You'll receive a series of emails that indicate the status of your application:
1. Submitted.
2. Accepted. This one will have a link to pay if you're not a vet. If you are a vet, your renewal is free.
3. Payment confirmation.
4. Approved. If you don't get this one within 90 days or so, call. You may have a denial letter coming your way.
I got lucky this last renewal. Didn't have to pay being over 65 and a veteran. Went ahead and got the lifetime cause I don't plan on buying to many more firearms. I'll just suffer thru the process if I do.