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605 Instructions

Manually Complete the NCVEC Form 605

When filing manually, note that the FCC Form 605 and the NCVEC Form 605 are two different forms. The FCC 605 form cannot be used at VEC exam sessions to apply for a new or upgrade Amateur Radio license.

As of June 29, 2021, the FCC no longer accepts paper filings. Applicants must login and file applications in the License Manager system on the FCC website. The FCC online filing instructions are here.

The FCC charges an application fee for certain filings. The FCC fee must be paid directly to the FCC not to an organization or exam team. View the application fee filing guide and instructions on the FCC Application Fee webpage.

The NCVEC Form 605 is for VEC and VE use only. This form is used at exam sessions when applicants are applying for a new or upgrade Amateur Radio license.  The form can also be used to renew, update or modify a license. This form cannot be sent to FCC.  There is no charge to current ARRL members when submitting NCVEC Form 605 for license renewals or changes (address, name, email, etc.). For NON-members who wish to change or renew their license, there is an ARRL processing fee to use the ARRL VEC service. FCC application fees may apply to the filing for all applicants (member and non-member).

A valid email address and an answer to the basic qualification question are mandatory.

NCVEC 605 Instructions

  • Completing the NCVEC 605 Form

    This form is for VE and VEC use only.
    Choose the option below that's right for you.

  • Application Processing Fees

    The FCC application fee applies to new, renewal, rule waiver, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign. The fee will be per application.

    The FCC fee must be paid directly to the FCC.

    Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, and modification applications to upgrade an amateur radio licensee’s operator class or to request a sequentially issued call sign, are exempt from fees.

    View the application fee filing guide and instructions on the 
    FCC Application Fee webpage. After completing the application online, if a payment is required, the system will automatically open a page asking how the applicant wants to pay and will walk the applicant through the payment process.

    Exam Sessions: Check the ARRL VEC's current exam session processing fee.  The FCC application fee applies to new license applications. Upgrade license applications are not subjected to the FCC application fee. Applicants will pay the FCC fee directly to the FCC.

    Individuals:  Current ARRL members may manually file an NCVEC 605 application for free (via mail, email, or FAX) to the ARRL VEC using the NCVEC Form 605Renewal applications are subjected to the FCC application fee and must be paid directly to the FCC within 10-days of the ARRL filing the renewal application.  There is no FCC application fee when submitting NCVEC Form 605 for license changes (address, name, email, etc.). 
    For NON-members who wish to change or renew their license, there is an ARRL processing fee to use the ARRL VEC service. The FCC application fees will apply to all renewal application filings (member and non-member).
    Vanity applications must be filed online directly with the FCC and are subjected to the FCC application fee. 

    Clubs:  There are no ARRL VEC processing fees.  
    The FCC application fee applies to new, renewal, and modification applications that request a new vanity call sign. The fee will be per application. Club license changes (name, address, trustee, etc.) are not subjected to the FCC application fee.

    View the application fee filing guide and instructions on the FCC Application Fee webpage.

  • Exam Applicants and Individuals

    These instructions can only be used in conjunction with NCVEC QUICK-FORM 605 APPLICATION FOR AMATEUR OPERATOR/PRIMARY STATION LICENSE.
    This form is used at VEC exam sessions to apply for a new or upgrade license.
    For routine changes, modifications, and/or renewals of amateur licenses use this form and return it to ARRL. Do not send or provide this form to the FCC.

    Applicants must fill in SECTION 1. 
    Each application for a new license, license upgrade, renewal, change or modification must provide the following information.

         Applicant contact information, including: Full name, call sign (if licensed),
         address, FCC Registration Number (FRN), city, state, zip code,
         email address, daytime phone number.

         An email address and the FCC Registration Number (FRN)
         [10 digits beginning with a "0"] are MANDATORY.

         Basic Qualification Question:  Applicants must answer this question.
         If the answer is "YES" follow the FCC instructions and procedures.


         Application Purpose: Check the box or boxes that the applicant is applying for.
         (eg, Examination for Upgrade, and Change of mailing address might both be
         checked for some applicants).

         Does applicant have another license application pending at FCC? If yes, explain.

         Applicant Signature and Date Signed.
     
    Applicants will receive an email directly from the FCC with a link to the official electronic copy of their license whenever a license is issued or changed.
    The FCC does not provide paper license documents.

  • Volunteer Examiners

    These instructions can only be used in conjunction with NCVEC QUICK-FORM 605 APPLICATION FOR AMATEUR OPERATOR/PRIMARY STATION LICENSE.
    Send this form, when completed, to your coordinating VEC.
    Do not send or provide this form to the FCC.

    Exam Applicants must fill in SECTION 1. 
    Each application for a new license, license upgrade or modification must provide the following information.

         Applicant contact information, including: Full name, call sign (if licensed),
         address, FCC Registration Number (FRN), city, state, zip code,
         email address, daytime phone number.

         An email address and the FCC Registration Number (FRN)
         [10 digits beginning with a "0"] are MANDATORY.

         Basic Qualification Question:  Applicants must answer this question.
         If the answer is "YES" follow the FCC instructions and procedures.

         Application Purpose: Check the box or boxes that the applicant is applying for.
         (eg, Examination for Upgrade, and Change of mailing address might both be
         checked for some applicants).

         Does applicant have another license application pending at FCC? If yes, explain.

         Applicant Signature and Date Signed.

    VEs must fill in SECTION 2. 

         Indicate license class earned at this session (if any) for the exam date
         and location shown to the right.

         In the boxes to the right, fill in the exam date, exam site city and state or
         country, and VEC name.

         Enter the Three Administering VE's Certifications - Each of three qualified
         and VEC-accredited administering VEs must PRINT their name,
         PRINT their call sign, SIGN their name and enter the date signed.

    Applicants will receive an email directly from the FCC with a link to the official electronic copy of their license whenever a license is issued or changed.
    The FCC does not provide paper license documents.


  • ARRL VEC Address and Contact Information

    All license filings (except for new vanity call sign requests) can be sent to:
    ARRL VEC
    225 Main Street
    Newington, CT 06111-1494
    FAX:  860-594-0339 
    Email:  VEC@arrl.org 
    Phone: 1-800-927-7583
     

  • Club and Military Recreation Licenses: New, Renewals, and Changes

    The ARRL VEC Form 605-C must be used and sent to the ARRL VEC. Do not use the NCVEC Form 605 and do not send any forms to the FCC.

    Clubs that hold vanity call signs may electronically renew their FCC issued licenses online via the FCC web using the ULS License Manager System or through a CSCSA.  All other vanity club license changes or updates may only be done through a CSCSA.
     

    ARRL VEC Form 605-C can be used to update or renew a Club License or a Military Recreation Station License.  ARRL cannot process requests for NEW vanity call signs as they must be done directly with the FCC.  For Club or Military Recreation License filing instructions see Club Station License Application Filing Procedures.

    If you have any questions, contact the ARRL VEC.

    ARRL VEC , 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111 USA
    Phone:  1-860-594-0300
    Email:  VEC@arrl.org
    FAX:  860-594-0339

FCC Filing Instructions

  • Applicants must file online with the FCC

    Applicants must login and file applications in the License Manager system on the FCC website. Have your FRN (FCC Registration Number) and password available for login.

    The FCC charges an application fee for certain filings. View the application fee filing guide and instructions on the FCC Application Fee webpage. After completing the application online, if a payment is required, the system will automatically open a page asking how the applicant wants to pay and will walk the applicant through the payment process.

    FCC filing instructions can be found on the ARRL and FCC websites. Go Now 
     

  • Register with the FCC

    Under the Debt Collection Act of 1996 your Taxpayer ID Number (TIN), which is your Social Security Number (SSN), is required to conduct business with the FCC. Your FCC Registration Number (FRN) is required on 605 applications. An FRN is assigned by the FCC registration system as soon as your SSN is registered. Set up an FCC user account and Register for an FRN on the FCC CORES website.


  • SSN and FRN Information

    • Once you have registered yourself in the FCC's ULS CORES Registration System (which requires you to set up a user account and supply your Taxpayer ID Number to FCC {this is your Social Security Number}-as required under the Debt Collection Act of 1996), you can submit the FCC Form 605 to FCC by mail, or update your record on line via the FCC ULS License Manager System. FCC forms can be obtained via the FCC website
       
    • Supplying NCVEC 605 form to a Volunteer Examiner (VE), Volunteer Examiner Team or to a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) - You are required to provide your FCC Registration Number (10 digits beginning with a "0") on the application. FCC Registration Numbers are assigned by the FCC's ULS Registration system as soon as you are registered in the ULS. If you register electronically, you can immediately view on line your FCC Registration Number. If you register by mail (see below), once FCC processes your registration you can then phone FCC and obtain your FCC Registration Number. Once you have it, you must use your FCC Registration Number for all Amateur license applications.
       
    • Applicants who have not yet registered in ULS or Foreign applicants - may still sit for and take examinations for a new Amateur license, or to upgrade an existing Amateur license with the understanding that no action will be taken by FCC on any application until after the applicant has registered in the ULS. Not being registered in the ULS will cause a delay in the filing of the application. Failure to notify the coordinating VEC of subsequent registration in the ULS, or failure to register, will result in the application being placed on hold until this FCC requirement has been met. Foreign applicants (not eligible for a US Social Security Number) must register on-line as exempt by selecting the reason "the individual is foreign" and a Federal Registration Number will be issued.
       
    • Registering in ULS - can be accomplished electronically via the FCC ULS web page or by obtaining, completing and forwarding the FCC's ULS Registration form (FCC Form 606) to the FCC by fax (717-338-2693) or by mail to: FCC, 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg PA 17325-7245. FCC Form 606 can be obtained via the  FCC website or via FTP or by fax at 202-418-0177 (request Form 000606). The FCC Forms Distribution Center will accept orders by calling 800-418-3676.
       
    • Why must I register in the FCC ULS? For US Citizens, the US Government now requires you to have your Taxpayer ID Number (your Social Security Number) registered with the FCC. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 requires the FCC to collect this information. Congress enacted the Debt Collection Improvement Act (DCIA) as part of an effort to increase collection of delinquent government debts. As a result of the DCIA, the Commission and other executive agencies are required to collect Taxpayer Identification Numbers from each entity doing business with a Federal agency, including applicants for, or recipients of, a Federal license or permit. In addition, the Taxpayer ID Number (TIN)-our Social Security Number--will be used as a unique identifier for each licensee within the ULS. [In the FCC's Commercial Services, TINs are commonplace--since companies rarely have a Social Security Number. For individuals, our TIN is our Social Security Number]. The TIN, along with a user-selected password, will provide licensees access to their licensing records in order to renew or modify their licenses. You can register in the Universal Licensing System (ULS).

     

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