(Compliments of the ARRL QST Magazine – October 2023)

  Before you renew your license, you will need to create a new FCC CORES username account, and then link your FCC Registration Number (FRN) to your new account.  As of April 2022, the FCC charges a $35 fee to renew amateur radio licenses.  You must create the new account to pay the fee.  Follow the steps listed in the PDF attachment below to create a new CORES account, and then after you complete the license renewal application, the License Manager system will automatically direct you to the CORES system.  Log in and pay the fee.

NOTICE:  Do NOT pay the fee using a mobile device such as a phone or a tablet. Only pay using a laptop or desktop computer! 

There is a known issue with the FCC using mobile devices and while they will accept payment, you will not receive credit for payment.

NOTE: Some applicants are reporting that they are not receiving the FCC payment email. As a reminder, applicants do not have to wait for the FCC email to pay the fee. As soon as the application is in the FCC system, the applicant can log into the FCC’s CORES system (https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do) and pay the fee. CORES payment system information can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees/cores-payment-system. Additional information and instructions are located on the ARRL VEC’s FCC Application Fee web page at http://www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee.
Other applicants are reporting that they are not receiving the automated email with the link to their new, upgraded, renewed, or modified license. The FCC instructions for obtaining the official authorization (official license) is located at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/how-obtain-official.

FCC_License_Renewal  

Or use this handy checklist from the FCC themselves…  Renewal Application Checklist

For step-by-step video instructions, click on the link below…

How to RENEW your FCC Amateur Radio License – YouTube

————

Enhanced Security for FCC CORES/Username starting March 29, 2024
Notification System:
Universal Licensing System (ULS)

Beginning March 29, 2024, 2-step authentication will be mandatory to login to the FCC’S Commission Registration System (CORES) and its associated FCC User Registration System.  Paying ULS application fees, requesting an FCC Registration Number (FRN) or updating an FRN Password require accessing FCC CORES with a Username Account.  Please ensure your FCC Username Account is up to date and that you have access to the corresponding e-mail inbox. For more information please refer to the Public Notice.