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How to get licensed: United States
Official procedure
- Register for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) in CORES before exam day. Official procedure [7]
- Book a Volunteer Examiner session and pass the Technician element (or higher elements if prepared). The VE team forwards results through its VEC to the FCC. Official procedure [8]
- Pay the FCC application fee in CORES within 10 calendar days of the application file number; transmit only after the licence and call sign appear in the FCC record. Official procedure [9]
- Licensing authority
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Cost
- For an adult using an ARRL VE exam, the 2026 session is USD 15 and the FCC application is USD 35: USD 50 total. ARRL charges candidates under 18 USD 5 for its exam; other VEC fees may differ. [9] [10]
- Processing time
Official timeframe: After a session, ARRL VEC says passing results go to the FCC the same day for weekday sessions and within 1-2 business days for weekend ones. Once the FCC issues the application number, you have 10 calendar days to pay the fee. [11]
Applicant report since 2025: A first Technician applicant reported passing on Saturday, finding the FCC fee request on Monday, paying on Thursday, and receiving the call-sign confirmation early Friday: about six calendar days from exam to call sign. [12]
- Additional requirements
- Provide an FRN and identity documentation at the test session. [8]
- National amateur radio organization
- American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
CEPT and visiting operators
This is not a CEPT member, but it implements T/R 61-01 for eligible visiting operators. Check the licence class and host rules; residents still follow the local licensing steps above. [6] [5]