What Is an FRN Number for Ham Radio — and How to Get One

What Is an FRN?

An FRN (FCC Registration Number) is a unique 10-digit identifier assigned by the Federal Communications Commission to every person or organization that does business with the FCC. For ham radio purposes, your FRN ties your identity to your license application and remains associated with your license for its entire 10-year life.

Think of it as your FCC account number. You will use it when you apply for your license, when you pay the $35 FCC application fee, and when you renew your license 10 years from now.

How to Get Your FRN — Step by Step

The FRN is created through the FCC's CORES system (Commission Registration System). The process takes about 5 minutes and is free.

1. 1

   Go to the FCC CORES Website

   Navigate to apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do. This is the official FCC Commission Registration System. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one.

2. 2

   Register as a New User

   Click "Register" and select "Individual" as your entity type. You will enter your legal name (exactly as it appears on your government ID), date of birth, address, and email address. You will also create a username and password for your FCC account.

3. 3

   Enter Your Contact Information

   The FCC requires a mailing address where they can reach you. This address becomes associated with your license and is publicly visible in the FCC database. Use your home address or a PO Box. Important: if the FCC sends you official correspondence and it bounces back as undeliverable, your license can be revoked under FCC Part 97.23.

4. 4

   Submit and Record Your FRN

   After submitting, the FCC assigns your 10-digit FRN immediately. Write it down or screenshot it. You will need this number at the exam session and for all future FCC transactions. The FRN also appears in your CORES account under "My Registrations."

5. 5

   Bring Your FRN to the Exam

   Write your FRN on a piece of paper or have it accessible on your phone. Most exam sessions will ask you to provide it on your registration form. Some sessions allow you to look it up during check-in, but do not count on having internet access at the test location — come prepared.

What If You Already Have an FRN?

If you have ever applied for any FCC license in the past — a GMRS license, a ship station license, or a prior amateur radio license — you already have an FRN tied to your identity. Do not create a new one. Having duplicate FRNs creates complications that can delay your license issuance.

To find your existing FRN, log into CORES at apps.fcc.gov/cores or search the FCC database at wireless.fcc.gov/uls. You can search by your name and Social Security number (SSN) in CORES to recover your FRN if you've forgotten it.

Is My FRN Public?

Your FRN itself is not publicly displayed in the FCC amateur radio database. However, your name, address, call sign, and license class are all publicly visible in the FCC ULS (Universal Licensing System) once your license is issued. Many hams use a PO Box to protect their home address from public view — this is perfectly acceptable and common practice.

FRN vs. SSN — Why the Change?

Before April 2022, exam sessions could accept a Social Security number as a substitute for an FRN. That option was removed to protect applicants' personal information. The FRN gives the FCC a unique identifier for you without requiring your SSN on paper documents handled by volunteer examiners. This was a privacy improvement for everyone in the hobby.

How to Look Up Someone Else's FRN

FRNs are not publicly searchable by name for individuals. However, if you want to look up a licensed ham's call sign information (not their FRN), you can search the FCC ULS database at wireless.fcc.gov/uls by name, call sign, or license class. The FRN itself remains private.

• How long does it take to get an FRN?
  The FRN is issued immediately upon completing CORES registration — it takes about 5 minutes from start to finish. There is no waiting period. You will see your FRN on the confirmation screen and receive it by email.
• Is the FRN free?
  Yes, completely free. There is no cost to register in FCC CORES or to obtain an FRN. The only FCC fee involved in ham radio licensing is the $35 application/renewal fee paid after you pass your exam.
• Can I take the exam without an FRN?
  No. Since April 19, 2022, the FCC requires an FRN for all amateur radio license transactions. Volunteer examiner sessions will not accept SSNs as substitutes. Create your FRN at FCC CORES before your exam date — do not leave this for the morning of the test.
• I forgot my FRN. How do I recover it?
  Log into FCC CORES at apps.fcc.gov/cores with your username and password. Your FRN appears under "My Registrations." If you forgot your CORES password, use the "Forgot Password" link. If you never set up a CORES account but previously held a license, contact FCC Licensing Support at 877-480-3201 to recover your FRN using your SSN and identity verification.
• Does my FRN expire?
  No. Your FRN is permanent and tied to your identity with the FCC for life. It does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Only your amateur radio license (and other FCC licenses) have expiration dates — not the FRN itself.