The FCC lets you reinstate a ham radio license for up to two years after it expires, but the process and timeline depend on how long it has been inactive

If your ham radio license (also called an amateur radio license) has expired, you have a grace period to reinstate it without taking the exam again. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allows reinstatement for licenses expired less than two years, provided you meet specific requirements and file the correct form. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the exam again to get a new license.

The reinstatement process is faster than getting a new license but requires you to file paperwork with the FCC, pay a fee, and sometimes provide documentation of your identity. You cannot operate on the air during the reinstatement period — your license must be active and in the FCC database before you transmit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can reinstate a ham radio license within two years of expiration by filing FCC Form 605 and paying the current license fee, which varies by license class.
  • Licenses expired more than two years must be renewed through the exam process, not reinstatement.
  • The FCC processes reinstatement requests through the Universal Licensing System (ULS), and you need your call sign and FCC Registration Number (FRN) to file.
  • Reinstatement typically takes four to six weeks after the FCC receives your complete process, though processing times can vary.
  • You cannot legally operate your radio until the FCC issues a new license grant showing your call sign and expiration date.

Check your license expiration date and how long it has been inactive

Before you start the reinstatement process, confirm exactly when your license expired and whether you fall within the two-year reinstatement window. You can look up your license status on the FCC's ULS database at uls.fcc.gov by entering your call sign. The database shows your current license expiration date, your FCC Registration Number (FRN), and whether your license is active, expired, or cancelled.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you are within the reinstatement window and can proceed with Form 605. If it expired more than two years ago, you must study for and pass the exam again through a Volunteer Examiner (VE) session — reinstatement is not an option. Write down your call sign and FRN before you move forward; you will need both to file.

Gather your identity documents and FCC information

The FCC requires you to verify your identity when you reinstate a license. You will need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — the FCC uses this to match your identity in its records.

Have your call sign and FCC Registration Number (FRN) ready before you start the process. If you do not know your FRN, you can find it on the ULS database or on any previous FCC correspondence. Gather any documentation showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease, in case the FCC asks for proof of residence during processing.

File FCC Form 605 through the Universal Licensing System

You file for reinstatement using FCC Form 605, the process for Amateur Radio Station License, filed electronically through the Universal Licensing System (ULS) at uls.fcc.gov. You do not mail a paper form; all amateur radio license work goes through ULS online.

Log into ULS with your FRN and password. If you do not have a ULS account, create one using your SSN or ITIN and your call sign. Once logged in, select "File process" and choose "Amateur Radio License" as the process type. The system will ask whether you are renewing, reinstating, or modifying a license — select "Reinstate." Fill in your personal information, call sign, and license class (Technician, General, or Extra). Review the form for accuracy, then submit it electronically.

After you submit Form 605, the FCC assigns your process a file number. Write this number down; you will use it to track your process status. The FCC sends a confirmation email to the address on file, though this is not the same as approval.

Pay the reinstatement fee

The FCC charges a fee to reinstate a ham radio license. The fee amount depends on your license class and changes periodically. As of 2024, the fee ranges from approximately $35 to $70 depending on the license type, but you should check the current fee schedule on the FCC website before you file, as these amounts are subject to change.

When you submit Form 605 through ULS, the system will calculate the correct fee and provide payment instructions. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) directly through ULS. The FCC does not process your process until payment is received, so submit payment as soon as you file your form. Keep your payment confirmation number for your records.

Track your process and wait for the FCC grant

After you submit Form 605 and pay the fee, the FCC processes your reinstatement request. Processing typically takes four to six weeks, though times vary depending on FCC workload. You can check the status of your process by logging into ULS and searching for your file number or call sign.

When the FCC approves your reinstatement, it issues a license grant — an official document showing your call sign, license class, and new expiration date. The grant is posted in the ULS database and sent to your email on file. Your license does not become active until the grant is issued; you cannot transmit before that date. Once the grant appears in ULS, you can legally operate your station.

If the FCC denies your reinstatement request, it will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete information, an incorrect fee, or failure to meet identity verification requirements. If denied, you can file a new process with corrected information or contact the FCC's Amateur Radio Branch for guidance.

Update your station records and notify the FCC of any changes

Once your license is reinstated, make sure your station records are current. If you have moved, changed your mailing address, or want to add a new mailing address to your FCC file, you can file an amendment through ULS. If you have changed your email address or phone number, update your ULS account profile so the FCC can contact you about future renewals.

Your reinstated license is valid for ten years from the date of the grant. Set a reminder about six months before the new expiration date so you can renew before it lapses again. Renewing before expiration is simpler than reinstatement and avoids the risk of losing your call sign if you miss the two-year reinstatement window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my license expired more than two years ago?

You cannot reinstate a license that has been expired for more than two years. You must pass the FCC exam again through a Volunteer Examiner session to obtain a new license. Your old call sign may be reassigned to another operator, so you will likely receive a different call sign when you pass the exam.

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

No. You cannot transmit until the FCC issues your license grant and your call sign appears as active in the ULS database. Operating without an active license is a violation of FCC rules and can result in fines or enforcement action. Wait for the official grant before you use your station.

What if I do not receive a confirmation email after I file Form 605?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If you still do not see the email, log into ULS and search for your process using your file number or call sign to confirm it was received. If the process does not appear in ULS, file a new Form 605. The FCC email system occasionally delays delivery, but your process status in ULS is the official record.

Do I need to take the exam again to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement within two years of expiration does not require you to pass the exam again. You keep your original license class (Technician, General, or Extra). If your license has been expired more than two years, you must pass the exam to get a new license.

How long is my reinstated license valid?

A reinstated ham radio license is valid for ten years from the date the FCC issues the grant. Your new expiration date will be shown on the license grant in the ULS database. You can renew your license up to ninety days before expiration to avoid losing your call sign.