The Department of Public Safety is struggling to keep up with the number of people applying for concealed carry licenses. New applicants waiting longer and some trying to renew, forced to leave their guns at home.

Some people carry a gun in case something happens. For Suzanna Hupp, it's "if something happens again." In 1991 she watched a man brutally kill 23 people, including her parents, at restaurant in Killeen. Years later her story helped the passage of our state concealed carry law. Now, that right may be temporarily taken away.

"It's a very deep concern of mine that I won't have my license back in time for the expiration," Hupp said.

The former state representative's license expires in September. She's afraid DPS won't get it renewed in time. The application process is significantly backed up.

"On the original applications we're running 80 to 90 days behind and on renewals we're running 70 to 80 days behind," said Tela Mange, DPS spokesperson.

According to state law new licenses should be issued in 60 days and renewed within 45 days. Mange says the department has had to hire 11 temporary employees and permanent staff is working overtime.

"It's something we're very concerned about," Mange said.

Hupp says this may be the time to look at the laws, "This presents a really good argument for moving to the Vermont style of carrying where they don't have a permit system. If you can legally own a gun in Vermont, you can carry it."

Hupp says she hopes the department finds an answer soon because the lag is putting gun owners in a bind.

"It puts me in the position of do I carry to protect my life illegally? Or not," she said.

DPS officials say you can help speed up the process by applying for a license online. If you plan to renew, do it six months ahead of time.