Amateur radio licenses are good for ten years, but it’s simple to forget to renew them, especially if you haven’t used your radio much lately. Fortunately, renewing a license is easy to do, and at least for the time being, free of charge. So, even if you’re not actively using your license, there’s really no excuse not to renew it.
If your amateur radio license is nearing expiration you’ll need to renew it in order to legally continue operating your station. Thankfully, renewing your ham radio license is a quick and easy process that can be done entirely online through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the online renewal process step-by-step
When to Renew Your Ham License
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Licenses are valid for 10 years from the issue date.
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You can renew from 90 days before expiration up to 2 years after expiration.
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Operating privileges lapse if not renewed before expiration.
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After 2 years expired, the call sign is forfeited and cannot be renewed.
To avoid any lapse in operating privileges, it’s best to renew your license as soon as possible within the 90 day renewal window before the expiration date.
Gather Required Information
Before starting the online renewal process, gather:
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Your FRN (FCC Registration Number)
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Valid email address
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Licensee name and call sign
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Mailing address
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Phone number
Having this information ready will streamline the process.
Step 1: Log in to ULS
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Go to the ULS portal at https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
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Click “Continue to Login” and then log in with your FRN and password.
Step 2: Select Your License
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From your Licenses at a Glance page, find your amateur radio license.
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Click “Renew” on the right side to start your renewal application.
Step 3: Review and Update Licensee Info
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Carefully review all listed licensee information for accuracy.
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Make any necessary corrections to name, address, phone number, etc.
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Click “Continue” when all information is verified.
Step 4: Answer Renewal Questions
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Respond to the renewal eligibility questions.
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Certify that all responses are truthful.
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Click “Continue” to move to next section.
Step 5: Review and Submit Renewal
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Double check all application details on the Summary page.
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Certify your renewal by signing your name.
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Click “Submit Application” to complete renewal process.
Following these simple steps correctly completes the ham radio license renewal application online. Most renewals are processed within 10 days, after which you can resume legal amateur radio operations for another 10 year term.
Additional Tips for Renewing Online
Keep these tips in mind for smooth online renewals:
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Only use the official ULS system – avoid unofficial sites charging fees. Renewing directly through the FCC is free.
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Update your contact info, especially if you moved since last renewal. Failing to update your address could delay your new license.
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Sign your name exactly as listed on the application. Digital signatures are legally valid.
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Save confirmation emails and print the Summary page for your records.
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If your call sign expired over 2 years ago, you must apply for a new license instead of renewing.
Renewing your amateur radio license online through ULS takes just a few minutes. Following this guide makes the process quick and painless.
How do you know when your license will expire?
The first thing you need to do is to figure out when your license will expire. There are several ways to do this:
- Visit the FCC website. In its Universal Licensing System (ULS) database, the FCC keeps track of information about amateur radio licenses. To find your information:Point your web browser to https://www. fcc. gov/universal-licensing-system. Type your call sign into the text box after clicking on Searching > License Search. Click the SEARCH button. If you were right when you typed in your call sign, the next page will show you when your license ends:
As you can see, my license expires on July 15, 2026.
2. Look up your callsign on QRZ.Com.
QRZ. com obtains its information from the FCC ULS database, so the data on QRZ. Com should be the same as in the ULS database. Note that to look up this information, you’ll have to have a QRZ. Com account, but registering is free. To find your information on QRZ. Com:
- Point your web browser to https://www.qrz.com/.
- Type your call sign into the search box at the top of the page, then click “Search.” ”.
- When your page appears, click on the “Details” tab. That tab will include the following information:
3. Let the ARRL notify you. If you are a member of the ARRL, they can let you know when your license is about to expire. Here’s how:
- Point your web browser to https://www. arrl. org/ and then login to your account.
- Click on “Edit your profile.”
- When you get to your profile page, click on the “Edit Email Subscriptions” tab and then check the box next to “Notify me when my license expires.” The ARRL will then email you 90 days before your license expires.
How do you renew your license?
There are several ways to renew your license, once you know when it expires. Keep in mind that you can only renew a license 90 days before it expires or within two years of the end of its term (more on that later).
- Renew via the FCC website. It’s easiest to renew your license if you use the FCC License Manager System at least 90 days before it runs out. Point your web browser to https://www. fcc. gov/universal-licensing-system.
- Sign in to your FCC account after clicking on Filing > File Online. You will need to create an FCC account if you don’t already have one.
- Enter your FRN and password where it says to in the boxes provided, then click “SUBMIT.” ”.
- On the “My Licenses” page, click the “Renew Licenses” link. After that, you can pick which license you want to keep.
- To get a new 10-year license from the FCC, you will be asked to pay $35 through their system. Congress passed a law that says the FCC had to start collecting license fees on April 19, 2022. You have 10 days to pay the FCC before it takes away your application to renew.
- Renew via mail. If you want to renew by mail, send FCC Forms 605 and 159 straight to the FCC. Download Form 605 for the renewal by going to https://www. fcc. gov/fcc-form-605 and fill it out. You will also need to send Form 159 with your payment. Download Form 159 and its instructions here: https://www. fcc. gov/licensing-databases/fees/fcc-remittance-advice-form-159. Form 159 must accompany your $35 payment for the renewal. You can mail both forms and your check to FCC at 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245. Keep in mind that the FCC may need a few weeks to process your change or renewal.
Keep in mind that you can renew your license even if it’s already expired, as long as it hasn’t been more than two years. Simply renew using one of the procedures above.
How to Renew your FCC Amateur Radio Licenses
FAQ
Is there a grace period for ham radio license?
Is my ham radio license still valid?
How do I renew my ham radio license?
Ham radio license renewal is usually quite fast. However, keep in mind that you can only renew your license ninety days before it expires or within two years after your license expires. Accessing the FCC License Management System is the easiest way. In particular, you are not charged to renew your license. Step 1: Visit Universal Licensing System
How long does a ham radio license last?
A ham radio is one of the best means of communication that you can have on the road and during emergencies. However, to operate one, you need a valid FCC license. This license expires after ten years, and you can only renew it within 90 days before it expires or two years after. Fortunately, renewing ham radio license is free and easy.
How do I renew a license on the same application?
In the Universal Licensing System (ULS), you can renew one or more licenses on the same application. Log in to ULS Online Filing with your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password or FRN and FCC Username Password. To begin the renewal process, on the left-side of the screen, click ‘Renew Licenses’.
How do I get a ham radio license?
The VEC is the only legal organization authorized to conduct the ham radio licensing exams in the US. You have two options for taking the test: an in-person test and an online test. You would receive an official signed paper if you passed. You will get your license with a call sign-in PDF via your email.