Is 6 months a little bit 'overkill' for a renewal notice?
Should I wait a few months or just renew now?
I don't remember even my DRIVER's lic getting a notice this far in advance.
My car tags usually come with only a few months advance notice.
Does DPS really need 6 months to 'check-me-out'?
Yes, it does. For several reasons DPS took over six months to process my last renewal (which wasn't my first). The paperwork got lost, they had issues with my military status (I should have gotten a free renewal being in the TXSG), and other issues that delayed it getting to me. I actually had a week where I didn't have a valid LTC.
The process is a bit more complicated than a simple license plate renewal.
Plus, I've always gotten a noticed six months prior, even back when it was a CHL.
Procrastinate if you want, but I'd do it sooner rather than later!