FCC License Renewal or Address or other Changes:

RENEWING or making changes BY MAIL: You may file for renewal by mail at 90 days or less before your license will expire, or up to two years after expiration.

To file by mail obtain an FCC Form 605, complete it and then mail it to: FCC, 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg PA 17325. This is a free FCC service.

FCC Form 605 can be obtained via http://www.arrl.org/fcc/forms.html or ftp://ftp.fcc.gov/pub/Forms/ or via fax to FCC's Fax-On-Demand system at 202-418-0177 (request form number 000605).

FCC License Address, Name, Call Changes or Duplicate Requests:

RENEWING or making changes ELECTRONICALLY VIA THE INTERNET: The FCC accepts submissions electronically via their Universal Licensing Service (ULS) system. You may file requests via: http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls . To use the on-line ULS system you must first be registered in the FCC CORES system which involves supplying your Taxpayer ID Number (TIN) which is your Social Security Number to FCC. To start the process go to http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls then choose REGISTER "CORES/Call Sign". Either choose REGISTER NOW, or if you are not sure you are already registered or if you are already registered choose UPDATE REGISTRATION INFORMATION. Questions can be directed to the CORES Help Desk at 1-877-480-3201. Complete your registration information (ignore the contact person, and SGIN references). If you are not a US Citizen, where FCC requests your SSN leave it blank, and in the next screen choose the Exception Reason of "The applicant is Foreign". When the system confirms that you are registered, 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 -- FCC Universal Licensing System -- be sure to link your call sign to your registration by choosing "FCC Universal Licensing System"; then choose "Proceed to Call Sign/ASR Number Registration", then re-enter the FRN number FCC assigned to you and enter your password (for password help contact FCC Tech Support weekdays at 202-414-1250). Lastly, choose "ENTER CALL SIGNS" and enter your amateur call sign in the first block of the 100 spaces-then click on "Submit", and you are now finished with your CORES Registration. Then choose "HOME". You may update your registration (e.g., change address, passwords, or call sign) in a similar fashion.

Once registered, you must then choose the "FILE, OnLine Filing" link to perform your on-line transaction with FCC. Any on-line filing technical problems can be directed to FCC Tech Support weekdays at 202-414-1250. If you are unable to complete a successful on-line filing session in ULS, mailing a hardcopy FCC Form 605 to FCC is your next best option. Be sure to print a copy of your on-line renewal request for your records.

For renewals with no address or other changes, choose purpose code "RO - Renewal Only".
For renewals with address or other changes, choose purpose code "RM - Renewal/Modification".
For call sign or name changes, choose purpose code "MD - Modification".
For address changes, choose purpose code "AU - Administrative Update".

Processing time can vary depending on the FCC's workload. If you file your renewal or change electronically, the FCC may take only a day or two to process your request. If you file by hardcopy, the FCC might take a few weeks to process your request. If you have not received your processed license within 12 weeks, you may contact the FCC for guidance on how to proceed. The FCC may be reached by telephone 1-888-225-5322 or by fax to 717-338-2696, or by writing to: FCC, 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg PA 17325-7245.

If your FCC license will expire in the next few days or weeks, you may continue to operate your amateur station IF you send the FCC (and the FCC receives before your license expiration date) your electronic renewal request--or a completed hardcopy FCC Form 605 requesting that your license be renewed. Be sure to keep a copy of your FCC Form 605 renewal request for your records.

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