at any point during your processing of a simple permit, that they've done nothing but take your money with no hesitation, and then have totally disregarded any cooperation , respect, action, or recognition during this whole process. They know what they are doing. They know how to do it. They face no repercussions for the blatant unwillingness to issue your permit. Just get all the ducks that I've mentioned in a row, and ready to go. That way, when you feel that you need to MAKE them get to it, they will have to answer to and respond in a timely manner to an officer of the court-comm2a- as they are all pro2a lawyers, and this is their specialty, their boss- head of DPS, as they will be contacted directly by them, and need to answer on the spot, as to WHY? How Come? & When Can We Expect This Permit To Be In Hand? I've personally seen these type of things seemingly "done" with one phone call by comm2a. I know that the last thing that you want to do is attract attention with this subject to them, and fear repercussion from them, either immediately or at a later date, but given all you've stated, I think that any reasonable person looking at this would say that you are right in taking further action here. RI is very tough to get a carry permit, so given that, this makes a very good case on your behalf to get your MA permit processed without any more delays. Comm2a will get this done if you contact them. The sooner you do, the quicker they can advise you at the very least. Please keep me posted on this as I am very interested and will help you any way I can.