In the old days when licenses were only five years, there were five license classes for an upgrade challenge and we moved frequently. Applying for a FCC license modification was more frequent. We knew how to do it, but it was a lot of work. The first step was getting a proper 610 from the FCC (or ARRL if you were a member) - it had to be on official FCC color stock. You had to fill it out, find an envelope, a stamp and then remember to mail it. At least one time I got thru the entire process and lost the sealed envelope. The result - my license lapsed and I had to start over.
The FCC made an enormous investment into creating a single licensing system for all the radio licensing systems in the 1990's. One goal was to reduce the number of FCC forms from 18 to just five. Like many grandiose projects it had rough bumps along the way to cut-over. Actually there were a number of steps which had many amateurs puzzled. User interfaces and use methods changed several times and it was easy to shoot at it. But this is one project that has succeeded. The FCC deserves applause for their work. ULS has evolved into a working system with a user friendly interface.
Today with Internet it really is simple submit amateur license applications on-line. And it's free! The FCC has a well engineered on-line web site AND a technical support phone service if you need help. But clearly many amateurs are not taking the time or making the effort to keep the FCC informed of changes. For example, in preparation for the Oahu 2005 Swap Meet mailings were made to all Oahu amateurs. Sadly more than 13% were returned marked "Not Delivered as Addressed, Unable to Forward*". It seems many of us forget there is a statutory requirement in FCC Part 97 rules to keep our mailing address current,
| §97.23 Mailing address.
Each license grant must show the grantee's correct name and mailing address. The mailing address must be in an area where the amateur service is regulated by the FCC and where the grantee can receive mail delivery by the United States Postal Service. Revocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license may result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the grantee failed to provide the correct mailing address. |
The starting point of an on-line session is to find your FRN (FCC Registration Number) number. It is your FCC account number for on-line use of the ULS (Universal Licensing System) -- the massive licensing database the FCC began using in July 1999 for all radio services, including the amateur service. It wasn't until later -- beginning December 3rd, 2001 -- that the FCC began assigning FRN account numbers to all amateur licensees. Some licensees still do not have FRN numbers! To make the on-line system secure, each amateur also has to have a password.
While the FCC ULS on-line system is really easy to use, the problem is getting started. You need your FRN number and password. For those who obtained licenses prior to assignment of FRNs, there are a few extra steps to get registered. Just follow the steps on the chart at FCCULSInformation.html. I ask one favor - if you find the information unclear, confusing or just plain wrong, please let me know by e-mail. Your input will help others. Drop me an e-mail if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions to improve the instructions.
Joe Speroni, AHØA