FCC requirements to obtain a license grant
A Federal Registration Number, or FRN from the FCC is required on exam day. We can not accept a Social Security Number for new or existing licenses. If you type in a FRN that is not correct when your application is submitted electronically, we will immediately reject it. We have a way to instantly check the validity of your FRN before processing your application. If you do not have a FRN, you will need to complete a two step process. First, you will need to create an account in the FCC's CORES system. To do this, you will need to click HERE to create your account. It will open in a new tab. Once you have created your account and confirmed it, you will be able to login and register for a Federal Registration Number. If, you don't have the link to login to CORES, you may click HERE and a separate tab will open.
Once you have your FRN, do make sure you write it down, as it's required on exam day and your amateur radio license application. You will also be required to provide a valid email address. The FCC no longer issues paper copies of licenses and will deny processing any application without a valid email address. Also, your email address will be required for the FCC to send you a link to pay the $35 licensing fee. Per FCC Public Notice DA 22-307 released on March 23rd, 2022 the $35 licensing fee will apply to new licenses, systematic callsign changes, license renewals and vanity callsign applications. Applicants will not pay a $35 fee if they are doing a license upgrade or an Administrative Update such as an address change, update to your telephone number or email address as well as changing the name on your amateur radio license.
The FCC now requires all applicants to answer if they have been convicted of a felony crime in any U.S. state or federal court. If you have been convicted of a felony crime, there will be some additional steps required of you after passing your exam. More information on that can be found by clicking HERE (page will open in a new tab).