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| Contents |
| Overview |
| Getting A License |
| U.S. Ham Radio Licenses |
| Studying for a License |
| Exam Day |
| During And After The Exam |
| Modifying Your License Via The FCC ULS |
| Amateur Radio Links |
After being a Technician Class licensee since 1991...in 2007, I upgraded from Technician to General to Amateur Extra in a total of 27 days,
with .
Note: I was originally issued the N5VLZ callsign on Aug. 7, 1991, as a Technician Class licensee. On July 29, 2007, I passed my General Class license exam, and on Aug. 11, 2007, I passed my Amateur Extra Class license exam...details on all U.S. amateur radio licenses are located here.
On June 5, 2009, I CHANGED to the Vanity Callsign of AE5WX...but then CHANGED to the Vanity Callsign of WX1DER on Dec. 27, 2012. But, after doing weather on ham radio for 28 years, I GOT BURNED OUT. So, on March 22, 2019, I CHANGED to the Vanity Callsign of N5VLZ. The emphasis had CHANGED from weather traffic to Railroad Crossing Safety. The QSL Card Photo is courtesy of Mike Yuhas, AB9ON, and is used with his permission. An information file is located here. And, as of Dec. 15, 2023, I returned to my ham radio roots, and once again have my original callsign of N5VLZ.
Due to health and other issues, I've GREATLY REDUCED my involvement in amateur radio...but briefly, I am:
1) A Life Member of the American Radio Relay League.
2) A Life Member of Courage Kenny Handi-Hams.
3) A Life Member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (plus a member of chapter 79 in Wichita, Kansas, and Chapter 85 in Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana).
4) A Life Member of the Portage County Amateur Radio Service (PCARS) Club.
5) Member of the Philadelphia Digital Radio Association (PDRA).
6) Member of the Memphis Digital Amateur Radio Club (MDARC) (affectionately known as ''the DARC side of digital'').
7) Webmaster for the Hammin' In The Park.
8) Webmaster for the Cabot Nightflyers Net (that net is ON HIATUS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE).
9) An Amateur Extra Class Volunteer Examiner with ARRL/VEC.
10) VE Team Liaison for the University Of Arkansas At Little Rock (UALR) Ham Radio Club.
Sunday afternoon: QCWA Digital Net on The QuadNet Array.
Monday evening: The PCL Net (Packet Via Telnet) -- You'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print the data.
Tuesday evening: Arklatex D-Star Net
Friday evening: The D-Star Trains And Railroads Net on The QuadNet Array.
Saturday morning: QCWA Sunflower Net.
Saturday afternoon The Pun In Life Net on The QuadNet Array (Starting March 2, 2024).
I have EXPANDED the spreadsheet, for separate files for the US Time Zones of Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Time. You'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader or a compatible program to view or print the PDF files.
With health concerns precluding my having antennas and RF gear at the QTH, I'm forced to operate via the VoIP modes of Echolink (single user setup)...D-Star via the ThumbDV), CQ100, and the PCL Net -- all of this is OUTSIDE of Arkansas.
Note that Eyeball QSO's'' are done at central Arkansas area license exam sessions, or by other special arrangement ONLY. Due to health and financial issues...and due to the fact that there is no longer a hamfest in central Arkansas, my hamfest days, and traveling to them...inside or outside of Arkansas...are basically over...especially since I quit driving, and sold my car in June, 2022, due to vision and other issues.
''...to provide [a] service...as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of amateur service to the public as a voluntary, non-commercial service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the Amateur Radio service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill''.
Licensed Amateur Radio operators are people of any age, sex, profession, or nationality...who are fascinated with communications via two-way radio. Generally a skilled group, they are required to pass examinations to receive the authorization to operate an Amateur Radio station.
Federal law also dicates that, with very limited exceptions, (see Section 97.113 of the Part 97 Rules for details), amateur radio operators are PROHIBITED from receiving ANY compensation...monetary or otherwise...for whatever work they do with amateur radio. Basically, hams provide these things ''out of the goodness of their hearts''.
The typical Amateur has a variety of interests, and the hobby provides for a multitude of individual preferences. Amateurs engage in things such as:
1) General chit-chat (ragchewing).
2) Involvement with on-the-air nets.
3) Emergency Operations (including participation in Civil Preparedness), such as C.E.R.T. (the Community Emergency Response Team.
4) Sending, relaying, receiving and delivering free radiograms for the public.
5) Providing communications support for civic functions such as local parades, marathons, etc.
6) Making friends with amateur radio operators in foreign countries.
7) Investigating the mysteries of radio signal propagation.
8) Building, modifying and designing radio equipment, antennas and accessories.
9) Winning awards for operating proficiency in many areas.
10) Helping others prepare for (and even administering) Amateur Radio license examinations.
And many more exciting, and valuable facets of the hobby. For a list of 65 great things about amateur radio (courtesy of CQ Magazine), click here. For a comprehensive overview of ham radio, from a PowerPoint Presentation I created back in 2020 (updated through the years), click here.
While ham radio operators are NOT permitted to ''broadcast'', a history of broadcasting can be found here. The transmissions that are made by amateur radio operators are for amateur radio operators, and not by the general public...unless it's communications involving the safety of life or protection of property, such as a Skywarn severe weather traffic net.
Ham radio operators...current and former...have come from all walks of life, including:
1) Political figures...such as former Arkansas Congressional Representative Mike Ross (WD5DVR), former Oregon Congressional Representative Greg Walden (W7EQI), the late Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater (K7UGA, SK), and the late King Hussein of Jordan (JY1, SK). As a side note, SK stands for ''Silent Key''...used for a ham radio operator who has passed away.
2) Musicians...such as Joe Walsh of The Eagles (WB6ACU), country western star Ronnie Milsap (WB4KCG), and Grammy Winning Gospel Singer/Songwriter, Larnelle ''Stu'' Harris, (WD4LZC)(I understand he LOVES Morse Code).
3) Sports figures...such as Joe Rudi (NK7U), retired Major League Baseball Player.
4) Nobel Prize Winning Scientists...such as Joe Taylor (K1JT).
Some are rich....some are poor...but most are in between...and you'll find all of these at hamfests.
Ham radio is also wide open to handicapped and disabled individuals...blind, deaf, paralyzed, etc....and, many of these are also members of HandiHams.
There's some way just about anyone can use ham radio to open their door to the world. As long as you're NOT a representative of a foreign government...and you either live in the United States, or have a U.S. mailing address, and an email address, you're eligible to take the exams necessary to become an amateur radio operator.
With proof of the lapsed license, once passing the Technician License Exam, they will be granted a CSCE (Certificate Of Successful Completion Of Examination) for the class of ham radio license that lapsed (except former Advanced Class Licensees will be DOWNGRADED to General)...and they will be granted a NEW CALLSIGN about 1-2 weeks after passing the Technician exam...once they pay the $35 license fee within 10 days of notification from the FCC. However, their old callsign may have been re-assigned in the interim through the Vanity Callsign System.
Basically, if the ham radio license is CURRENT, or it is EXPIRED less than 2 years, credit for the license class noted below is given. However, if the license is EXPIRED more than 2 years (it has LAPSED)...NO MATTER WHAT THE LICENSE CLASS...the amateur radio operator FORFEITS the callsign as well as the operating privileges (in effect, it's as if they had never taken an amateur radio license exam).
As of July 21, 2014, after passing Element 2 (The Technician Class License Exam), they will be restored to their prior operating class...
UNLESS they were an Advanced Class Licensee...in which case, they will be DOWNGRADED to a General Class Licensee, losing 250 kilohertz of spectrum.
However, they can get that lost spectrum back, plus 250 kilohertz more of spectrum (full amateur radio privileges) by passing the Amateur Extra Class License Exam, Element 4.
License Class: Issued: Exam Element: Comments:
Novice No None Holders of these may renew at the appropriate time. Privileges are VERY LIMITED,
both where one can transmit, and power output. No new Novice licenses are issued.
Technician Yes 2 Also includes Technician Class Hams who previously passed a 5 wpm Morse Code Test. Depending
on band, Technicians may transmit up to 1500 watts of power, although per good amateur practice,
one should transmit ''with the minimum power necessary to carry out communications''.
General Yes 2 and 3 If a Technician Class Ham on March 20, 1987 or before, Element 3 credit is given as well.
This is because at that time, the written exam for the Technician and General
Class licenses were identical. The only difference was the Morse Code Test
(5 wpm for Technician, 13 wpm for General. The Extra Class license had a 20 wpm
Morse Code test (see note below)).
Advanced No 2 and 3 DOWNGRADE to General with the new rules. Holders of these may renew at the
appropriate time. No new Advanced licenses are issued.
Amateur Extra Yes 2, 3, and 4 Full amateur radio privileges.
80 meters: CW (Morse Code) only: 3.525 Mhz to 3.600 Mhz
40 meters: CW (Morse Code) only: 7.025 Mhz to 7.125 Mhz
15 meters: CW (Morse Code) only: 21.025 Mhz to 21.200 Mhz
10 meters: CW (Morse Code), RTTY, and data only: 28.000 Mhz to 28.300 Mhz
10 meters: SSB (single sideband) Phone Only: 28.300 Mhz to 28.500 Mhz
These HF privileges are identical for Novice Class licensees. Note that NO OTHER HF PRIVILEGES EXIST for Novice or Technician Class amateur radio licensees.
Like it or not, studying is not fun...but, you MUST devote some study time to prepare for the exam. I personally recommend a time of 2 hours per day, for 2 weeks, no matter which method (noted below) that you use. You can increase or decrease that time, depending on your schedule, abilities, and how soon you want to take the exam(s).
Fortunately, there are several options for you to study for your ham radio license. You can study with a local ham radio club study group, or do it on your own. The American Radio Relay League has links to classes here. If you do find an entry, it's wise to check with the contact person to verify details, and check for any last minute changes.
The Question Pools for each class of amateur radio license CHANGE EVERY FOUR YEARS, with the current pools expiring at 11:59pm local time on June 30 of a particular year...the new pool taking effect the next day (July 1) at 12:00am local time for the particular element.
The current schedule is as follows:
a) Technician: Changed in 2022...changes in 2026, 2030, 2034, etc.
b) General: Changed in 2023...changes in 2027, 2031, 2035, etc.
c) Amateur Extra: Changed in 2020...changes in 2024, 2028, 2032, etc.
At this time...NO QUESTION POOL CHANGE IS SCHEDULED for 2025, 2029, 2033, etc. However, that could CHANGE...as could the release dates of future Question Pools.
In short, you need to be sure that you are studying the most current set of questions for the desired amateur radio license. Otherwise, you could be in for a RUDE AWAKENING on Exam Day...and with that, here are 7 study options:
1) The Question Pools alone. These are available at either the ARRL website, or at the NCVEC website. You will need the appropriate utilities to read the PDF or Microsoft Word files.
2) The AA9PW website. A special item of note is the proven accessibility to blind users. There is an option for ''no figures'' in the exam, and many blind users do indeed report that this site works well for them. Additional features include on line Morse Code training, and a Morse Code app available from the iTunes store (even though Morse Code is no longer required for an amateur radio license). The site also includes practice exams for commercial licenses.
3) The Ham Exam website. It offers up to date exams on line, and includes a ''flash card'' learning option. What is unique here is that you create an account (it's free), and as you use the site, it learns which questions are giving you trouble, and will emphasize those in subsequent practice exams.
4) The American Radio Relay League has license preparation materials for the Technician, General, and the Amateur Extra exams. Cost varies per item.
5) The W5YI group has the study guides done by Gordon West, WB6NOA...with similar materials to what the ARRL has available. Again, cost varies per item.
6) If you are disabled, and need assistance with learning the materials, you can contact Handi-Hams. They help people with disabilities obtain, then study the material to obtain or upgrade their ham radio license. Once again, cost varies per item. More resources for the disabled are located here.
If you have a disability, the Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team may be able to make certain accomodations for you to take the license exam, such as giving a test without schematics, graphics, or diagrams...for an individual who is blind, or severely visually impaired...or reading the questions and available answers to the examinee...who, in turn, tells the VE what answer to mark on the test. Note that MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION OF YOUR DISABILITY MAY BE REQUIRED IF YOUR DISABILITY IS NOT OBVIOUS...and it's best to notify the VE Team as far in advance of the test session as possible, so that proper arrangements can be made. If you wait until the test session itself to notify the VE Team of your disability, they may NOT be able to make the accomodations for you to take the exam...and you will either have to take the exam without special assistance, or wait until another scheduled license exam session. If the VE Team is limited on exam materials without any schematics, graphics, or diagrams (these are usually reserved for those who are blind/extremely visually impaired), you may only be able to have one try at that particular license class exam at a test session...and will have to attend another session to ''try it again'', should you fail the exam. Note that the VE Team can do like doctors of many years ago...make a ''house call''...giving the exam at the examinee's residence...if their medical condition(s) would be too stressful for them to go to an exam site.
7) HamTestOnline. This option only requires a computer and internet connection (either dial-up, DSL, broadband/cable, etc.). It is all web browser based, with nothing to download or install. However, there is NO OPTION for smartphone apps.
Unlike the options where you have to buy books, etc. for each license class, you get a six (6) month subscription at different prices, depending on which class of license(s) you want to study for (see the price list for details). It can be cheaper than all the other license class books combined from all the sources noted above!! You can take as long as you need to study...in the privacy of your residence, to take as many practice tests desired. Once your study time, plus your practice test scores are both above 85%, you're ready for the real thing at a VE Test Session. However, if after adequate study time and practice tests, you still fail on exam day, just send HamTestOnline PROOF of the failure...and they will CANCEL your subscription, and REFUND your money. So, you basically either get your amateur radio license, or your money back...YOU CAN'T LOSE!!. Around 1% of all who have signed up with them have requested a refund. Personally, it was the best money I ever spent in amateur radio. I went from Technician to General in only 14 days...and to Amateur Extra just 13 days later!!
Today, though...taking the exam is much easier by comparison. In many areas, there is at least one exam opportunity at least once a month, and as noted above, there is no longer a Morse Code Exam. In many cases, you can take the exam in the city where you live, or nearby. You can search for exams by state by clicking here. Once there, select the desired criteria (such as STATE), click SEARCH, then call or email the contact person listed for more information.
The exams are adminstered by a minimum of three (3) Volunteer Examiners (VE's)...who have taken the exams themselves...so, they understand your nervousness. But, there's no disgrace if you don't pass the test the first time...if you're willing to pay another fee (noted below), the VE Team may allow you to re-take the license exam element, with a DIFFERENT set of questions. Depending on the number of examinees, the testing could take a few hours to complete...but, your exam will be graded IMMEDIATELY (or as soon as possible) by the VE Team, after you finish it.
Note that with COVID-19 issues, many groups have gone to remote testing, or low contact, in person testing, with appropriate COVID-19 precautions being taken. Check with the testing coordinator for further details on
COVID-19 measures, as well as requirements for, and limitations on testing. Also, if you are ill, have come in contact with someone with COVID-19, or tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of the exam session,
PLEASE STAY HOME, and advise the VE Team that you won't be able to make it.
Before going to the test site, it's a good idea to check with the contact person, if you need directions, or for special instructions. Some sessions will allow walk-ins only, others will allow pre-registration only
(the number of examinees allowed may be limited, and some will permit both. Also, some sessions may allow walk-ins up to a certain time...but after that point, no further walk-ins will be accepted, due to session time
constraints. This time limit is usually 30 minutes after the session starts, but it can vary from session to session. At hamfests, there may be more time to show up as a
walk-in, and take exams...but that VARIES with the size of the hamfest.
Plus, registering with the ''VE Team Leader and/or Contact Person'' is a good idea...in case the session has to be cancelled at the last minute...such as in the case of winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, etc., and
you can be notified before you make the trip. It's also best to check with the VE Team Contact Person to be sure that the test session will still take place...such as if a last minute cancellation (weather, flooding, etc.)
has occurred. For a list of what you need to bring to the session, click here. Note that for the Exam Session Fee, while some VEC's do NOT
charge a fee...that is more the exception than the rule. For those that charge a fee, you can pay ONLY with cash (exact change is preferred), or a check or money order payable to the appropriate VEC.
Do NOT bring credit or debit cards for payment, as the VE Teams do NOT have the resources to process these transactions.
Note that as of April 19, 2022, there is now a $35 fee, payable to the FCC, for a NEW or RENEWED, ham radio license...or a vanity callsign change request. The fee MUST be paid to the FCC within
10 days of an email notification, or the new or renewed license, or vanity callsign change request will be DISMISSED...and the individual has wasted their time and money. There is NO FEE for a
sequential callsign change request, an UPGRADE to an amateur radio license, or an administrative update (change in name, email or mailing address, or club trustee). Further details are located
here. I understand that overseas, some amateur radio license fees in various countries are in the hundreds of dollars!! So, by comparion, to me, $35 for the 10 year term, is
a bargain.
NOTE: Examinees now have to answer The Felony Question on the NCVEC Form 605 at the license exam session.
If the examinee does NOT:
A) Truthfully Answer The Felony Question,
B) Provide a Federal Registration Number (FRN) -- for details, click here, and look at item 1,
C) Provide photo ID or 2 forms of non-photo ID,
D) Provide the appropriate exam fee (cash, check, or money order, payable to the appropriate VEC Group),
E) Provide a protection mask due to COVID-19 (gloves are strongly recommended) -- this varies for each exam site,
F) Provide an email address to be used on the NCVEC Form 605 (dated September, 2017 or later),
They will NOT be allowed to take the license examination!!
Also, on exam day, please use the restroom BEFORE starting the exam...as ''nature tends to call at the most inopportune time''. Once you start the exam, you may NOT leave the exam area for ANY reason...unless
your test booklet, answer sheet, scratch paper, and other forms, are turned in FIRST!! Then, if you want to re-take the test, you will have pay another test fee, and take the exam with a different set of questions.
Otherwise, you may end up ''being escorted'' to the restroom, to be sure that you do not have access to other materials.
If you bring scratch paper to the test session, IT MUST BE COMPLETELY BLANK...however, if you need scratch paper at the test session, please ask the VE Team (they should also have extra pens and pencils on hand, if needed). It is recommended that you fill out the top part of the NCVEC Form 605 in pen (blue or black ink); the VE Team will fill out the bottom part of the form. Also, it's recommended that you fill out the Answer Sheet in pencil (in case you have to change your answers). PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY ON BOTH FORMS. On the Answer Sheet, make sure you either ''make an X through the letter (A, B, C, or D), or that you ''bubble it in''...this makes it easier for the VE Team to grade. Do NOT circle the answers...and please DO NOT WRITE IN THE EXAM BOOKLETS!!
Also, the exam booklets are different colors for each license class, and with ARRL/VEC test sessions, there are several sets of exam booklets for each element...each with a different set of questions. If the ARRL/VEC VE Team is using the Exam Tools software, that adds even more potential exam question sets to the mix. So, trying to ''copy answers'' off of someone else's test sheet will do you no good.
In fact, if it's determined that an examinee is cheating, their exam will be TERMINATED, marked as FAILED, and the examinee will be ordered to leave the premises IMMEDIATELY!!
Please DON'T put yourself...or the VE Team...into this embarrassing and humiliating situation. The occurrence of cheating could also affect your ability to take future amateur radio license exams!! And, this includes the nefarious act of trying to bribe the VE's to certify your exam fraudulently!! Doing such by them, results in REVOCATION of their VE Credentials, and LOSS of their amateur radio licenses FOR LIFE...and everyone at that session will have to re-take the exams in front of another VE Team, or in front of the FCC itself!!
Personally, I worked too hard to become an amateur radio operator...never mind a Volunteer Examiner...and I am NOT going to do something THIS STUPID. In short, NO ONE GETS A FREE PASS at the exam sessions that I run. If I passed my license exams legally, then I see no reason for others to not do likewise.
In short, you can be sure that the VE Team Liaison, or even another VE will report cheating, bribery attempts, etc. to the appropriate VEC, who will likely refer such to the FCC, who may note that you have a ''character issue''. In that case, even if you pass the exam, the FCC can IGNORE the C.S.C.E., and it basically boils down to the fact that you wasted your time and money taking the exam!!
Basically, if it takes you a dozen or more tries to pass an amateur radio license exam...even if just barely...you have as much right to be on the air as the person who made a perfect score the first time. So, you might as well ''take the test legally''. Basically, when you come to the exam session, you either are ready to take the exam, or you are not.
One fellow ham radio operator aptly noted ''The guy or girl who graduates dead last in Medical School...is STILL a Doctor. However, I may not want them doing a prostate check or a pelvic exam (hi hi). For the un-initiated, that's the medical professionals finger up the man's rectum/anus (to check for prostate cancer)...or up the woman's vagina (for vaginal issues), and possibly her rectum/anus as well. Humans are the same from the back side, male or female, and our digestive tracts are identical.
There is NO RUSH to complete the exam. Answer the questions you know first, skip the ones that you're unsure of second, and save the hard ones for last. Do NOT leave an answer BLANK, or mark more than one answer...as these are AUTOMATICALLY WRONG...and it could mean the difference between PASSING and FAILING the exam. If you have studied well, and studied the right material, you should have NO PROBLEM passing the exam. When done, turn in your test booklet, answer sheet, scratch paper, and other paperwork to the VE Team...they will grade your exam IMMEDIATELY after you've finished it (or as soon as possible)...and tell you whether you passed or failed. Please be seated after turning in your test materials.
You can miss as many as nine (9) questions on the 35 question Technician exam...nine (9) questions on the 35 question General exam...and thirteen (13) questions on the 50 question Amateur Extra exam...and still PASS...you do NOT have to make a perfect score. Basically, once you have your callsign, and the license for the applicable license of the exams you passed...as far as anyone else is concerned, you made a perfect score on the exam...whether that's the case or not. As the saying goes, ''a win by one is as good as a win by ten''.
Once you have turned in your exam booklet, answer sheet, and scratch paper for grading, you may NOT have them back.
Please remain QUIET until everyone else has finished testing. If noise (talking) becomes disruptive to you during the exam, please ask the VE Team to have those responsible to ''tone it down to a low roar'', as it were. It's also a good idea to bring ear plugs to the exam session, to filter out excess noise.
As noted above, there is NO DISGRACE if you fail an exam the first time. If you're willing to pay another fee (noted above), the VE Team may allow you re-take the same exam element with a DIFFERENT set of questions, if they have the time and the resources to do so.
If you pass (congratulations!), you'll be offered to take the next exam in line, at your option, at no additional charge. However, you will still have credit for the exam you passed (as long it was done without cheating)... even if you fail the next element in line. By the same token, if you wish to stop with the one exam that you passed, that is your choice. If you're not already licensed, it takes about 10 days after the exam until the FCC grants your license...although if the particular Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) has gotten a large amount of test session results to process...then it might take a little longer... possibly 2 weeks...but it will take longer if there's a government shutdown. Some VE Teams can scan in all the data, and create a PDF file, and upload it to the VEC on Saturday. The VEC submits your data to the FCC on Monday, and you have your new or upgraded license sometime on the Tuesday after the exam. As noted in several places on this page, as of April 19, 2022, you'll be sent a link by the FCC to pay the $35 fee within 10 days. Then, they will send you a link (valid for 30 days) for your license.
The VE Team has ten (10) days after the test session to get the test data to the appropriate VEC...who will then process the data, and send it to the FCC ULS.
Once you've received your license via email notification (after you've paid the $35 fee (effective April 19, 2022), you can begin operating, according to the privileges of the license class you have earned. Be SURE that the VE Team gives you a Certificate Of Successful Completion Of Examination (CSCE) BEFORE you leave the test session, as it is the ONLY PROOF of your taking, and passing an amateur radio license exam. The CSCE is valid for 365 days after initial issuance, if you decide to upgrade before your new license arrives. If you pass an exam on July 1 of a non-leap year, the CSCE EXPIRES on June 30 of the following year. But, if the exam was on July 1 of a leap year, the CSCE EXPIRES on June 29 of the following year.
If you're already licensed...with a valid FCC issued callsign...you can begin using your new privileges IMMEDIATELY, according to the temporary suffix format on the back of the CSCE, that you will receive from the VE Team before you leave the test session. Once your upgrade appears in the FCC ULS, you no longer have to use the temporary suffix format. There is no fee for a license upgrade, or a sequential callsign change request.
NOTE: As of Feb. 17, 2015, the FCC NO LONGER MAILS PAPER COPIES of ones ham radio license. However, you can get a copy of the license on the FCC ULS website, by logging on with your Federal Registration Number and password. You can get either an official copy (with the FCC watermark, or a Reference Copy. You are REQUIRED to provide an email address on the NCVEC Form 605 at the license exam session, to be emailed details on how to obtain a copy of your license. The amateur radio license is good for ten (10) years. Be sure to sign it before laminating it, as the license is NOT VALID WITHOUT YOUR SIGNATURE.
Be sure to keep your mailing address CURRENT...as your license could be SUSPENDED or REVOKED, if mail sent to you by the FCC is returned as UNDELIVERABLE. If you operate on a license that has been SUSPENDED or REVOKED, you will likely receive a Notice Of Violation from the FCC. For details on modifying your amateur radio license via the FCC ULS, click here.
Once you get your callsign, you may keep it, or request a new sequential or vanity callsign. Again, as of April 19, 2022, there is a $35 fee, payable to the FCC, for each vanity callsign change request. If your callsign isn't available, you are NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND. So, you need to request at least 25 callsigns...obviously, research these before you make the application. Note that if you wish to apply for a Vanity Callsign, certain requirements apply...details are located here. There is still a 21 day WAITING PERIOD before the new callsign is granted (and again, you have to pay $35 fee to the FCC (as of April 19, 2022). And, once the new callsign takes effect, your previous callsign is NO LONGER VALID. So, if you decide to get a Vanity Callsign, be sure it's the one you want to keep.
1) Go to https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp.
2) Choose Login to login with your FRN (Federal Registration Number) (it's a 10 digit number on your amateur radio license), and Password. Make sure you use the FRN, and NOT the File Number.
Note: TINs (Tax Payer Identification Numbers) may no longer be used for logging into ULS, effective December 14, 2003. Links are provided to Contact Technical Support, for a password reset, or other assistance. For additional help with this process, click on the Common Questions that appear on most pages of ULS License Manager, or click the Help link at the top right of each page. Other ways to contact the FCC are further down this page.
3) Choose Update from the Work on This License menu on the right hand side of your License At A Glance screen. If your license is within ninety (90) days of expiration...or if the license is EXPIRED, but within the 2 Year Grace Period...you can Renew your license. Again, as of April 19, 2022, a $35 fee must be paid to the FCC at the time of renewal. Note that you may NOT transmit while your license is EXPIRED.
However, if your license is Expired More Than 2 Years, YOU ARE NO LONGER LICENSED...and at minimum, have to take the Technician Class license exam, to get back into a ham radio, with a NEW CALLSIGN.
Check the data to be sure that it is correct, as you continue with the steps below.
4) Answer the questions on the Applicant Questions page. Then click Continue.
5) On the licensee page, update your licensee address, and any other relevant information, by typing your information into the text boxes provided. When ready, click Continue.
6) On the Summary page, review the information you have entered. If you wish to make additional changes, click the Edit button next to the section of your application you wish to Edit. You will be able to return to that page of the application. Make the desired change(s), and select the Return to Summary button.
7) When ready to submit your update to the Commission, choose the Continue to Certify button.
8) After reading the certification, enter your first and last names, and title if appropriate, in the boxes at the bottom of the page. You MUST sign the application. When finished, choose the Submit Application button. Note that providing false information is grounds for suspension or revocation of your license...plus you could risk monetary forfeiture (fines), confiscation of your equipment, jail time, and you may not ever again be allowed to hold an amateur radio license.
9) From the ULS Confirmation screen, it's recommended that you print a copy of your application and/or the Confirmation screen itself from your web browser. Note: The address and contact information you have entered in CORES registration will not be automatically associated with your licenses. To change the address or other contact information on your license, you must update your information in the ULS, as noted above, or submit Form 605 manually.
You may alternatively submit a paper FCC Form 605 (edition date July 2005 or later) to:
FCC
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
OR, you may deliver the form in person to:
FCC
1280 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
You can request forms by calling (800) 418-FORM (3676), download the form, or call the FCC's Fax Information system at (202) 418-0177. You can also contact the FCC by:
Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
Fax: 1-866-418-0232
E-Mail: fccinfo at fcc dot gov
Note that the FCC no longer mails out paper copies of the licenses, but sends them out via email only. Be sure you have the address of authorizations@fcc.gov in your ''email whitelist''.