Ham Radio License Renewal — How to Renew Before Your License Expires

When to Renew

You can renew your FCC amateur radio license beginning 90 days before its expiration date. You do not need to wait until close to the expiration — renewing 90 days early simply extends the license another 10 years from the original expiration date, not from the renewal date. There is no advantage to waiting.

How to Renew — Step by Step

1. 1

   Log Into FCC ULS

   Go to wireless.fcc.gov/uls and log in with your FCC username and password. If you forgot your credentials, use the CORES password reset at apps.fcc.gov/cores.

2. 2

   Select Your License and File for Renewal

   In ULS, navigate to your license record and select "Renew License." Fill out the Form 605 renewal — verify that your name and mailing address are current. The FCC will mail official correspondence to the address on file; if it bounces back as undeliverable, your license can be cancelled.

3. 3

   Pay the $35 Fee

   After submitting, you will receive an FCC email with a link to pay.fcc.gov. Pay the $35 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your renewal is complete once payment is confirmed. The new expiration date will update in ULS within 24–48 hours.

What If Your License Expired?

If your license has expired, you enter a 2-year grace period during which you cannot operate on amateur radio frequencies but can still renew without retesting. The renewal process is identical — log into ULS, file Form 605 as a renewal, and pay the $35 fee. Once renewed, your license is reinstated with full privileges.

If more than 2 years have passed since expiration, your license is cancelled and you must pass the appropriate exam again to get a new license. Your call sign may have been reassigned — you would receive a new sequential call sign unless your former sign is still available for a vanity application.

• Do I need to retake the exam to renew?
  No. FCC amateur radio license renewal requires no examination — only payment of the $35 renewal fee through ULS. The exam is required only for the initial license and for license upgrades.
• Will the FCC remind me when my license is expiring?
  The FCC sends a renewal reminder to your registered mailing address approximately 90 days before expiration. However, this is not guaranteed — if your address in ULS is outdated, you will not receive the reminder. Always keep your ULS address current and set your own calendar reminder.
• Can I still use my call sign while my renewal is processing?
  Yes. If you file for renewal before your license expires, your current license remains valid during the processing period. Continue operating normally under your existing call sign until the renewal is confirmed in ULS.
• Does renewing early shorten my next renewal window?
  No. Renewing early does not cost you any time. Your new expiration date will be 10 years from your current expiration date, not from when you renew. Renewing 90 days early simply gives you peace of mind without losing any license time.