How to Renew Your Ham Radio License Before It Expires

Renew your ham radio license through the FCC before the expiration date on your current license

Your ham radio license is valid for ten years from the date the FCC grants it. The FCC sends no reminder when your license is about to expire — you are responsible for tracking the date yourself. You renew by filing FCC Form 605 with the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS), either online or by mail. The process takes about two to four weeks, though you can operate under your current license while your renewal is pending as long as you filed before the expiration date.

The renewal itself is straightforward if you have not changed your name, address, or call sign. If any of those details are different, you will need to update them as part of the renewal. You do not need to retake the exam — the FCC renews licenses without a test.

Key Takeaways

Your ham radio license expires ten years from the date the FCC issued it, and the FCC does not send a reminder.
You renew by filing FCC Form 605 through the FCC's Universal Licensing System at wireless.fcc.gov/uls or by mail to the FCC.
You can continue operating under your current license while your renewal is pending, as long as you filed before the expiration date.
If your name, address, or call sign has changed, you must update those details when you renew.
The renewal fee varies by license class and is paid to the FCC at the time you file.

Finding your license expiration date

Your license expiration date appears on your FCC license document itself. If you have the paper copy, look at the top right corner — the date is printed there. If you no longer have the paper, you can look up your license in the FCC's ULS database at wireless.fcc.gov/uls by searching your call sign.

The ULS database shows your current license status, expiration date, and all the details on file with the FCC. You can search without logging in. Write down your expiration date and set a reminder for at least 30 days before — that gives you time to file without rushing.

Gathering what you need before you file

For a straightforward renewal with no changes to your information, you need only your call sign and FCC Registration Number (FRN). Your FRN is a nine-digit number the FCC assigned when you first got your license. You can find it on your license document or in the ULS database.

If your name, mailing address, or email address has changed since your license was issued, gather the new information now. If you have changed your name legally, have that documentation ready — the FCC may ask for proof. If you are renewing a Technician, General, or Extra class license, you will also need to know which class you hold, though the ULS usually fills this in automatically.

Have a payment method ready. The FCC accepts credit cards, debit cards, and ACH bank transfers through the ULS. The renewal fee depends on your license class: Technician, General, and Extra class licenses each have a different fee set by the FCC. Check the current fee on the ULS before you file, as fees can change.

Filing your renewal online through the ULS

Go to wireless.fcc.gov/uls and log in with your FRN and password. If you do not have a password, you can create one or reset an existing one on the login page. Once logged in, look for the "Licenses" section and select "Renew License."

The form will show your current license information. Review it carefully — if your name, address, or email has changed, update those fields now. Leave the license class and call sign as they are unless you have a specific reason to change them (which is rare for a straightforward renewal). Answer any questions the form asks about your station and operation.

At the end of the form, you will see the renewal fee. Review it, then proceed to payment. The ULS accepts credit card, debit card, and ACH transfers. After you pay, the FCC issues a receipt with a confirmation number. Save this receipt — it is your proof that you filed on time.

Filing by mail if you cannot use the online system

Print FCC Form 605 from the FCC website at fcc.gov/forms/605. Fill in Section 1 with your personal information and Section 2 with your call sign and FRN. In the "Purpose" field, select "Renewal." Leave the license class and call sign fields unchanged unless you have a specific reason to modify them.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to the FCC. Write your call sign on the back of the check. Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the FCC Form 605 instructions — the address changes periodically, so check the current instructions before you mail.

Mail takes longer than the online system. Send your renewal at least 60 days before your expiration date to account for postal delays. Keep a copy of what you mailed and note the date you sent it.

What happens after you file

The FCC processes renewals in the order they are received. Most renewals are granted within two to four weeks of filing. You can continue to operate your station under your current license while your renewal is pending, as long as you filed before the expiration date. The FCC will not revoke your license for operating while a timely renewal is in process.

Once the FCC grants your renewal, you will receive a new license document by mail if you filed by mail, or you can read it from the ULS if you filed online. The new license will show a new expiration date ten years from the grant date. Update your station records with the new expiration date and set another reminder.

If your license expires before you renew

If your license expires and you have not yet filed a renewal, you cannot legally operate. However, you can still renew — the FCC allows renewals for up to two years after expiration. File as soon as you realize the license has expired. You will not lose your call sign if you renew within two years.

If more than two years pass after expiration without a renewal, your call sign goes back into the FCC's pool and may be reassigned to another operator. At that point, you would need to take the exam again and explore for a new license rather than renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my ham radio license before it expires?

Yes. The FCC allows you to file a renewal up to 90 days before your license expires. Filing early is a good idea because it gives you a buffer in case of delays. Your new ten-year term begins on the date the FCC grants the renewal, not on your old expiration date.

Do I have to retake the exam to renew?

No. Ham radio license renewals do not require you to pass an exam. The FCC renews licenses without testing. You only take an exam if you are upgrading to a higher class or explore for a new license after your old one has expired for more than two years.

What if I changed my name since I got my license?

Update your name in the renewal form. The FCC may ask for a copy of your legal name change document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Have it ready when you file, or be prepared to send it if the FCC requests it after you submit your renewal.

How much does it cost to renew?

The renewal fee depends on your license class and is set by the FCC. Technician, General, and Extra class licenses have different fees. Check the current fee on the FCC's ULS website before you file, as fees are updated periodically. The fee is paid at the time you submit your renewal.

What if I miss my expiration date?

You can still renew for up to two years after your license expires. File your renewal as soon as you realize the license has expired. You cannot operate legally until the renewal is granted, but you will not lose your call sign if you renew within the two-year window.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.