Check your application directly with the FCC
Enter the 10-digit FCC FRN you used for your amateur radio exam. Your application search will be submitted directly to the official FCC website, and the FCC results will open in a new tab.
Search FCC applications using your FRN
- Open the newest amateur-radio application File Number associated with your recent exam.
- Select the Admin tab and review the history section.
- For a new license, when event status = Redlight Review Completed, that is the cue to submit payment.
- When event status = Paperless Authorization Printed, that is typically the final step and your call sign or new privileges should be visible in the FCC ULS.
New Technician license applicants
After the VE team completes the exam session, the results move through the VEC and then to the FCC. The FCC application may not appear immediately.
When the FCC makes the application fee available, log in to FCC CORES using the same FRN and complete the $35 FCC application payment.
The exam-session fee and the FCC application fee are separate payments. Do not send the FCC payment to WEARC or the ARRL VEC.
After the FCC confirms payment and grants the application, your new call sign will appear in the FCC license records.
General and Amateur Extra upgrades
A normal license-class upgrade for someone who already has an amateur radio call sign does not normally require the new-license FCC application fee.
Use the FCC Application Search to follow the modification application, and use the FCC license records to confirm that the license class has been updated.
If the FCC itself presents a charge in CORES, follow the FCC instructions shown there.
Common FCC application events
- New Application Received
- The FCC has received the application.
- Redlight Review Completed
- The FCC has completed an initial financial-review step. A new-license applicant should check FCC CORES for a pending application fee.
- Payment Confirmed
- The FCC has recorded the application payment.
- Application Granted
- The new license or license-class upgrade has been granted.
- Paperless Authorization Printed
- The FCC generated the electronic authorization record.
The wording and timing shown by the FCC may vary. The FCC website is the authoritative source for the application and license status.
Troubleshooting
No FCC application appears
The VEC may not have submitted the session yet, or the FCC may still be processing the submission. Check again later. Weekends and federal holidays can affect processing.
The application appears, but payment is unavailable
The application may still be moving through the FCC’s initial review. Check FCC CORES again later.
Payment was completed, but no call sign appears
Payment confirmation and license grant are separate steps. Check the FCC application history and license records again later.
Existing license upgrade
Search for the modification application and then confirm the updated license class in the FCC license record.
Contact the FCC Licensing Support Center if you believe your application is stuck within an FCC process or you need assistance completing a payment to the FCC.
FCC Licensing Support Center: 1-877-480-3201
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, except federal holidays.