FCC Ham Radio License Lookup Tool

Check Any Call Sign

Enter Call Sign (e.g. W1AW)

Data source: This tool queries the FCC ULS database via a public CORS proxy. Results reflect FCC data which updates within 24–72 hours of license changes. For official verification, always check wireless.fcc.gov/uls directly.

How to Read Your License Status

Status	Meaning	Can You Operate?
A — Active	License valid and current	Yes
2 — Pending	Application processing at FCC	Not for new licenses
E — Expired	Past expiration, within 2yr grace	No — renew first
C — Cancelled	Cancelled by FCC or licensee	No
T — Terminated	Grace period passed, must retest	No

License Renewal Timeline

You can renew your FCC amateur radio license starting 90 days before expiration — there is no exam required, only the $35 FCC fee at pay.fcc.gov. If you let your license expire, you have a 2-year grace period to renew without retesting. After 2 years past expiration, you must take the exam again.

Why does my call sign not appear in the lookup?

If you recently passed your exam, your call sign may not yet be in the FCC database — typically issued 24–72 hours after paying the $35 FCC fee. If you are looking up an older call sign that was cancelled more than a few years ago, it may have been removed from the active database. Always verify directly at wireless.fcc.gov/uls for official results.
Can I look up someone else's license?

Yes. The FCC ULS is a public database — all amateur radio license information including name, address, license class, and expiration date is publicly accessible. This is standard for all FCC license types. Many hams use PO Boxes in their FCC registration to maintain some address privacy while keeping their license information current.