Q: What is an STA?

A: Special Temporary Authority is an authorization that allows the applicant to operate radio facilities for a short period (renewable, but limited to 180 days) without a full license. STAs are only granted under unusual circumstances, e.g., where there is an emergency need for service before a license application can be granted, or where an STA is needed to prevent operations from being interrupted due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control.

Q: What is a Developmental License?

A: A Developmental License is an authorization type that the FCC grants for developmental authority to construct and operate transmitters for the purpose of developing a new radio service or a new technology not regularly authorized under specific FCC rules.

Q: Am I exempt from fees?

A: Certain exemptions from filing fees are permitted under FCC rules for each wireless radio service licensed in the Universal Licensing System (ULS). To determine if you qualify for an exemption from fees, you must check the Fee Filing Guide.

Q: When would I be exempt from fees?

A: Certain exemptions from filing fees are permitted under FCC rules for each wireless radio service licensed in the Universal Licensing System (ULS). To determine if you qualify for an exemption from fees, you must check the Fee Filing Guide.

Q: What is an FCC call sign?

A: A call sign is the combination of letters and numbers that identify an FCC license.

Q: How do I determine if I already have an FCC assigned call sign?

A: Go to ULS License Search and search on your FRN or licensee name. Your FCC call sign will appear on the License Detail page for your FCC license.

Q: What is the difference between a 4-letter call sign and any other call sign?

A: A 4-letter call sign is assigned to some licensees in the Ship radio service based on certain radio equipment used on board the vessel.

Q: Who is authorized to sign the application?

A: The signer of the application must be the applicant if the applicant is filing as an individual, or the duly appointed officer of the organization if the applicant is a corporate entity. Like signing a paper application, your electronic signature certifies that all information provided on the application is true and correct and that you are in compliance with all of the General Certification Statements. Applications and amendments must be signed in accordance with CFR 1.917 of the FCC rules.

A: No. Entering a title is optional on the Certification page.

Q: I recently changed my name. Which name do I enter on this page?

A: If your name has recently been changed, make sure to update your licensee name on the Licensee Name and Address page in this application to change your FCC name of record. You must sign this certification page with your new, legal name.

Q: Am I required to sign the Certification on this page?

A: Yes. If you do not sign the certification, the FCC will not be able to process your application.

Q: What is a suffix?

A: A suffix is a part of a personal name that generally appears at the end of the name, e. g., Junior (Jr) or Senior (Sr). Note: Do not use punctuation with a suffix in ULS.

Q: What is a Private Aircraft?

A: A radio for a private aircraft, called a Private Aircraft Station, is a mobile station on board an aircraft not operated as an air carrier. (See the next question for a definition of air carrier.) A station on board an air carrier aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds maximum certified take off gross weight may be licensed as a private aircraft station. (47 CFR 87.5)

Q: What is an Air Carrier?

A: An air carrier aircraft station is a mobile station on board an aircraft which is engaged in, or is essential to, the transportation of passengers or cargo for hire. (47 CFR 87.5)

Q: What is a proof of passing certificate?

A: Applicants for new or modified authorizations other than Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permits must attach an original Proof of Passing Certificate(s) from a certified Commercial Radio Operator License Examination Manager (COLEM) showing that the applicant has passed the necessary examination element(s) within the previous 365 days when the applicant files the application. If a COLEM files the application electronically on behalf of the applicant an original PPC(s) is not required. However, the COLEM must keep the PPC(s) on file for a period of 1 year. (47 CFR 13.217)

A: If fees are displayed on the confirmation page, a link to the Commission's online Form 159 will appear. Follow this link to pay your fees online or print out a paper copy of the Form 159 to submit your fees by mail.

Note: The Form 159 and accompanying fee must be received by the Commission within 10 calendar days of filing the application(s). (47 CFR 1.1111)

Q: What is a DO license?

A: GMDSS Radio Operator's License (DO). The DO qualifies personnel as Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio operators for the purposes of operating GMDSS radio installations including some basic equipment adjustments. It also confers the operating authority of the MP. To qualify, you must: be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and pass written elements 1 and 7.

Q: What is a DM license?

A: GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License (DM). The DM qualifies personnel as GMDSS radio maintainers to perform at-sea repair and maintenance of GMDSS equipment. It also confers the operating authority of the PG and MP. To qualify, you must: be a legal resident of (or otherwise eligible for employment in) the United States; be able to receive and transmit spoken messages in English; and pass written elements 1, 3 and 9.

Note: In instances where an applicant qualifies for a DO and a DM, a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB) will be issued.

Q: Why should I consolidate a DO and DM license?

A: In instances where an applicant qualifies for a DO and a DM license, a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB) may be issued. Consolidating these two license types is a convenience for the operator.

Q: How would I know if I am required by law or treaty to carry radio equipment?

A: Ships that are required to carry radio equipment by law or treaty are called "compulsory ships." For example, large passenger or cargo ships that travel on the open sea are required by the Communications Act and by international agreements to be equipped with a radio station for long distance radio communications. Passenger ships that travel along the coast must be able to communicate at shorter range with coast stations. These are examples of "compulsory ships" because they are required or compelled by treaty or statute to be equipped with specified telecommunications equipment. The term "voluntary ships" refers to ships that are not required by law to carry a radio. Generally, this term applies to recreation or pleasure craft. In any event, the term "voluntary ships" does not apply to the following:

• Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea;
• Ships certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in the open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.;
• Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways;
• Ships of more than 100 gross tons certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least one passenger on navigable waterways;
• Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and,
• Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels required to carry a VHF radio.
  

Read More

A: Canada and Mexico are not part of the United States and are therefore considered foreign ports under FCC rules. Ports in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and US territories are NOT considered foreign ports.

Q: Must I list a physical address, or can I just list a P.O. box?

A: You may list a PO Box and/or a physical address for a wireless application. The address will become the address of record for official FCC correspondence. This address must be kept current. Use the "Update" or "Update Licenses" feature of the ULS License Manager to update the address at any time.

Q: Will my application be saved if I click "Quit Application"?

A: Your application will be saved if you click the Quit Application link at the top of your screen after you have answered the Applicant Questions for your application. Choose the Saved link from the My Applications screen to access your saved applications; then select the Continue button from the Work on this Application menu for that application to resume filing. Saved applications are not submitted to the Commission until you complete the application and select the Submit Application link from the Summary page. Note: Saved applications are automatically deleted after 30 days.

Q: If I type in new information, do I need to check the "clear" box to remove the old information?

A: When updating your licensee or contact information, checkboxes will appear next to certain data fields. You do NOT need to check the clear box next to a data field for which you enter new information. If you enter new information into a text field on this page, any old information in that field will be overwritten when you click the Continue button. However, if you choose to leave a text field blank, and ULS already has information saved in this field for you in the database, that information will be retained by ULS along with the new information you have entered in other fields unless you click the clear box.

For example: You update your address from a PO Box to a physical street address. You enter new information in the street, city, state, and zip code fields. However, because your new address does not have a PO Box, you choose to leave the PO Box field blank. ULS will display your old PO Box number with your new physical address information. In this instance you would want to check the clear box next to the PO Box data field. You may also choose "clear all" to remove all contact information on file for you in the database.

A: You must submit a signed request for license grant cancellation accompanied by a copy of an obituary, an in memoriam card, data from the Social Security Death Index that shows the date of death, or a death certificate, to:
FCC
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245

The information for cancellation of a call sign must be submitted prior to filing the vanity application.

Read more at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/callsigns/vanity/index.html

Q: Am I required to complete this page of the application?

A: The Coast Guard strongly advises you to complete this information. However, it is not required.

Q: Will this information be accessible to the Coast Guard ONLY?

A: Yes. Your personal contact information will be sent by the FCC to the Coast Guard. It will not be displayed on your application or license in ULS.

Q: Will the public be able to view this information?

A: The public will not be able to view your emergency contact information in ULS.

Q: Why did I get an error message when I clicked the Continue button on this page?

A: You may receive an error message when completing information on the Emergency Search and Rescue Contact page indicating that you must complete all fields. To continue with your application and not provide additional information on this page, choose Cancel in the error message dialogue box. Click OK to continue adding information to this page.

Q: Can I select more than one endorsement?

A: Yes. Click on the box to the left of the endorsement to insert a checkmark and select it. Select as many endorsements as apply.

Q: How do I know my entries are valid call signs?

A: There are up to three different types of requests for vanity call signs, depending on whether the call sign is to apply to a primary or club station. Check the Amateur Radio Service, Vanity Call Sign webpages for specific information about Request Types.

Q: If my first choice of call sign is not available, will the entire application be dismissed without looking at my other choices?

A: No. ULS will evaluate your selection of call signs sequentially in the order you have entered them and will assign to you the first valid call sign which is available.

Q: Must I list all 25 call signs?

A: No. You must enter at least one call sign in the preference list and a maximum of 25 call signs.

Q: Why is my filing not required?

A: From the questions you have entered so far on your application, ULS has determined you are not required to obtain an FCC license for the radio service in which you are applying. This may be because the type of license you are requesting has been de-licensed by law or FCC rules, or it may be due to other conditions. To find out more about licenses in your radio service, see the wireless services website. Read More

Q: May I file a license application even though it is not required?

A: Yes. You may choose to continue filing your application, and you may be granted a license by the Commission upon receipt and processing of your application. To continue filing, choose the Continue button.

Q: Are coast stations in Canada and Mexico considered foreign coast stations?

A: Yes. Coast stations in Canada and Mexico are considered foreign coast stations under FCC rules.

Q: Are Canada and Mexico considered foreign ports?

A: Yes. Canada and Mexico are considered foreign ports under FCC rules.

A: This is an identifier issued to the owner of an aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration. It is usually displayed on the tail or fuselage of the aircraft. The FAA "N" number always begins with the letter "N," but do not enter this letter in the text field on this page.

Q: How do I know if I need an FAA N-Number?

A: Contact the Federal Aviation Administration.

Q: What is a Fleet License?

A: A fleet license is used to license radios on two or more aircraft.

Q: Do I need a Fleet License?

A: You will need a fleet license to license radios on two or more aircraft in a fleet. You do not need a fleet license if one portable radio is moved between and used on different aircraft.

Q: What is considered an international voyage?

A: Any voyage in which the vessel leaves US territorial waters, or in which the vessel communicates with a foreign coast station, including those in Canada and Mexico, is considered an international voyage.

Q: If I only communicate with the harbor master, is this considered a foreign coast station?

A: It is considered communicating with a foreign coast station if you communicate with any operator or officer at the foreign station.

A: An international address is defined as an address outside the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Marianna Islands, or US Territories. Read More

Q: Why can I list an international address on this filing but not on other filings?

A: Licensees in the Restricted Radiotelephone-Limited Use Radio Service ONLY are permitted to have an address of record outside the United States under FCC rules.

Q: Are flights to Canada and Mexico considered international flights?

A: Yes. Flights to both Canada and Mexico are considered international flights.

Q: Are flights to US territories considered international flights?

A: No. Flights to the 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and US territories are considered domestic flights.

Q: Must I list a physical address, or can I just list a PO box?

A: You may list a PO Box and/or a physical address for a wireless application. The address will become the address of record for official FCC correspondence. This address must be kept current. Use the Update Licenses feature of the ULS License Manager to update your address across all your licenses at any time. You may also use the Update link on the Work on this License menu on the License At A Glance screen for any individual license in ULS to update your address.

Q: Will my application be saved if I click "Quit Application"?

A: Your application will be saved if you click the Quit Application link at the top of your screen after you have answered the Applicant Questions for your application. Choose the Saved applications link from the My Applications screen to access your saved licenses. Select the Continue button from the Work on this Application menu for that application to resume filing. Saved applications are not submitted to the Commission until you complete the application and select the Submit Application link from the Summary page.

Note: Saved Applications are deleted after 30 days.

Q: If I type in new information, do I need to check the "clear" box to remove the old information?

A: When updating your licensee or contact information, checkboxes will appear next to certain data fields. You do NOT need to check the clear box next to a data field for which you enter new information. If you enter new information into a text field, any old information in that field saved in ULS will be overwritten when you click the Continue button. However if you choose to leave a text field on the page blank, and ULS already has information in this field saved for you in the database, that information will be retained by ULS along with the new information. For example: You update your address from a PO Box to a physical street address. You enter new information in the street, city, state, and zip code fields. However, because your new address does not have a PO Box, you choose to leave the PO Box field blank. ULS will display your old PO Box number with your new physical address information. In this instance you would want to check the clear box. You may also choose Clear All to remove all licensee information on file for you in the database.

Q: I just got married. How do I change my licensee name?

A: Choose Update Licenses or the Update link on the Work on this License menu on the License At A Glance page for an individual license. Then click the checkbox to the left of Licensee Name and Information on the Select Updates page to edit your licensee name of record.

Q: What is a suffix?

A: A suffix is an ending used on a personal name, such as Junior (Jr) and Senior (Sr). Do not use punctuation with a suffix in ULS.

Q: If I don't have a ship number, can I still submit this application?

A: Yes. ULS will process your application.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of aircraft permitted in a fleet for one fleet license?

A: There is no limit to the number of aircraft permitted in the fleet. Fees are charged per aircraft.

Q: Is there a maximum number of ships permitted in a fleet for a fleet radio license?

A: No. There is no maximum number of ships permitted in a fleet.

A: A portable license is a license for radio equipment which is portable and will be moved between and used on different aircrafts/vessels.

Q: How do I know if I need a Portable License?

A: A portable license is required if a single piece of portable radio equipment will be used on more than one aircraft/vessel. If separate stations are used on different aircrafts/vessels, apply for a fleet license instead of a portable license.

Q: Which radio service should I select?

A: Select the radio service for which you wish to submit a New License application. For help on which radio service to select, see the wireless services page.

Q: What should I do if my radio service is not listed in the drop down menu?

A: New applications for certain radio services, including the Amateur and Commercial services, must be made through a certified third party. For specific information about your radio service, refer to the wireless services page.

Q: What is a radio service code?

A: ULS uses a two letter code to identify each wireless radio service licensed within the Universal Licensing System. For a complete list of radio service codes Read More.

Q: What is an EPIRB?

A: Emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRBs) are devices designed to alert rescue authorities and indicate your location in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

Q: What is an MMSI number?

A: Maritime Mobile Service Identities are formed of a series of nine digits which are transmitted over the radio path in order to uniquely identify ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations, and group calls. These identities are formed in such a way that the identity or part thereof can be used by telephone and telex subscribers connected to the general telecommunications network, principally to call ships automatically.

There are four kinds of maritime mobile service identities:

• Ship station identities
• Group ship station identities
• Coast station identities
• Group coast station identities
  

Note: If you have been issued an MMSI number by Comsat/Lockheed Martin, Stratos, Maritel or SeaTow, these numbers are for vessels that do not require an FCC license and should not be entered on your application.

Q: Can I have more than one MMSI number?

A: No. Only one MMSI number is issued per vessel by the FCC.

Q: If I choose to renew my license at this time, will I be charged additional fees?

A: You will be charged renewal fees if you renew your license at this time and fees are applicable to renewals in your radio service. For a list of renewal fees for wireless radio services, see the Fee Filing Guide

A: Yes, any applicable fees for the application you are currently filing plus any applicable renewal fees will be due upon submitting your application. For a list of renewal fees for wireless radio services, see the Fee Filing Guide.

Q: What is an MMSI number?

A: Maritime Mobile Service Identities are formed of a series of nine digits which are transmitted over the radio path in order to uniquely identify ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations, and group calls. These identities are formed in such a way that the identity or part thereof can be used by telephone and telex subscribers connected to the general telecommunications network principally to call ships automatically.

There are four kinds of maritime mobile service identities:

• Ship station identities
• Group ship station identities
• Coast station identities
• Group coast station identities

Note: If you have been issued an MMSI number by Comsat/Lockheed Martin, Stratos, Maritel or SeaTow, these numbers are for vessels that do not require an FCC license and should not be entered on your application.

Q: Do I have to answer all the questions on this page?

A: Yes. The ULS License Manager has determined the appropriate questions for your radio service and the type of application you are submitting.

Q: May I select more than one requirement?

A: Yes.

A: Applications for renewal of authorizations in the Wireless Radio Services must be filed no later than the expiration date of the authorization for which renewal is sought and no sooner than 90 days prior to expiration. (47 CFR 1.949)

Q: What should I do if any of the required statements are false?

A: You are not eligible to file for a Restricted Radiotelephone Limited Use (RL) license.

Q: What should I do if any of the required statements are false?

A: You are not eligible to file for a Restricted Radiotelephone (RR) license.

Q: If I apply as the former holder of the call sign, do I indicate my current call sign?

A: No, your application must be filed by modifying your current call sign; therefore, you only need to indicate your former call sign.

Q: What relationships qualify for close relative of a former holder?

A: You may apply for the call sign of a deceased spouse, child, grandchild, stepchild, parent, grandparent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or in-law on your primary station license.

Q: If choosing close relative of former holder, do I need to cancel that person's call sign prior to submitting my filing?

A: Yes. The license of the former holder now deceased must show a status of expired or cancelled in the licensee database. This is accomplished by submitting a signed request for license grant cancellation accompanied by a copy of an obituary, an in memoriam card, data from the Social Security Death Index that shows the date of death, or a death certificate, to:
FCC
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245

The information for cancellation of a call sign must be submitted prior to filing the vanity application.

Q: Can another relative of the former holder apply for the call sign?

A: Yes. All persons holding the required class of operator license who are close relatives of the former holder now deceased, will be eligible to apply. None of these eligible persons will have filing priority over another.

Q: Do I need to wait for the 2 year and 1 day period before I apply for a call sign of a close relative?

A: No. You may request the former call sign of a close relative now deceased even though it has been unassigned for less than two years. Upon the death of the holder, a call sign is assignable immediately to an otherwise eligible primary station of a close relative once it has been cancelled from the database.

Q: Do I need proof of relationship when applying for a call sign of a close relative?

A: No. The applicant must indicate the relationship to the deceased former holder on the application, but is not required to show further proof.

Q: Can I choose call signs of different radio services to process at one time?

A: Yes. ULS License Manager allows you to process multiple call signs in different radio services simultaneously. There are some restrictions. Note any asterisks or daggers that appear next to your call signs and read the corresponding notes at the bottom of the page.

Q: Can I update multiple call signs with different information?

A: No. Any updated information you provide to License Manager will be added to all of the licenses you select to update. For example, if you supply a new address, the new address will appear on each of the licenses you have selected to update. If one of your licenses is administered at a different location, you would need to remove it from the list of licenses you have selected to update. You can remove a call sign from your selected list by going back to the Select Licenses page (use the Back buttons that appear in License Manager, not the back button of your Web browser), selecting the call sign in the box on the right, and then clicking Remove. You can also remove selected call signs from the Summary page just prior to submitting this application. Select the appropriate Edit button on the Summary page to link to a page to remove call signs. (Note: You will not be able to add call signs at this point in the process.) When finished submitting the current application, go to the Update link from the Work on This License menu on the License at A Glance page for the license you have removed from your list to complete a separate update for that license.

Q: If I click Select All will the call signs automatically move to the requested box, or must I click Add?

A: You must click the Add button after you click Select All or after selecting licenses individually by control clicking each license to move them to the right hand box. If you wish to remove licenses from this box, you must select them individually or use the Select All button and then click the Remove button.

Q: When would I use the filter radio service feature?

A: If you have a large number of licenses and you would like to select only licenses that are all from the same radio service. Only licenses in the service you select will appear in the left hand box on the page. You must then select them AND click the Add button to move them into the selected box on the right.

Q: Do I have to update my licensee information?

A: Yes. Your licensee information appears on your FCC license and must be kept up to date. You may list a PO Box, a physical address, or both for a wireless application. The address will become the address of record for official FCC correspondence. Use the "Update" or "Update Licenses" feature of the ULS License Manager to update the address at any time.

Q: How often should I update my licensee information?

A: You should update your licensee information whenever it has changed. Use the "Update" or "Update Licenses" feature of the ULS License Manager to update the address at any time.

Q: Why should I update my licensee information?

A: Your licensee address is your address of record for all official FCC correspondence regarding your license and must be kept current. You may list a PO Box, a physical address, or both for a wireless application. The address will become the address of record for official FCC correspondence. Use the "Update" or "Update Licenses" feature of the ULS License Manager to update the address at any time.

Q: Why should I view selected licenses before continuing?

A: Use the View Licenses link to verify that you have selected the correct licenses to update, and to review address and contact information on those licenses to determine the data you need to update.

Q: If I have an incorrect call sign listed, how do I remove it?

A: Use the back button displayed on the License Manager page (not the back button in your web browser) to return to the Select Licenses page. Select the call signs of the license you do Not wish to update in the right hand box (Licenses to Update). Click the Remove button. Use the Help button located in the top right hand corner of the page for more information.

Q: How do I see the details for specific call signs?

A: Click the View Selected Licenses button.

Q: How do I know what class to choose for General or Specific?

A: Choose the ship classification which is closest to your actual use of the vessel. Make one choice for general and one choice for specific.

Q: If I don't have a ship number, can I still submit this application?

A: Yes. ULS will continue to process your application.

A: Yes. Select the Print Preview link in the list of links above the main portion of the page.

Q: What is a license term?

A: A license term is the effective period of your license from the grant date to the date the license becomes inactive, for whatever reason, inclusive of those days.

Q: How long will it take to process the application?

A: Processing time for ULS applications varies. Some simple purpose applications are auto-granted by the system. However, most applications will take up to several weeks for processing.

Q: If I choose "Quit Application," will License Manager save the application information I have already entered?

A: Your application will be saved if you click the Quit Application link at the top of your screen after you have answered the Applicant Questions for your application. Choose the Saved applications link from the My Applications page to access your saved licenses. Select the Continue button from the Work on this Application menu for that application to resume filing. Saved applications are not submitted to the Commission until you complete the application and select the Submit Application link from the Summary page.

Note: Saved applications are automatically deleted after 30 days.

Q: Can I select more than one ship license type?

A: No. You may select only one.

Q: Who is classified as an "other"?

A: Anyone who travels on board your vessel and is not designated by one of the choices on this page is designated as an "other" for licensing purposes.

Q: How do I submit a nautical chart with my application?

A: Choose the Attachments link at the top of your screen. Follow the directions on the attachments page to upload your nautical chart. Additional help can be found by clicking the Help button in the top right corner of the Attachments page.

Q: What is a waiver?

A: A waiver is a request to be exempted from a section of FCC rules.

Q: For what rule section am I requesting a waiver?

A: In some radio services fees are charged based on the number of rules sections you are requesting to waive. See the Fee Filing Guide for your radio service. Read More

Q: When is a waiver required?

A: A waiver is required for any request to be exempted from FCC rules.