What the FCC ULS Is
The FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) at wireless.fcc.gov/uls is the FCC's online database and filing system for all radio service licenses in the United States, including amateur radio. Everything about your license — your call sign, license class, expiration date, mailing address, and application history — lives in ULS. It is public, free to access, and updated in near-real time as applications are processed.
Searching for a Call Sign
To look up any amateur radio license: go to wireless.fcc.gov/uls, click "License Search," and enter the call sign, name, or FRN. No account is needed to search. Results show the licensee's name, address, license class, grant date, expiration date, and current status (A-Active, C-Cancelled, E-Expired).
After your exam, check ULS by your name — your call sign will appear here when issued. The status progression: "2-Pending" (FCC has the application, processing) → "A-Active" (call sign issued, you can transmit).
Logging In to Manage Your License
To file for renewal, request a vanity call sign, or update your address, you need to log in. Use the username and password from your FCC CORES account (apps.fcc.gov/cores) — this is the same account where you got your FRN. Your FRN is your account identifier across all FCC systems.
Key Tasks You Can Do in ULS
| Task | How to Access | Fee? |
|---|---|---|
| Look up any call sign | License Search (no login) | Free |
| Renew your license | Login → My Licenses → Renew | $35 |
| Apply for vanity call sign | Login → Apply for License → Vanity | Free |
| Update mailing address | Login → My Licenses → Modify | Free |
| Check application status | Application Search (no login) | Free |
| Print license copy | License Search → View → Print | Free |
Understanding License Status Codes
| Status Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A — Active | License is valid. You may operate. |
| 2 — Pending | Application filed, FCC processing. Do not transmit yet for new licenses. |
| E — Expired | License has expired. Within 2-year grace period — renew without retesting. Do not operate. |
| C — Cancelled | License cancelled. Retest required if outside grace period. |
| T — Terminated | License was not renewed within grace period. Retest required. |
- My name appears in ULS but with the wrong address — how do I fix it?Log into ULS with your CORES credentials, find your license, and select Modify. Update your mailing address. This change is free and takes effect immediately. Keeping your ULS address current is important — the FCC sends license renewal notices by mail, and correspondence sent to an outdated address can result in license complications.
- Can I use ULS to look up whether a specific call sign is available for a vanity application?Yes. Search for the specific call sign in ULS License Search. If the result is "No records found," the call sign may be available. Check the expiration date if a result appears — a call sign in E-Expired status may be in a cooling-off period (typically 2 years after expiration) during which it is unavailable for vanity application. QRZ.com shows cancellation and expiration dates clearly and is often faster to check for availability.
Informational only. Verify current rules at fcc.gov and arrl.org. Not affiliated with the FCC, ARRL, or any VEC.