FCC License Renewal 

 

You can renew your amateur radio license or register with the FCC's CORES computer system.  There will be no need to fill out paperwork, as you can go on line to access the FCC's database.

Why must this be done?

What information must I have at hand when I am ready to renew?

Q. Why do I need to register with the FCC's computerized database?

A. The FCC will not accept any changes in address, name, renewals, or any other modification to your license unless you are registered in the ULS/CORES computer system.  This is different from your callsign simply appearing in the database, which, if you are licensed, it already does.  You must have actually REGISTERED and received a unique identifying number from the FCC. 

Q.  When I call the FCC to do my license renewal or registration, what things should I bring or have available?

A.  You will need the following to complete your registration:

1. T.I.N., or "taxpayer identification number", which is usually your Social Security number.
2. Your callsign.
3. Your current contact information; i.e. mailing address with zip code.
4. If you have already contacted FCC through the ULS computer system, you will also need your PASSWORD.
5. If you are renewing your license as well as registering, you should know that the FCC will not renew licenses unless they are up for renewal.  In other words, you cannot renew a license with a ten year term after only five years.  However, you can REGISTER in the FCC database anytime! The FCC permits on-line renewals at 90 days or less before a license will expire, and when the license has expired but is still within the grace period for renewal. Licenses that have been expired for more than 2 years are not eligible for renewal or reinstatement.

 ARLB046 FCC clarifies CORES amateur implementation 

The FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has clarified several issues regarding Amateur Service implementation of the Commission Registration System--or CORES. Starting December 3, everyone doing business with the FCC--including amateur licensees--must obtain and use a 10-digit FCC Registration Number (FRN) when filing.

Amateur licensees now registered in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) already have been cross-registered in CORES and issued an FRN by mail. The FCC said it planned another cross-registration by November 28. Amateurs can check to see if they have an FRN via a ULS license search. Many Internet call sign servers, including ARRL's, also can provide this information.

Once CORES becomes mandatory, the FCC will ''auto-register'' all amateurs who seek to register in ULS and will issue them an FRN. Amateurs then should use their FRN in place of their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN--typically an individual's Social Security Number) when filing applications with the FCC. New or upgrade license applicants not previously registered in ULS will be registered automatically in both CORES and ULS when they provide a TIN on a license application filed through a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator.

Although both ULS and CORES will contain a licensee's FRN, updating information in one system will not update the other. For amateurs, CORES registration will replace ULS ''TIN/Call Sign'' registration, but the ULS will remain the Amateur Service licensing database within WTB, and only ULS will associate an individual with a particular call sign and FRN. Once CORES/FRN becomes mandatory, those registering in ULS will be redirected to CORES registration.

Going away December 3 will be the so-called Assigned Taxpayer Identification Number, or ATIN, which the FCC has been issuing to applicants ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number, such as foreign applicants and club station licensees. An FCC Public Notice this week said applicants that have been using ATINs ''must now register in CORES.'' The FCC said it will accept ATINs only ''during a short transitional period'' after December 3.

CORES will offer exemptions to amateur clubs and to foreign entities not holding a TIN/SSN. Club station applicants also may use a trustee's TIN/SSN or a tax-exempt club's IRS-assigned EIN.

The WTB says that starting December 3, ''all passwords will be maintained in the CORES database.'' Amateurs also may use FCC Form 160 to register in CORES, and those doing so will be mailed a CORES password for on-line access.

The FCC continues to work out the details of how amateurs, CORES and ULS will coexist. Amateur Service testing with CORES is planned for early November.

 

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