Recent FCC Changes

[KA2ODP/7]

The FCC is now requiring a FCC Registration Number (FRN) on all the paperwork. They will NOT accept Social Security Numbers anymore on the documents. If someone does not already have a FRN from a previous FCC license, they will need to obtain one BEFORE attending a test session by going to the FCC web site and registering for their FRN. If you already have an Amateur Radio license, your FRN is listed on your license document. It is located on the front side of the license, at the bottom.

The FCC intends to start charging for Amateur Radio licenses in the near future, so now is a really good time to pass the test before the fee is imposed. The original proposal by the FCC was for a $50 license fee. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) argued the point that the Volunteer Examiner program handles 99% of the paperwork for the FCC, so the administrative cost to the FCC is rather small. For now the tentative fee is $35 for an initial license application or a renewal application. An Amateur Radio license is good for 10-years and can be renewed on-line at the FCC web site.

The FCC also intends to start requiring an e-mail address for official correspondence. It appears the FCC is dropping the requirement for a postal mailing address to reduce paperwork and postage costs. (Note: In the past the FCC never required your home street address. The FCC only required a “mailing address” where you could receive official correspondence. A Post Office box was perfectly acceptable.) If you are an ARRL member, you can get an “alias” e-mail address. “Your Call Sign @arrl.net” will be automatically forwarded to whatever real e-mail address you list with the ARRL.

[KA2ODP/7]

The new FCC license fee for Amateur Radio licenses went into effect on 19 April 2022.

The $35 fee will apply to applications for a new Amateur Radio license, modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and vanity call signs. If you are just updating your address/location, there is no charge.

Please note that this fee must be paid directly to the FCC. The Volunteer Examiner (VE)team that administers the license exam CANNOT accept the fee.

For more information, go to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) web site at www.arrl.org. They have lots of information posted on how to navigate the FCC web site, renew your license on-line, and how to pay your fee to the FCC.