Licensing

To earn a Technician Class amateur radio license, all that is required is to pass a 35 question test, with at least 26 correct. All 398 possible test questions, and the answers, are published and available for study. Morse Code is no longer required for any class of amateur radio license. Exam sessions are regularly available in Lincoln City on the first Saturday of the month, and in Newport on the second Saturday. The Newport session is 9am at First Presbyterian Church, 227 NE 12th St. Bring photo ID, $14, and be prepared to supply an email address and an FCC Registration Number (FRN). Here’s a walk-through of the process if you need to obtain an FRN: http://blog.hamstudy.org/2014/07/fcc-registration-numbers/

Numerous study resources are available, and use of the available online practice tests is highly encouraged. This information sheet may be useful. Classes taught by local hams are available from time to time. Check our front page for announcements.

License Renewal

You may renew your license within 45 days prior to its expiration date. Currently there is no fee required to renew your license, though a $35 fee will be implemented in the near future. Once your license expires, you may not legally operate (transmit), though here is a 2 year grace period during which you may renew your license without being required to retest, and retaining your all sign.

  • http://www.fcc.gov/uls
  • Under “Filing” heading, click on “File Online”
  • Enter FRN and password
    • Your FRN is on your license, or
    • Click on “Check your license” and
    • Search by your call sign
  • If you don’t have an account set up …
  • On the left, under “My Licenses,” click on “Renew Licenses”

Download an official copy of your license

  • Go to License Manager
  • There will be a green box at the top of the page: “Download your official electronic authorizations here”
  • The word “here” is a link. Click it.
  • Click on your license in the left box to highlight it, and then click on the “Add” button. That populates the right box.
  • Next, click on the “Download” button on the lower right of the page.
  • How your download shows up depends on your browser. Save the PDF so you can print a copy whenever you wish.

Vanity Call Signs

  • FCC Amateur Call Sign Systems. This page contains the following four tabs. Prior to applying for a Vanity Call Sign, it is helpful to read the information on the first three tabs.
    • About
    • Sequential Call Sign systems
    • Vanity Call Signs
    • Special Event Call Signs
  • To apply for a Vanity Call Sign:
    • You may not apply for a Vanity Call Sign until you have a valid Amateur Radio license.
    • Go to the FCC License Manager Log In page.
    • Enter your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password and click SUBMIT.
    • If you have multiple licenses (e.g. Amateur Radio License and GMRS License), click My Licenses on the left, then click on your callsign in the list of licenses.
    • Click Request Vanity Call Sign on the right.
  • You can search for Available Callsigns on RadioQTH or AE7Q.
  • You can search for and check the status of pending applications on the FCC Application Search page.
  • Note that the FCC takes 18 days to process applications for vanity call signs.

Various resources: http://www.arrl.org/vanity-call-signshttp://www.ae7q.comRadioQTH – Available CallsW5YI : Introduction to Vanity Call Signs (w5yi-vec.org)W5YI – How do I determine what Vanity call signs are available to me? (ncvec.org)

Key FCC Links