Renew Your License Before the Expiration Date

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your ham radio license expires. You renew through the FCC's online system called the Universal Licensing System, or ULS. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have your call sign and FCC Registration Number (FRN) handy, and the fee is currently $35 for a 10-year license term — though you should check the FCC website to confirm the current amount, as fees can change.

You can renew up to 90 days before your license expires or up to 6 months after it expires. If you renew after expiration, your license is considered expired during that gap, and you cannot legally operate your radio. The safest approach is to renew as soon as you receive the FCC's notice, which gives you a full 10-year window from your renewal date.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew through the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) at fcc.gov/wireless, not through a third party or your local club.
  • You can renew starting 90 days before expiration and up to 6 months after, but operating after expiration is illegal even if you have applied.
  • Have your call sign, FCC Registration Number (FRN), and a credit card or debit card ready before you start the online renewal.
  • The renewal fee is $35 for a 10-year license, paid during the online process with no separate mailing step required.
  • If your address, name, or other information has changed, update it during renewal; you cannot change these details after submission without filing an amendment.

Gather Your Information Before You Start

Before you log into the ULS, collect three pieces of information: your call sign (the letters and numbers assigned to you, like W5ABC), your FCC Registration Number (a nine-digit number that appears on your license and renewal notice), and your date of birth. If you have lost your renewal notice, you can look up your call sign on the FCC's license search tool at fcc.gov/wireless/services/amateur-radio.

You will also need a valid credit card or debit card to pay the $35 renewal fee during the process. The FCC does not accept checks, money orders, or payment by mail for renewals. If you do not have a card, you can ask a family member or club officer to complete the renewal on your behalf, but you will need to provide them with your call sign and FRN.

Log Into the ULS and Start Your Renewal

Go to fcc.gov/wireless and look for the link to the Universal Licensing System (ULS). Click "Login" and enter your FCC Registration Number and password. If you have never logged into ULS before, you will need to create an account using your FRN and date of birth. The system will send you a temporary password by email.

Once you are logged in, look for the section labeled "Licenses" or "My Licenses." You should see your current ham radio license listed with its expiration date. Click on the license you want to renew — if you hold multiple licenses, make sure you select the right one. Then click the "Renew" button next to that license.

Review and Update Your Information

The ULS will display your current license information on the renewal form. Check every field carefully: your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. If any of this information has changed since your last renewal, update it now. You cannot change your call sign or FCC Registration Number during renewal, and you cannot change your address after you submit the form without filing a separate amendment request.

Pay special attention to your mailing address. The FCC will mail your renewed license to this address, and if it is wrong, your license may be delayed or lost. If you have moved, update the address before you submit. Once you submit the renewal, any address changes require you to file an amendment form and pay an additional fee.

Pay the Renewal Fee and Submit

Scroll to the bottom of the renewal form and review the fee amount. The current renewal fee is $35 for a 10-year license. Enter your credit card or debit card information in the payment section. The ULS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Do not close your browser or navigate away from the page while the payment is processing.

Click the "Submit" button to complete your renewal. The system will display a confirmation number on the screen. Write down this number or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions about your renewal later. The FCC will also send you a confirmation email to the address on file.

What Happens After You Submit

The FCC typically processes renewals within 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, your license status in the ULS will show as "Renewal Pending." You can continue to operate your radio legally during this period because you have submitted a timely renewal request. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

Once your renewal is approved, the ULS will update your license status to "Active" and show your new expiration date (10 years from the renewal date). You should receive your printed license in the mail within 4 to 6 weeks of approval. If you do not receive it after 6 weeks, you can contact the FCC's Amateur Radio Branch to request a duplicate.

If Your License Expired Before You Renewed

If your license has already expired and you did not renew within 6 months of the expiration date, you cannot renew it through the standard process. Instead, you must file a new process for a license. This requires passing the exam again and paying the process fee, which is different from the renewal fee. You can find information about taking the exam through the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) or other volunteer exam coordinators in your area.

If your license expired fewer than 6 months ago, you can still renew through the ULS using the same process described above. The system will allow you to renew even though the license is technically expired. However, you cannot legally operate your radio between the expiration date and the date your renewal is approved, so it is important to renew as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lose my FCC Registration Number?

You can find your FRN by searching for your call sign on the FCC's license search tool at fcc.gov/wireless. Enter your call sign and the system will display your license information, including your FRN. You can also call the FCC's Amateur Radio Branch at 1-888-225-5322 during business hours.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

Yes. You can give another person your call sign, FRN, and date of birth, and they can log into the ULS and submit your renewal. They will need to pay the fee with their own card, but the renewal will be in your name. Make sure you trust this person with your FCC information.

Do I need to renew my license if I am not using my radio anymore?

No. If you do not want to keep your license, you can let it expire and do nothing. However, if you think you might use your radio again in the future, renewing is much simpler and cheaper than retesting for a new license after expiration.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

The FCC typically mails renewed licenses 4 to 6 weeks after approval. Approval itself usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can print a copy of your license from the ULS when ready after renewal is approved, which is valid for operating purposes.

What if the address on my renewal notice is wrong?

Update your address in the ULS before you submit your renewal. If you have already submitted and notice the address is wrong, contact the FCC's Amateur Radio Branch at 1-888-225-5322 to request an address change. You may need to file an amendment form.