HAM licensing process (VECs help!)

[Martinjmpr]

For the VECs or former VECs out there:

Can someone walk me through the process? I'm a little confused.

Before you ask, yes, I've read:

1. The HAM radio FAQ on this page

2. The ARRL web site.

3. The FCC web site.

Also, FYI I had a HAM license about 18 years ago (KB0LOG) but that was in the "pre-internet" days and the process seems to have changed a lot.

Now I may have missed something on the last two but I'm still unsure about something:

When/where do I submit my FCC605? When I got my license in 1993, I think I submitted my license at the same time I took the test, but I can't remember exactly. Is that the way it's done? Do I submit my license app when I take the test? So does that mean the app is submitted by whoever administers the test?

Or, do I take the test, receive a certificate that says I passed, and then submit that, along with my application, myself?

As I said, I've searched the resources above and don't have a clear answer.

I tried to wade through the ARRL and FCC web sites but it's like drinking from the fire hose. :Wow1: Lots of info, some relevant, some not.

I did go ahead and apply for (and receive) my FRN - should I have not done that? I did discover that I can't submit my new license app electronically but, again, I am not sure whether I have to take (and pass) the exam and then apply for the license, or if I apply for the license at the same time/place as the exam.

I've already found a time/place for my license exam (Aug 6th) and will be ordering a study guide soon (today). But I want to make sure I know about the process before I go further.

Also, can you VECs or other knowledgeable HAMs confirm something for me: As I understand it (from the FCC site) I cannot "revive" my old call sign because it has been expired for more than 2 years (my license expired in 2004 and I did not renew it within the 2 year 'grace period.')

But, if I wanted to, once I receive my license, I can apply for a "Vanity call sign" and use my old "inactive" call sign as my Vanity sign, correct? And what is the charge for a vanity call sign, I didn't see that on the web site, just a statement that it was a "nominal fee?"

Thanks in advance. You guys are a treasure trove of info! :bowdown:

 

[1911]

The VEC's should submit the paperwork for you; you don't have to do anything after you pass the test except check www.QRZ.com every day until you see your new call sign posted.

Registering with the FCC and having an FRN number will be more useful to you when applying for a vanity call sign.

Yes, you can try to get your old call sign as your new vanity call sign. You need to give them several alternatives in case your first choice is not available, but you can generally tell ahead of time if it's available or not by checking it on www.QRZ.com.

 

[Louisd75]

I'm not a VEC, but my fiancee and I recently got our licenses. It was really easy in the paperwork department.

You've already got your FRN, which is good. If you have an FRN number, you can use that instead of your SSN on your paperwork.

There is one other form that's helpful and that's the NCVEC Quick-Form 605. It's a 2 page version of the 605 form dealing solely with Amateur licenses. You can download it here: http://www.ncvec.org/ncvec605.pdf I filled one out at home and took it to my test and they accepted it, but when my fiancee did the same a couple months later they asked her to fill out one of their copies because it was on a different colored paper (helps their organizing). Not a big deal.

Now all you need to do is show up for your test. Make sure you've got the following:
$14
Non-programmable Calculator
Printout of your FRN Registration
Printout of your NCVEC Quick-Form 605
Photo ID

In all likelihood, you don't need the printouts of the FRN or Quick-Form, but we both took them just in case.

When you get to the testing location, they'll have blank copies of the Quick-Form 605 that they may want you to fill out there. When you turn your 605 form in, they'll check your ID. Pay your testing fee, and they'll go over the test process and pass out the tests. When you've passed, they fill out and you sign a form that certifies that you've passed. You keep the original copy of this. They fill out and submit any additional paperwork and send it off. You just need to wait patiently for your callsign to show up on the FCC website. This was the site I used: http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp If you search by name it needs to be in a last name, first name format (you need the comma). The site also really does not like the "back" browser button, if you use it you'll need to refresh the page. It took about 2 weeks for my callsign to be assigned, and another week or so before the paper license showed up in the mail.

I can't help much with the Vanity Call-Sign, but this website might be helpful: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?id=amateur&job=cft&page=cft_get_call_sign

Which study guides did you go with? I had good luck with the Gordon West books. Started studying the Tuesday before the test and passed Tech and General :victory: Now I'm just waiting on the UPS guy for my radio.

Good luck!