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How to renew your license

a step by step guide

Renewing a ham radio license in the United States is a straightforward process managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through its Universal Licensing System (ULS). Below is a step-by-step guide to renewing your ham radio license, including relevant links for each step. Note that the process applies to licenses within 90 days of expiration or within the two-year grace period after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the Technician exam. The renewal fee is $35, effective since April 19, 2022.

Step-by-Step Process for Renewing a Ham Radio LicenseStep 1: Check Your License Expiration Date

  • Action: Verify when your license expires to ensure you’re within the renewal window (90 days before expiration or within two years after).
  • How: Visit the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) to check your license status.
    • Go to the FCC ULS website: https://www.fcc.gov/universal-licensing-system
    • Click on “Searching” -> “License Search.”
    • Enter your call sign in the text box and click “SEARCH.”
    • The resulting page will display your license expiration date.
  • Alternative: If you’re an ARRL member, you can set up expiration notifications:
    • Visit https://www.arrl.org, log in, go to your profile, and select “Edit Email Subscriptions.”
    • Check the box for “Notification of license expiration” to receive a reminder 90 days before expiration.

Step 2: Access the FCC License Manager System

Step 3: Select Your License for Renewal

  • Action: Choose the license you wish to renew.
  • How:
    • Once logged in, you’ll see the “My Licenses” page.
    • Click the “Renew Licenses” link.
    • Select the license you want to renew from the list provided.

Step 4: Update Licensee Information

  • Action: Review and update your personal information (e.g., address, email).
  • How:
    • On the “Select Updates” page, review the licensee information displayed.
    • If any information is incorrect or missing (e.g., email, which is now required), check the box next to “Licensee Information” to update it.
    • Proceed to the “Licensee Information” page, make necessary corrections, and click “Continue.”

Step 5: Answer Applicant Questions

  • Action: Respond to FCC questions, such as whether you’ve been convicted of a felony.
  • How:
    • On the “Applicant Questions” page, answer the questions (e.g., felony conviction status, typically “No”).
    • Click “Continue” to proceed.

Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee

  • Action: Pay the $35 FCC renewal fee.
  • How:
    • The ULS will prompt you to pay the $35 fee for the 10-year renewal term.
    • Select your payment method (credit card is recommended for simplicity).
    • Complete the payment process on the FCC’s payment portal: https://www.pay.gov
    • You have 10 days to complete the payment, or the application will be dismissed.

Step 7: Submit the Renewal Application

  • Action: Finalize and submit your renewal application.
  • How:
    • After payment, review all entered information for accuracy.
    • Click “Continue” to submit the application.
    • The FCC typically processes renewals within 18–21 days. You’ll receive confirmation online or via a new license certificate.

Step 8 (Optional): Renew via Mail (ARRL Members Only)

  • Action: If you prefer not to renew online, ARRL members can renew via mail, email, or fax using NCVEC Form 605.
  • How:
    • Download Form 605: https://www.fcc.gov/fcc-form-605
    • Complete the form and send it to the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC):
      • Mail: ARRL VEC, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111, USA
      • Email: vec@arrl.org (mailto:vec@arrl.org)
      • Fax: 1-860-594-0339
    • Non-members will incur a $25 processing fee from ARRL.
    • Note: You must still pay the $35 FCC fee online separately via https://www.pay.gov.

Additional Notes

  • Grace Period: You can renew within two years after expiration without retaking the exam. After this period, you must pass the Technician exam again.
  • Processing Time: Online renewals typically take 18–21 days, while mail renewals may take longer.
  • Avoid Third-Party Services: You may receive offers from third parties to renew your license for a fee (e.g., W5YI charges $80). These are unnecessary since you can renew directly through the FCC for only the $35 fee.
  • Consequences of Non-Renewal: Operating with an expired license can result in fines up to $10,000, license cancellation, or equipment seizure.
  • Club Licenses: Club or military recreation station licenses (Radio Service Code HA) must be renewed through a Club Station Call Sign Administrator. See the FCC Public Notice: https://www.fcc.gov/document/club-station-call-sign-administrators.
  • Technical Issues: If you encounter issues with the FCC’s CORES system (e.g., login problems), contact the FCC Licensing Support Center at 877-480-3201 (Mon–Fri). Some users report the FCC website is outdated and complex, so persistence may be required.

Important Links Summary

By following these steps and using the provided links, you can efficiently renew your ham radio license and continue enjoying your hobby legally. If you need further assistance, local ham radio clubs or Volunteer Examiners (VEs) can provide guidance.