New First Time Licensing Step

[DaveInDenver]

Anyone considering their ham ticket needs to know that the FCC is changing the way they handle license applications. You're going to need to get an FCC ID and FRN (FCC Registration Number) ahead of time to give the VECs at the exam session.

Up until now when you passed your exam the FCC would generate a call sign but really didn't need to bother with the CORES system until you needed to do something such as change call signs (like a vanity), renew or update contact information. You could see all the pertinent information publicly without actually registering, although I'd think most everyone did set up an account so it's not really a foundation shift. It seems to be the FCC trying to get fully into the 20th century with electronic communications (you now also must provide an email address, for example).

This doesn't really change anything with respect to GMRS since that's already all done online so you'd have already set up an FCC account to get that issued.

Radio Operator FCC User Profile and FRN Registration

The Federal Communications Commission will be changing the way new amateur radio applicants register for a FCC Registration Number (FRN). New applicants, without a FRN, are encourage to first create a FCC User ID and FRN, before taking their examination.

www.fcc.gov

 

[Johnny Utah]

Thanks @DaveInDenver I just recently passed my technician license and this was communicated to me in the email from Mile-high VE Team and Ham Radio Outlet, which proctored the exam. I did not know this was a new requirement. They sent me a link, https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do , I created a username and password and then received my FRN. I was asked to bring a copy of my FRN to the exam.