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This page addresses common application filing questions including new/upgraded amateur licenses, license renewals, address changes, ULS and CORES registration, new and modifications to club/military recreation licenses and vanity applications.
With the implementation of the Universal Licensing System, amateurs have more choices in filing applications. Amateur applications can be filed manually using paper forms or electronically over the FCC Web site.
In all cases, you must first be registered with the FCC, obtain a Federal Registration Number (FRN) and password (for electronic filing) before you can make changes to your amateur license or conduct other business with the FCC. The FCC no longer accepts the old Form 610. With the implementation of the Commission Registration System (CORES), all amateurs registered under the Universal Licensing System were registered in CORES.
Yes. ARRL members can send use the NCVEC Form 605 for license modifications. It must be sent to the ARRL VEC in Newington, not to the FCC. For the form, see http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/ncvec605-3.pdf. As one of the many benefits we offer ARRL members, ARRL members will automatically receive a form from ARRL with instructions on license renewal once they are just outside the 90 day window for renewal of their amateur license. This will be a letter with a form at the bottom of the letter to sign and return to the ARRL VEC. Amateurs can renew no sooner than 90 days before the expiration of the license. License modifications or NON-Vanity renewal procedures are a free membership service. Vanity renewals require a FCC Regulatory Fee and a $5 ARRL processing fee. For NON-members who wish to modify a license or renew their NON-Vanity license, there is a $15 charge to use the NCVEC Form 605. For NON-members who wish to renew their Vanity license, there is a required FCC Regulatory Fee and a $15 ARRL processing fee to submit the NCVEC Form 605.
For a complete list of member filing instructions and filing fees go to the ARRL Member Instructions For License Renewals or Changes page.
This can be done by one of three ways:
Electronically through the FCC ULS Web Page;
Manually using the FCC Form 605;
or
Manually using the NCVEC Form 605.
Electronic filing is immediate; if you make an error filing, you will know about it right then.
When filing manually, note that the FCC Form 605 and the NCVEC Form 605 are two different forms.
The FCC Form 605 is more difficult to complete and it must be sent to the FCC. There is no fee to modify a License (change address, change name, obtain duplicate) or to renew a NON-Vanity License.
To renew a Vanity license, there is a required FCC Regulatory Fee and a FCC 159 Payment Form that must accompany the FCC Form 605.
The NCVEC Form 605 must be sent to the ARRL VEC or another participating VEC. If sent directly to the FCC, it will be rejected. The NCVEC Form 605 will be processed as a membership service for current ARRL members. License modifications or NON-Vanity renewal procedures are free to ARRL members. Vanity renewals require a FCC Regulatory Fee and a $5 ARRL processing fee. For NON-members who wish to modify a license or renew their NON-Vanity license, there is a $15 charge to use the NCVEC Form 605. For NON-members who wish to renew their Vanity license, there is a required FCC Regulatory Fee and a $15 ARRL processing fee to submit the NCVEC Form 605. The NCVEC Form 605 does not have a space for obtaining a duplicate license, but you can simply write 'Duplicate' on the form and it will be processed by the ARRL VEC.
In all instances, a license can be renewed no sooner than 90 days before the expiration of the license.
FCC REQUIRES A REGULATORY FEE TO RENEW VANITY
LICENSES
If you do not wish to pay the mandatory fee, you may request a sequentially issued call sign at the time of renewal.
For a complete list of filing instructions and filing fees go to the ARRL Instructions For License Renewals or Changes page.
Although electronic filing is the preferred method of making license changes, here is a quick reference of the various forms when manual (paper) filing is preferred:
FCC Forms and Their Use |
||||
Purpose: |
Form: |
Plus: |
Fee |
Send to: |
Pay Vanity Fee, Request Vanity Call |
||||
Modify License: Change Address, Obtain Duplicate, Change Name or Renew NON-Vanity License |
|
None |
||
Renew Vanity License, Pay Vanity Renewal Fee |
||||
Modify License: Change Address, Obtain Duplicate, Change Name or Renew NON-Vanity License* |
|
None--ARRL Members |
||
Pay Vanity Renewal Fees, Renew Vanity License* |
|
Current FCC Regulatory Fee PLUS $5.00 Processing Fee--ARRL Members |
||
New or Modify Club or Military-Rec License or Renew Military-Rec License or NON-Vanity Club License** |
ARRL VEC 605-C (or any CSCSA form) |
|
None |
|
Pay Vanity Renewal Fee, Renew Vanity Club License** |
||||
Pay Vanity Renewal Fee, Renew Vanity Club License** |
ARRL VEC 605-C (or any CSCSA form) |
|
||
Systematic (random) Call Change |
None |
|||
New Vanity application, |
Schedule D, Part 2 and 3 |
|||
Duplicate License |
|
None |
||
CORES Registration*** |
|
None |
||
FRN Call Sign Association*** |
|
None |
||
*The NCVEC Form 605, different from the FCC Form 605, is much more "user-friendly," but must be sent to the HQ of a VEC for processing, not to the FCC. As a service to ARRL members, the ARRL will process NCVEC Forms 605. This form must be dated no earlier than March 2001. When going through the ARRL VEC, you will be automatically registered in ULS and CORES if you are not already.
** The FCC has privatized the club call sign assignment program. Any club, military-recreation or RACES station must go through a Club Station Call Sign Administrator (CSCSA). Vanity Call Sign Requests and Vanity Call Sign renewals are the exceptions and may be filed directly with the FCC.
The three CSCSA's are the ARRL VEC, the W4VEC and the W5YI VEC. The FCC says that trustees and custodians of club, military-recreation and RACES should not use their personal Social Security Number for these licenses. Instead, for clubs, separately register the club through a CSCSA.
*** When registering electronically, under ULS and CORES, you will be forwarded automatically to the proper area of the FCC Web page to obtain a FRN and you will be able to link it to your call sign. When registering manually, however, you must complete a FCC Form 160 to obtain a FRN, based on your Taxpayer Identification Number. Once you receive that in the mail from the FCC, you must then complete an FCC Form 606 to associate your FRN and call. An individual or entity is not required to have a call sign, but is required to have an FRN when doing business with the FCC.
Before the implementation of the Universal Licensing System, amateurs had to wait weeks or months when making license changes. Implementation of the Universal Licensing System in the Amateur Radio Service ushered in a new era of electronic, interactive filing and handling of Amateur Radio applications. It provides users fast and easy electronic filing, improved data accuracy through automated checking of applications filed on-line, and enhanced electronic access to licensing information. With ULS, you can renew or modify your ticket or apply for a vanity call sign on the FCC's ULS Web page. The ULS also meant the demise of the FCC Form 610 series long familiar to amateurs in favor of the "universal" Form 605. Although this form is primarily an electronic document, it is also available on paper. ULS gave Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) the authority to design their own forms and this has been done through the NCVEC Form 605.
Many hams had already registered in ULS through CORES. Amateurs may file applications using the FCC Form 605 electronically at any time of day, seven days a week (ULS does not process applications received on a weekend or holiday until the next FCC business day). FCC Form 605 is used for license renewals, modifications, cancellations and amendments, as well as requests for a vanity call sign, duplicate license requests, changes of address or other clerical license modifications. Visit the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Amateur Radio Web page for information on accessing the ULS. Amateurs experiencing problems with ULS should contact the FCC License Support staff at 877-480-3201 (option 2) or 202-414-1250 or at ulscomm@fcc.gov. See ULS and CORES assistance from the FCC.
Renewal sooner than 90 days before expiration is not permitted under the ULS and any such application will be returned without action.
Before you can take advantage of all of these new features,
first you
must register! The vehicle for doing this is the Commission Registration System
(CORES). For many amateurs, ULS and CORES may be transparent, especially for
those filing electronically, but they are two different systems. Registration involves simply entering your
Taxpayer Information Number (typically your Social Security Number), your name
and your call sign (or call signs if you hold any in other FCC Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau-administered services) into the ULS.
Amateurs may now file electronically overthe FCC ULS Web Site. Manual filing using the paper form remains, but people are encouraged to file electronically which is easier.
All amateurs must be registered with the FCC. This is not an option. If you are not registered when seeking FCC services, the application will be returned without action. You are not required to register until the first time you intend to file an application, however. For most Amateur Radio operators, this will be when you renew or modify your license (that is, change your address, name or call sign, upgrade your class of operator license, or apply for a vanity call sign).
Amateur licensees registered in ULS already have been cross-registered in CORES and issued an FRN by mail. Amateurs can check to see if they have a Federal Registration Number (FRN) electronically via a ULS License Search. Many Internet call sign servers, including ARRL's, also can provide this information.
All amateurs who register in CORES will be issued an FRN. Amateurs then should use their FRN in place of their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN--typically an individual's Social Security Number) when filing applications with the FCC. New or upgrade license applicants not previously registered in ULS will be registered automatically in both CORES and ULS when they provide a TIN on a license application filed through a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator or on a form submitted directly to the FCC. An easy ways to determine if you have already registered, or if you have been auto-registered is to check the CORES and ULS databases. Your FRN should appear in both.
Although both ULS and CORES will contain a licensee's FRN, updating information in one system will not update the other. For amateurs, CORES registration replaces ULS ''TIN/Call Sign'' registration, but the ULS will remain the Amateur Service licensing database, and only ULS will associate an individual with a particular call sign and FRN. Now that CORES and FRN's are mandatory, those registering in ULS will be redirected to CORES registration when filing electronically.
The FCC has discontinued issuing an Assigned Taxpayer Identification Number, ATIN's, which the FCC had been issuing to applicants ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number, such as foreign applicants and club station licensees. Applicants who had been using ATINs must now register in CORES. CORES will offer exemptions to amateur clubs and to foreign entities not holding a TIN/SSN.
All passwords will be maintained in the CORES database. Amateurs also may use FCC Form 160 to register manually in CORES, and those doing so will be mailed a CORES password for on-line access. Once the FRN is obtained, amateurs registering manually must complete an FCC Form 606 to associate a call with the FRN.
There are two ways to register:
Manual Registration: You must file two forms. Complete an FCC Form 160 to obtain an FRN, based on your Taxpayer Identification Number. Note that the FCC Form 160 does not ask for your call sign. Once you receive that in the mail from the FCC, you must then complete an FCC Form 606 to associate your FRN and call. An individual or entity is not required to have a call sign, but is required to have an FRN when doing business with the FCC. Automatic registration is available for those filing an application through a VEC and to those who have previously registered in ULS.
In other words, you must have given the FCC your Social Security Number once; if you have not, you will not be auto-registered and will need to do so.
Electronic Registration: If not already registered in CORES, go to the FCC Amateur Radio Web site and choose REGISTER "CORES/Call Sign". Either choose REGISTER NOW if you are not sure you are already registered or, if you are already registered, choose UPDATE REGISTRATION INFORMATION. Questions can be directed to the CORES Help Desk at 1-877-480-3201. Complete your registration information (ignore the contact person, and SGIN references). If you are not a US citizen, follow the prompts. When the system confirms that you are registered, and the page goes on to read "To continue on to another FCC Filing system, select: AUCTIONS, BLS, CDBS, CSRS, ETFS, IBFS, or ULS, be sure to link your call sign to your registration by choosing "ULS"; then choose "Proceed to Call Sign/ASR Number Registration", then re-enter the FRN number the FCC assigned to you and enter your password (for password help contact FCC Tech Support weekdays at 202-414-1250 or at ulscom@fcc.gov). Lastly, choose "ENTER CALL SIGNS" and enter your amateur call sign in the first block of the 100 spaces-then click on "Submit", and you are now finished with your CORES Registration. Then choose "HOME". You may update your registration (e.g., change address, passwords, or call sign) in a similar fashion.
One big advantage to on-line registration is that the ULS application system checks for errors before you submit your data. This advantage is not available to manual filers. If you file electronically with ULS, you will be required to use your CORES password. CORES passwords will be the same as current ULS passwords. If you chose to log in with your TIN, the FCC will tell you your FRN. It should be used in all transactions with the FCC. If you don't have an FRN, you will be prompted to obtain one first before the FCC will accept your application.
All of the Forms mentioned can be found on the ARRLWeb. FCC forms can be found on the FCC page and from the FCC Forms Distribution Center at 1-800-418-FORM (3676). The ARRL VEC Form 605-C (for clubs and military recreation stations only) and the NCVEC Form 605 can only be found on the ARRL Web site.
The FCC has privatized the Club Call Sign assignment program (as well as the Military-Recreation Call Sign Program). Any club or military-recreation license must go through a Club Station Call Sign Administrator (CSCSA) of which the ARRL VEC is one. The FCC no longer accepts applications directly from clubs, unless the club is requesting a Vanity Call Sign or renewing a Vanity Call Sign. Refer to the Club Station Application and Filing Procedure page for additional information.
The address depends on the form and its intent. Here is a list:
The FCC Gettysburg address: The FCC Form 605 as well as Schedule D (with the exception of vanity call applications), Form 606 and FCC Forms 159 must be sent to:
FCC
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
There is no fee. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing. Only applications not requiring an FCC fee may be sent to the FCC Gettysburg address.
The FCC St. Louis Bank Contractor address: The manually filed vanity applications using an FCC Form 605, the FCC Form 605 Schedule D (Parts 2 and 3), and also the Form 159 with the FCC Regulatory Fee must be sent to:
Federal Communications Commission
Wireless Bureau Applications
PO Box 979097
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
The payment-type code for vanity applications for the Form 159 is WAVR. The Form 159 Lockbox Number is the post office box you are mailing the forms -- the Lockbox is "979097".
When submitting a vanity application electronically and when the fee is paid by check or money order, ULS will assign a file number and show the correct fee amount due as well as the payment type code on a confirmation screen. Click the "Form 159" button to put this information onto the Form 159. Print the completed form and mail it with the proper fee. All mailed payments (payments not made by credit card on-line) for electronically filed applications will go to:
Federal Communications Commission
Wireless Bureau Applications, ULS Electronic Filings
PO Box 979097
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
The ARRL Newington address: The ARRL VEC will check and forward data to the FCC from the NCVEC Form 605 for ARRL Members. The NCVEC Form 605 can only be processed by a VEC (not a VE Team), and not by the FCC. Processing time is one to two weeks for ARRL-VEC to electronically process the application. The NCVEC Form 605, a quick and easy form, can not be sent directly to the FCC. For a complete list of member filing instructions and filing fees go to the ARRL Member Instructions For License Renewals or Changes page. Send the form to:
ARRL
VEC
225 Main St.
Newington, CT 06111
The FCC Washington, DC address: Only completed FCC Forms 160 must be sent to this address:
FCC
Attention CORES Administrator
Room CY-C140
445 12th St., SW
Washington, DC 20554
Forms sent to the wrong address may be delayed (or worse).
The FCC Form 605 is long and many of the questions do not apply to the Amateur Service because this form is used with many services in addition to the Amateur Service. It is critical that amateurs use the correct application codes on the Form 605. For example, if an application for renewal, but not modification, indicates an application code of "RM" (to renew and modify a license), the entire application will be rejected.
Here are quick instructions on completing the form:
LICENSE ADDRESS CHANGE or NAME CHANGE or SYSTEMATIC CALL
SIGN CHANGE*
LICENSE LOST or DESTROYED
Complete the FCC Form 605 (JULY 2005) by filling in NUMBERS 1 through 30. Remember to sign and date the back of the form.
For the Radio Service Code (Block #1) write code 'HA' in the Box (unless you currently hold a vanity issued call sign then write code 'HV').
For the Application Purpose ( #2 ) write code 'AU' in the parenthesis for requested Changes to your license EXCEPT
For Systematic Call Changes to your license write code 'MD'* OR
For a Duplicate copy of your license write code 'DU' [if the license requires any changes (address, call, etc.) you must use code 'AU' or 'MD' per above].
In the following Block write 'N' for (not applicable) #3.
The following Blocks should be left BLANK on the 605 Form: #4 #6 #12 #14 #24 #25 #29 ( Title: ).
#5 write your current call sign.
In the following Blocks write 'No' or 'N' : #7 #8 #13 #23 #24 #26 #27.
#9 FCC issued Federal Registration Number (FRN).
#10 check box 'I' for Individual.
Complete Blocks #11, #15 and/or #16, #17 #18 #19 #20 #28 #29 (Signature) #30. Blocks # 21 #22 #23 are optional.
* Systematic call sign changes require an additional FCC form (FCC Form 605 Schedule D) to accompany the regular 605 form for submission to the FCC (or participating VECs). On Schedule D, under the heading Systematic Call Sign Change, enter 'Y' for block 1.
* Vanity call sign change requests require FCC Form 605, FCC Form 605 Schedule D, plus FCC Payment Form 159. Because different procedures are followed for vanity call sign changes, the forms must go to a different FCC address for processing with the associated fee.
After completing all the forms, you can mail your FCC Form 605, FCC Form 159, FCC 605 Schedule D and payment to: Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Bureau Applications, PO Box 979097 St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
LICENSE RENEWAL* or REINSTATEMENT (if expired less than 2 years)
Amateur Radio Licenses are valid for a 10 year term. The FCC Form 605 may be sent to the FCC (or participating VECs) up to 90 days before the expiration date of the license. Any submissions received at the FCC or VEC greater than 90 days will be returned to the license holder. Any license that has been expired for more than 2 years will NOT be reinstated-- instead the individual must re-obtain a license by retaking the exams.
Complete the FCC Form 605 (JULY 2005) by filling in NUMBERS 1 through 30. Remember to sign and date the back of the form.
For the Radio Service Code (Block #1) write code 'HA' in the Box (unless you currently hold a vanity issued call sign then write code 'HV').
For the Application Purpose ( #2 ) write code 'RO' in the parenthesis for requested Renewal Only of your license OR write code 'RM' in the parenthesis for Renewal and requested Changes to your license (name, address, etc.).
In the following Block write 'N' for (not applicable) #3.
The following Blocks should be left BLANK on the 605 Form: #4 #6 #12 #13 #14 #24 #25 #29 ( Title: ).
#5 write your current call sign.
In the following Blocks write 'No' or 'N' : #7 #8 #23 #24 #26 #27.
#9 FCC issued Federal Registration Number (FRN).
#10 check box 'I' for Individual.
Complete Blocks #11, #15 and/or #16, #17 #18 #19 #20 #28 #29 (Signature) #30. Blocks # 21 #22 #23 are optional.
* Vanity call sign renewals require FCC Form 605, plus FCC Payment Form 159 and a FCC regulatory fee. Because different procedures are followed for vanity call renewals, the forms must go to a different FCC address for processing with the associated fee.
After completing all the forms, you can mail your FCC Form 605, FCC Form 159, and payment to: Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Bureau Applications, PO Box 979097 St. Louis, MO 63197-9000. If you do not wish to pay the mandatory fee, you may request a sequentially issued call sign at the time of renewal.
The FCC web site can be used for renewals at 90 days or less before your license will expire, or up to two years after expiration (FCC grace period). Applications filed earlier than 90 days or after the two year grace period will not process.
Unlike the pre-ULS system, you must now complete an FCC Form 605 in order to receive a duplicate license. Amateurs are not required to carry a copy of their license at all times as they were at one time; as long as your license data appears in the FCC database, that's sufficient. There are other times when you need to carry a copy of your FCC license, at a testing session or during foreign travel, for example.
Note: For Amateurs filing FCC Form 605s manually, the answer to questions 26 and 27 is always "no".
Some amateurs have been concerned over the FCC's requirement for your Social Security Number. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Public Law 104-134, requires all federal agencies to collect Taxpayer Identification Numbers from all persons doing business with the agency..
This includes all applicants and holders of FCC licenses. The ULS uses your SSN as a unique identifier. Your SSN (or FRN) and your password will provide access to the electronic filing features of the ULS.
Supplying a telephone and fax number is optional as is supplying an
e-mail address. Your SSN will not be
disclosed to the public and it must be given only once. The Commission has
taken several steps to ensure the privacy of your SSN. Electronic registration
on the Internet is accomplished using the FCC's secure Web server.
There are two FCC resources:
FCC Technical Support Hotline: 877-480-3201 (option 2) or 202-414-1250 or via e-mail at ulscomm@fcc.gov. Contact the FCC Technical Support Hotline about computer access to ULS, your FRN, uploading files or attachments. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM EST (except Federal holidays). All calls are recorded.
ULS Licensing Support and Forms Information: 1-888-CALL FCC (225-5322). Select option #2 or call 717-338-2888. E-mail questions can be sent to ulshelp@fcc.gov. Contact the FCC License Support with questions about the proper application, the information requested for the application of any other ULS related licensing matter. ULS Licensing Support is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM EST (except holidays).
The ARRL recommends the following publications on regulatory topics:
