I drove out to London (west of Columbus) because a buddy of mine had been looking at different counties to do his first CHL application and Madison County took walk-ins during relatively normal hours and didn't require (nor accept) appointments. So while I live in Franklin County, and Franklin has a fine reputation for a lightning-fast turn around for CHL issuance, Franklin County also requires an appointment... and last I heard, they book 'em about a month out.
So I called Madison County first (always a good idea, I think) and yep, all was well, just show up between 9am and 3:30 pm with my application already filled out and payment. (they don't accept personal check) I simply used cash.
This was my first renewal, and my original CHL actually happened to expire on the very day I was at the Madison County Sheriff to apply for renewal. She took my app, took my $50 and did my fingerprints. Quick and easy, I wasn't there all that long. She told me "okay, we'll call you in 2 or 3 weeks" and I thanked her and left.
They called me one week later, right down to the hour. I left that office on Tuesday, September 24th around 3 pm... and they called me the following Tuesday at 2:48 pm.
Given this experience, I have to give Madison County a hearty recommendation for new or renewal if you live in Madison or any county that touches it.
Thumbs up!