This information is news to me, and I thought others here might be
interested! The information comes from the latest ARRL newsletter.
Marvin, KE6HTS
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First-Time Exam Applicants Must Obtain FCC Registration Number Before
Taking Exam
Beginning May 20, 2021, all amateur examination applicants will be
required to provide an FCC Registration Number (FRN) to the Volunteer
Examiners (VEs) before taking an amateur exam. This is necessary due to
changes the FCC has made to its licensing system.
Amateur candidates who already have an FCC license, whether for amateur
radio or another service, and already have an FRN may use the same
number. All prospective new FCC licensees, however, will be required to
obtain an FRN before the examination and provide that number to the
volunteer examiners on the Form 605 license application. An FCC
instructional video provides step-by-step instructions on how to obtain
an FRN through the FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES).
The FRN is required for all new applicants to take an amateur exam and
is used afterward by the applicant to download the license document from
the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS), upgrade the license, apply for
a vanity call sign, and to submit administrative updates (such as
address and email changes) and renewal applications.
In addition, after June 29, all applications will be required to contain
an email address for FCC correspondence. Applicants will receive an
email directly from the FCC with a link to the official electronic copy
of their license whenever a license is issued or changed. ARRL VEC
suggests that those without access to email should use the email address
of a family member or friend. Licensees will be able to log in to the
ULS using their FRN and password to download the latest version of their
license at any time. The FCC no longer provides paper license documents.