08/11/2026
Did Ya know?
These are regular “tidbits” of information to assist both new Hams
as well as experienced operators.
I recently had someone ask “what are the steps to renew my license?” Well here they are:
Amateur radio operator licenses are good for 10 years from date of issue.
What this means is it’s just long enough to forget it and let it expire! My recommendation is keeping your current license in plain sight in your shack (framed). 10 years is a long time so just take a look when you think of it. Once it gets close to expiring make sure to put it on a calendar that you frequently use, When that date gets really close you can renew. The renewal window opens at 90 days before it expires.
Now, down to the details:
When you are within the 90 day window open a browser of your choice and go to https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/universal-licensing-system
Once there, scroll down to “filing”. Have your FRN ready and your password. If you’ve forgotten your password there is a link just below “Forgot your password”. Now it says “Contact Tech Support”. Don’t panic. It actually will walk you through the reset via your registered email address.
Once you’ve clicked “Submit” just below the password box it will open a new web page with your record. It will also show, near the top, a Yellow highlighted box that will say “This license is eligible for renewal”. Just below this is a link “Begin the renewal process”. It will open a new page with the basics of your license, such as call sign, Grant date, Expiration date, Your name, address, etc. Over to the right is a “Continue” button. Click this.
Now it will ask a couple questions abut being exempt from Fees but Amateur radio operators typically are not exempt, so make sure both are answered with “no” then click “Continue” on the right. The next screen is for you to verify your personal details, such as name, address, etc. Once you have confirmed them click “continue” on the right.
Next is will ask you a question about being a felon. Answer accordingly then click continue. Now you should see the summary page. This will be another opportunity to correct any details. Take time to review one more time. Once you are satisfied click the “Continue to Certify” button.
Read through the certifications statements then below them enter your name and title accordingly(most amateurs don’t have a title), and click the “Submit Application”.
Now you should see a Confirmation screen with your application fee near bottom left click “Continue to cores for Payment Completion”. This will take you to the “Cores” login Screen. You may need to log back in.
Click on Manage “FRNs” then click “FRN Financial s”. You should see your FRN, name and over to the right, under action, click “View/Make Payments”. If everything is correct you should see your FRN, Remittance ID, the amount, and to the right, click the “Make Payment” Button.
Now select your FRN and choose the preferred payment method (Bank account, Check, Credit card, etc). Click “Continue” Fill in the appropriate details to complete the payments. If you are paying my Credit card confirm the payment, continue, etc. Now you can download or print the payment confirmation. Your done. Be sure to sign out.
If everything is good with the FCC you should see a payment receipt in your email within 48 hours with a link for downloading your renewed license.
Now, Wasn’t that easy?
K0GSH
https://youtu.be/DI8nmjRJjg4?si=lcwZVwirUNAl2QAL
If you're having issues renewing your FCC Amateur Radio license, ch...
