Licensing: classes, sequential and vanity call sign systems, places where the Amateur Radio Service is regulated by the FCC, name and address on FCC license database, term, renewal, grace period, maintaining mailing address; International communications
This group covers license classes, how call signs are issued, the rules for keeping your license current, and what you may say to amateurs in other countries.
License classes
The FCC currently issues new licenses in three classes: Technician, General and Amateur Extra (§97.9, §97.17). No new Novice or Advanced licenses are granted, though existing holders may renew them. Technician Plus is gone too: a Technician Plus renewal is processed as a Technician license (§97.21).
Call signs
Call signs are normally issued sequentially, so the next available one in your region comes with your license. Under the vanity system, any licensed amateur may ask for a specific call sign that is available and suitable for their class (§97.19). Signs come in groups. Group D formats have two letters, a digit and three letters, such as KF1XXX. Shorter formats such as KA1X (two letters, digit, one letter) and W1XX (one letter, digit, two letters) are different groups.
Where rules apply
You may operate from a U.S.-documented vessel or craft in international waters with the master’s permission, using your own privileges (§97.5(a)(2), §97.11(a)). No special FCC maritime authorization is needed.
Term, renewal and grace period
The license term is normally ten years (§97.25).
You may request renewal during the 90 days before the expiration date (§1.949 of the FCC rules).
After expiration there is a two-year grace period in which you can renew without a new exam (§97.21(b)).
During the grace period you may not transmit. No privileges apply until the license is renewed.
First license
You may transmit on the bands as soon as your license grant shows in the FCC’s license database. The CSCE is only proof you passed an exam, and waiting for the mailed paper copy or an ARRL posting is not necessary.
Keeping records current
You must keep your name, mailing address and a valid email address in the FCC database (§97.23). If the FCC cannot reach you by email, it may revoke the station license or suspend the operator license. Update your information on the ULS whenever it changes.
International communications
U.S. stations may communicate internationally only if the content is incidental to the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service or consists of remarks of a personal character (§97.117). Business communications and general-purpose material are not allowed.
Key facts to memorize
New licenses: Technician, General, Amateur Extra.
Any licensed amateur may request a vanity call sign (§97.19).
§97.25: license term 10 years; §1.949: renew no sooner than 90 days before expiration.
§97.21(b): grace period 2 years, but no transmitting until renewed.
You may transmit when the grant appears in the ULS.
§97.23: keep a valid email and mailing address on file.
§97.117: international messages limited to purposes of the service and personal remarks.
Questions in this group (11): answers shown
T1C01 · §97.9(a), 97.17(a)
For which classes of amateur radio licenses does the FCC currently issue new licenses?
A. Novice, Technician, General, Amateur Extra
B. Technician, Technician Plus, General, Amateur Extra
C. Novice, Technician Plus, General, Advanced
D. Technician, General, Amateur Extra ✓ Correct answer
The FCC currently issues new Technician, General and Amateur Extra licenses (sections 97.9 and 97.17). No new Novice or Advanced licenses are granted, though existing holders may renew them, and a Technician Plus renewal is processed as a Technician license.
T1C02 · §97.19
Who may select a desired call sign under the vanity call sign rules?
A. Only a licensed amateur with a General or Amateur Extra Class license
B. Only a licensed amateur with an Amateur Extra Class license
C. Only a licensed amateur who has been licensed continuously for more than 10 years
D. Any licensed amateur ✓ Correct answer
Under the vanity call sign rules any licensed amateur may request a specific call sign, regardless of class or how long they have been licensed, as long as it is available and fits their license class (section 97.19).
T1C03 · §97.117
What types of international communications are FCC-licensed amateur radio stations permitted to make?
A. Communications incidental to the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service and remarks of a personal character ✓ Correct answer
B. Communications incidental to conducting business or remarks of a personal nature
C. Only communications incidental to contest exchanges; all other communications are prohibited
D. Any communications that would be permitted by an international broadcast station
International amateur communications must be incidental to the purposes of the service or be remarks of a personal character (section 97.117). Business communications are not permitted, and the allowance is not limited to contests.
T1C04 · §97.23
What may happen if the FCC is unable to reach you by email?
A. Fine and suspension of operator license
B. Revocation of the station license or suspension of the operator license ✓ Correct answer
C. Revocation of access to the license record in the FCC system
D. Nothing; there is no such requirement
Section 97.23 requires a valid email address in your license record. If the FCC cannot reach you, it may revoke the station license or suspend the operator license, so keep your contact information current.
T1C05
Which of the following is a valid Group D call sign format for Technician class?
A. KF1XXX ✓ Correct answer
B. KA1X
C. W1XX
D. All these choices are correct
Group D call signs have two letters, a number, and three letters, like KF1XXX. KA1X (2x1) and W1XX (1x2) are shorter Group A formats, so only KF1XXX is Group D.
T1C06 · §97.5(a)(2), 97.11(a)
Which of the following statements is true about using your amateur radio license when operating aboard a vessel or craft in international waters?
A. Amateur operation is prohibited in international waters
B. You may only operate during maritime emergencies
C. You need special FCC authorization for maritime mobile operation
D. You may operate from a US-documented vessel with the master's permission ✓ Correct answer
You may operate from a U.S.-documented vessel in international waters with the vessel master's permission, using your regular privileges. No special FCC maritime authorization is needed, and operation is not limited to emergencies.
T1C07 · §97.21, 1.949
How long before the expiration date may an amateur radio license renewal be requested?
A. 30 days
B. 90 days ✓ Correct answer
C. 6 months
D. 1 year
You may file for renewal up to 90 days before the license expires. An application filed earlier than that is not accepted.
T1C08 · §97.25
What is the normal term for an FCC-issued amateur radio license?
A. Five years
B. Eight years
C. Ten years ✓ Correct answer
D. Life
An amateur license is issued for a ten-year term and can be renewed for another ten years. It is not valid for five years, eight years, or life.
T1C09 · §97.21(a)(b)
What is the grace period for renewal if an amateur license expires?
A. Two years ✓ Correct answer
B. Three years
C. Five years
D. Ten years
After a license expires there is a two-year grace period in which the former licensee can still renew without retaking the exam (section 97.21). After that, a new exam is needed.
T1C10 · §97.5a
How soon after passing the examination for your first amateur radio license may you transmit on the amateur radio bands?
A. Immediately on receiving your Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE)
B. As soon as your operator/station license grant appears on the ARRL website
C. As soon as your operator/station license grant appears in the FCC’s license database ✓ Correct answer
D. As soon as you receive your license in the mail from the FCC
You may transmit once your license grant appears in the FCC's license database (ULS). A CSCE or a posting on a club or ARRL website is not the FCC grant, and you need not wait for the mailed paperwork.
T1C11 · §97.21(b)
If your license has expired and is still within the allowable grace period, may you continue to transmit on the amateur radio bands?
A. Yes, for up to two years
B. Yes, as soon as you apply for renewal
C. Yes, for up to one year
D. No, you must wait until the license has been renewed ✓ Correct answer
An expired license cannot be used to transmit, even during the two-year grace period. You must wait until the license is renewed, and filing the renewal alone is not enough.