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ULS Step-By-Step

In the early days of ULS (Universal Licensing System), deployed in the Amateur Service on August 16, 1999, the FCC registration and filing systems were not easy to navigate. Now, however, the FCC has taken great strides to make ULS and CORES (COmmission REgistration System) easier to use. The FCC has done a very good job of updating their Web page and there is a specific section for the Amateur Radio Service which can be found at http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=amateur .   The FCC has even devoted a page to common filing tasks http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=cft&id=amateur&page=cft_summary which offers instruction on filing electronically via the ULS.

If you wish to conduct business with the FCC, you must first register through FCC CORES. Upon registration, you will be assigned a Federal Registration Number (FRN). This number will be used to uniquely identify you in all transactions with the FCC. Effective December 3, 2001, the use of a Federal Registration Number (FRN) became mandatory. You must be registered in CORES and be issued an FRN before you can use ULS to renew your license, change your address, obtain a duplicate license or use any of the other services that the FCC offers.  Not sure if you have an FRN?  Check your license to determine if it’s been assigned an FRN.

Here's a ULS/CORES primer for those registering on-line. In response to requests from the amateur community for simplified, yet detailed, steps to register for ULS and CORES, the ARRL offers the following procedure for individual Amateur Radio licensees:

• If you are already Registered in FCC CORES, and if you have a FRN and know your CORES Password no further action is required. You can go directly to the FCC web site at http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ and choose ONLINE FILING "LOG IN" to file a transaction with FCC using the ULS. You will be required to supply your FCC assigned FRN and your Password to renew or update your license.

• If you are NOT Registered in FCC CORES and do not have a FRN, go to the FCC web site at http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ and choose NEW USERS "REGISTER" link. To register your SSN and receive a FRN, choose the "REGISTER" link and complete your “individual” registration information:  your name, social security number, address, phone number (ignore the organization and position references). Create a Password and Personal Security Question and Answer: Then click on “submit”. When the system confirms that you are registered (issues an FRN), and the page goes on to read " Amateurs, Aircraft, Marine, Antenna Structure Registration (ASR), and any other service licensed through the Universal Licensing System (ULS) should click on the following link to access ULS and associate their call sign(s) with their new FRN and password. Existing call signs must be associated with an FRN before you can file in ULS. Click on the link "FCC Universal Licensing System". Proceed to ULS License Manager by clicking on the "ULS License Manager" link. Enter your FRN number FCC assigned to you and your password to log in. Click on link (1) "associate your FRN with existing licenses". Enter your call sign in the first box, then hit "Continue". Clink on "Confirm", then click on "Return to License Manager".  You will now be able to renew or update your license in ULS.

• If you are Registered (have a FRN) but do not know your FCC CORES Password you can reset your password on line.
  
  a.) If you have NOT established a Personal Security Question (PSQ) and Answer (most amateurs have not) go to the FCC web site https://esupport.fcc.gov/password.htm . The page title says "Forgot Your Password?", click on the link "Set Personal Security Question". In this screen, fill in all the required fields (including Social Security Number). At the bottom of the page, fill out your personal security question information. Click on the certify box (check mark will populate box) then click "submit". The FCC will provide you with a tracking number that consists of the letters HD and 13 digits. Make note of this number. You will receive an email from the FCC when your FRN registration has been updated with your PSQ. Go back to the password web page and continue the process with an established PSQ and Answer (see item b.) and no FCC Cores password.
  
  b.) If you have established a Personal Security Question (PSQ) and Answer, then you may use the online password reset feature to create a new password for your FRN. Go to the FCC web site https://esupport.fcc.gov/password.htm . The page title says "Forgot Your Password?", click on the "Reset Password" link. Enter your FRN and click on "continue". Type in your Personal Security Question Answer and click "continue". Enter your new Password, retype it and click "continue". You will receive a confirmation screen affirming that your FRN has been successfully updated.

That's it! You're done! You are now registered in CORES and can transact business (ie, file applications, renewals, vanity call sign requests, address changes, etc.) with the FCC using the Universal Licensing System.—Maria Somma, AB1FM  

Additional Information

License Filing Instructions and Filing Fees  complete list of filing options with step by step instructions.

Amateur Application Filing FAQ  complete list of forms and their uses.

Amateur Radio Vanity Call Sign FAQ  all you need to know about Vanity call signs.