What to Bring to an Examination Session, including ID requirements
Mandatory
- FCC Registration Number (FRN):
Examinees are required by the FCC to submit your FCC issued FRN with your license application form.
New license applicants must create an FCC user account and register their Social Security Number (SSN) in the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) before attending exam sessions. Registrants will be assigned an FRN which will be used in all license transactions with the FCC.
For instructions on how to register your SSN and receive an FRN from the FCC, visit the CORES Registration page, ( https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do ).
Per FCC rules, a valid email address is also mandatory on the application form to receive FCC correspondence, including the official copy of your Amateur Radio license.
- One legal photo ID (identification):
- State Driver’s License
- Government issued Passport
- Military or Law Enforcement Officer Photo ID card
- Student School Photo ID card
- State Photo ID card
- If no photo ID is available, two forms of identification:
- Non-photo State ID card (some states still have them)
- Birth certificate (must have the appropriate seal)
- Social security card
- Employer’s wage statement or Minor’s work permit
- School ID card
- School or Public Library card
- Utility bill, bank statement or other business correspondence that specifically names the person; or a postmarked envelope addressed to the person at his or her current mailing address as it appears on the Form 605.
- Students/minors without a photo ID need to bring only one of the above items if a legal guardian presents their photo ID; otherwise, two non-photo IDs are required.
- If applicable, bring a printed copy of your Amateur Radio license or be able to show proof of the license in the official FCC database. Check with Exam Administrator.
- A pen for an person sessions.
- A calculator is optional. Its memory erased and formulas cleared. You may not bring any written notes or calculations into the exam session. Slide rules and logarithmic tables are acceptable, as long as they’re free of notes and formulas. Cell phone must be silenced or turned off during the exam session and the phones’ calculator function may not be used. In addition, iPhones, iPads, Androids, smartphones, Blackberry devices and all similar electronic devices with a calculator capability, may NOT be used.
- Bring cash or a check to cover the exam session fee(s). Check with Examination Administrator.
- Be aware that some information about you will be made publicly available on the FCC’s website including a felony conviction status. All applicants must answer the Basic Qualification Question (felony conviction status question) on the 605 Form at the exam session. Applicants that answer “YES” for the question must follow these FCC procedures: Ask Examination Administrator for clarification.
Examination Fees
Exam sessions are conducted by volunteers working under the direction of the FCC and a Volunteer Exam Coordinator (VEC). There will be a charge for taking the exam. The current ARRL Administered exam fee is $15. Contact the exam session administrator to determine the documents required and to verify the session date, time, and location.
The FCC charges a fee to issue an initial license as well as for other FCC services. The current FCC fee is $35 and must be paid directly to the FCC not to an organization or exam team.
Candidates younger than 18-years old would pay a reduced ARRL administrated exam fee of $5, regardless of the exam level taken, to the ARRL VEC VE team at the time of the exam.
Also, ARRL will cover the one-time $35 FCC application fee for new license candidates younger than 18-years old for tests administered under the ARRL VEC program. The $35 FCC application fee will be reimbursed after the ARRL VEC receives the completed reimbursement form and the new license has been issued by the FCC. The reimbursement check will be mailed to the fee payer. You should get the reimbursement form from the examination administer at the time of the examination.