I live in Georgia. First time I filled out my app for my CCW it was 15 or so questions, some fingerprints and some money. The card looked like a laminated library card. Georgia caught up and started issuing a real card with a photo. Took about 15 minutes in the courthouse and 7 business days to get it in the mail
My dad, in NY, had to fill out a packet, get references, provide addresses and other background info. It was returned once because of a typo. Thankfully, a friend of his worked for the agency that processed his app and knew the guys so he was good to go. Took months. And that was only to have it in the house and go to the range.
It is ridiculous how they want to obstruct in the “Red” states (not “red”); they are determined to keep the people unarmed.