How to Reinstate an Expired Ham Radio License

The FCC lets you reinstate an expired ham radio license within a grace period, but the window closes and the process changes after that

If your ham radio license has expired, you have options — but they depend on how long ago it lapsed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gives you a two-year grace period after expiration during which you can reinstate without taking the exam again. After that window closes, you must pass the exam for your license class to get back on the air. The reinstatement itself is straightforward paperwork, but timing matters.

Your license expiration date is printed on your FCC license document. If you cannot find it, you can look up your call sign on the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) database at wireless.fcc.gov/uls. The database shows your current status and exact expiration date.

Key Takeaways

You can reinstate an expired ham license within two years of expiration without retaking the exam by filing FCC Form 605 and paying the filing fee.
After two years past expiration, reinstatement is no longer an option — you must pass the exam for your license class and file as a new applicant.
The FCC filing fee for reinstatement varies by year and is listed on the FCC's fee schedule; check wireless.fcc.gov before you file.
Processing time for reinstatement is typically four to six weeks from the date the FCC receives your complete process.
You can file by mail or through the FCC's online filing system, though online filing is faster and reduces errors.

Reinstatement within the two-year grace period

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can reinstate it without taking an exam. You will file FCC Form 605 (process for Amateur Radio Station License) and pay the current FCC filing fee. The form asks for your call sign, name, address, and the reason for reinstatement. You do not need to provide exam scores or a new Volunteer Examiner (VE) session — the FCC will process the reinstatement based on your previous license record.

The filing fee changes annually and is set by the FCC. As of recent years, the amateur radio license fee has been in the range of $35 to $50, but you must check the current fee schedule on the FCC website before submitting. Paying the wrong amount will delay processing.

You can file Form 605 online through the FCC's ULS system or by mail. Online filing is faster — the FCC typically processes online applications within four to six weeks. Mail filing takes longer because the FCC must receive and scan the paper form first. If you file online, you will receive a confirmation number when ready and can track your process status in the ULS database.

What happens after the two-year grace period expires

Once two years have passed since your license expired, reinstatement is no longer available. At that point, your only path back is to take the exam for your desired license class and file as a new applicant. You will need to find a Volunteer Examiner (VE) session in your area, pass the exam, and then file Form 605 with your passing exam score.

This is a harder path because you must study and test again, and you will not receive your old call sign back — the FCC will assign you a new one. Some hams prefer to keep their original call sign for continuity, so staying within the two-year window is worth the effort if you are serious about returning to the hobby.

How to file Form 605 for reinstatement

Form 605 is available on the FCC website at fcc.gov/wireless/amateur-radio. You will need your call sign, FCC Registration Number (FRN), and current mailing address. If you do not have an FRN, you can create one during the online filing process — the FCC will assign one if you do not already have one.

When filling out the form, select "Reinstatement" as the process type. This tells the FCC that you are not explore for a new license or an upgrade, but restoring an expired one. The form will ask for your previous license class and expiration date; this information is in your old license document or in the ULS database.

After you complete the form, you will be prompted to pay the filing fee online if filing electronically. The FCC accepts credit card, debit card, and electronic check. If you file by mail, include a check or money order with your printed Form 605 and send it to the address listed on the form.

Processing time and what to expect

The FCC processes reinstatement applications in the order they are received. Online applications typically take four to six weeks; mail applications take longer because of processing delays. During this time, you cannot legally operate your station, even if you have your old equipment and antenna. Operating before your license is reinstated violates FCC rules.

You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into the UCS database with your call sign and FRN. The database will show whether your process is pending, approved, or if the FCC needs more information from you. If the FCC finds an error or needs clarification, they will send you a letter or email asking you to correct it.

Once your reinstatement is approved, the FCC will issue a new license document with a new expiration date — typically ten years from the approval date. You will receive this by mail at the address you provided on your process.

Common reasons reinstatement applications are delayed or denied

The most common reason for delay is an incomplete process or incorrect filing fee. If you list the wrong call sign, provide an outdated address, or pay the wrong amount, the FCC will send you a notice asking you to correct it. This adds weeks to the process, so double-check your form before submitting.

Reinstatement can be denied if you are outside the two-year grace period, if you have an outstanding FCC fine or citation related to amateur radio, or if your previous license was revoked for cause. If your license was revoked (rather than straightforward expired), you will need to contact the FCC's Amateur Radio Branch to understand whether reinstatement is possible in your case.

Another issue arises if your mailing address has changed and you did not update it in the ULS database. The FCC will mail your new license to the address on file, so if that is outdated, you may not receive it. You can update your address in the ULS database anytime, even while your process is pending.

Reinstatement versus taking the exam again

If you are close to the two-year important date, reinstatement is the faster and easier path — no exam, no study, just paperwork and a fee. However, if you are well past the two-year window or if you want to upgrade to a higher license class, taking the exam is your only option.

Exam sessions are run by Volunteer Examiners and are held regularly in most areas. You can find a session near you through the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) website at arrl.org/exam-sessions or through local ham radio clubs. The exam fee is typically $15 to $20 per session, and you can take multiple exams in one session if you want to test for multiple license classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I operate my ham radio station while my reinstatement process is pending?

No. You cannot legally operate until your license is reinstated and the FCC issues your new license document. Operating without an active license violates FCC rules and can result in fines or enforcement action. Wait for your reinstatement approval before transmitting.

What if I lost my old license document and do not know my call sign?

Look up your call sign in the FCC's ULS database at wireless.fcc.gov/uls. You can search by name and address. Once you find your call sign and confirm the expiration date, you have all the information you need to file for reinstatement.

Do I need to pass a new exam to reinstate my license?

Only if your license expired more than two years ago. Within the two-year grace period, reinstatement requires only the Form 605 and the filing fee — no exam. After two years, you must pass the exam for your license class to return to the air.

How long is my reinstated license valid for?

Your reinstated license is valid for ten years from the date of reinstatement. The FCC will mail you a new license document showing the new expiration date. You should renew before that date if you want to keep your call sign and station active.

What if the FCC denies my reinstatement process?

The FCC will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually that you are outside the two-year window, have an outstanding fine, or provided incomplete information. If the denial is due to missing information, you can correct it and resubmit. If it is due to the grace period expiring, your only path forward is to pass the exam and file as a new applicant.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.