Can't say it's the same everywhere or for everyone, but get ready to hunker down for the longhaul. At least a month. I applied for a small lot seed permit several weeks ago, and have heard nothing so far. I was told the average is about a month, or at least a month. Actually I think I was told different things by different offices. If you do the online thing after getting level 2 certification, ignore the part where it says attachments. It won't let you attach anything and one fellow told me it was not supposed to be there anyway. One gal in one office actually told me that they did not know what they were doing with a laugh, and not to tell anyone. So consider that a secret.:") To the plus much of it is free, and I was told that if something is wrong, they will contact you and let you know instead of rejecting the application out of hand. Once you submit an online app. you get a confirmation that they have received it. My understanding is the small seed permit lasts for three years, not sure about the others. So good to have it and get it in place well in advance of ordering. Good luck and have patience.