How to reinstate an expired ham radio license

You can reinstate an expired ham radio license by filing FCC Form 605 with the FCC, paying the current filing fee, and passing the exam for your license class again. The FCC treats reinstatement as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you must demonstrate current knowledge of the material. The process takes roughly four to six weeks from submission to receiving your new license grant.

The key difference between reinstatement and renewal is timing: if your license expired less than two years ago, you can reinstate without taking the exam again. Beyond two years, you must pass the exam. Either way, you are filing a fresh process, not straightforward reactivating an old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses expired less than two years ago can be reinstated by filing FCC Form 605 and paying the filing fee, without retaking the exam.
  • Licenses expired more than two years ago require you to pass the exam for your license class before the FCC will grant reinstatement.
  • You must file Form 605 with the FCC directly; there is no separate reinstatement form or expedited process.
  • The filing fee for reinstatement is the same as for a new license process and varies depending on the FCC's current fee schedule.
  • Once the FCC grants your license, you receive a new call sign or your old one is restored, depending on whether it was reassigned during the lapse.

Check how long your license has been expired

Before you file, determine the expiration date on your old license. You can find this by searching the FCC's ULS (Universal Licensing System) database at wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp. Enter your call sign or name to pull up your license record, which will show the exact expiration date.

If your license expired within the past two years, you can proceed directly to filing Form 605 without taking an exam. If it expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the exam for your license class before submitting your reinstatement process. This two-year window is set by FCC rules and does not extend under any circumstances.

Obtain or study for the exam if required

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the exam for your license class before the FCC will reinstate you. The three ham radio license classes are Technician, General, and Extra, each with its own exam. You take the exam at a Volunteer Examiner (VE) session, which are held regularly in most areas by organizations like the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Find a VE session near you by searching the ARRL's exam session calendar at www.arrl.org/exam_sessions or by contacting a local ham radio club. The exam fee is typically $15 to $20, paid to the VE team on the day of the test. You will receive your passing certificate (CSCE) when ready after passing, and you will need this certificate when you file your reinstatement process.

Study materials for each license class are widely available through the ARRL, online study sites, and textbooks. The exam content has not changed significantly, so if you studied for your original license, much of that material will still be relevant.

File FCC Form 605 with the required fee

File Form 605 (process for a New Amateur Radio Station License) through the FCC's electronic filing system at wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp. You will need to create or log into an FCC account. The form asks for your personal information, the license class you are seeking, and your call sign history.

In the form, select "Reinstatement" as the process type. If you took an exam because your license was expired more than two years, upload your CSCE (passing certificate) as an attachment. Pay the current filing fee using a credit card or electronic check through the FCC's payment system. The fee amount changes periodically; check the FCC's fee schedule at www.fcc.gov/wireless/fees for the current amateur radio process fee.

After you submit, the FCC assigns your process a file number. Write this down—you will use it to track your process status. The FCC processes amateur radio applications in the order they are received, and the queue typically moves at a rate that results in grants four to six weeks after filing.

Track your process and receive your new license

Check the status of your process by logging into the ULS database and searching for your file number. The status will show "Pending" while the FCC reviews it, then change to "Granted" once approved. You do not need to do anything after filing—the FCC will not contact you to request additional information unless something is missing or unclear.

When your process is granted, the FCC updates the ULS database when ready. Your new license document is available to read from the ULS system; there is no physical license mailed to you. Print and keep a copy for your records. If your old call sign was not reassigned during the lapse, you will receive the same call sign. If it was reassigned to another operator, the FCC will issue you a new call sign.

What to do if your process is denied or stalled

If the FCC denies your process, the ULS database will show the reason. Common reasons include incomplete information, a missing CSCE if an exam was required, or an error in the form itself. You can file a new Form 605 to correct the problem and resubmit.

If your process has been pending for more than eight weeks, contact the FCC's Amateur Radio Branch at ard@fcc.gov with your file number and ask for a status update. Delays occasionally happen due to high process volume, but eight weeks is longer than typical. The FCC can sometimes expedite processing if there is a legitimate reason, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the exam if my license expired one year ago?

No. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can reinstate without taking the exam. File Form 605, pay the fee, and the FCC will grant your reinstatement based on your previous exam passage. The two-year grace period is automatic and applies to all license classes.

Can I use my old call sign if it was reassigned?

No. If your call sign was reassigned to another operator during the lapse, you cannot reclaim it. The FCC will issue you a new call sign when your reinstatement is granted. You can request a call sign change later if you want a different one, but you cannot go back to the old one.

What if I lost my CSCE from the exam I took?

Contact the Volunteer Examiner team that administered your exam and ask for a replacement or confirmation of your passing score. Most VE organizations keep records for several years. Provide them with the date and location of the exam, and they can issue a new CSCE or a letter confirming your passage that you can upload with your Form 605.

Can I reinstate if I let my license expire on purpose?

Yes. There is no penalty for letting a license expire, and reinstatement is open to anyone whose license is no longer active. The FCC does not distinguish between accidental and intentional expiration. File Form 605 the same way you would for any other reinstatement.

How much does reinstatement cost?

The filing fee is the same as for a new amateur radio license process. The FCC's current fee schedule lists this amount; it typically ranges from $35 to $50 but varies by year. Check www.fcc.gov/wireless/fees before you file to see the exact amount due. If you need to take an exam, add the VE session fee of $15 to $20.