Subj : Re: Classes And Exams (E)
To   : Black Panther
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Wed Nov 30 2016 11:37 am

Dan,

 BP@> I'm not sure if you know the answer to this or not, but in the text
 BP@> that you posted, it states that even if your license has been expired
 BP@> for more than 2 years, you should bring a copy of it when you go to
 BP@> test.

  Correct. If it was a Novice or a Technician license, you are basically
"starting over". If it was a General, Advanced, or Amateur Extra Class
license, you can get "partial exam credit"...but, you still have to take
the Technician exam to get back into ham radio.

  If the license was an Advanced, it is DOWNGRADED to General, since the FCC
quit issuing the Novice and Advanced licenses in 2000. If it was General or
Amateur Extra, you can get that back by passing the Technician exam.

 BP@> My license expired in 2001, and I no longer have a copy of my license.
 BP@> Can I look up the FCC number from a website, and bring that along? Or,
 BP@> should I just test as a new applicant?

  Go to http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls -- and search for the callsign. Even if
the callsign has been picked up by another ham, through the vanity callsign
system, all listings with that callsign are shown...even if the license is
shown as EXPIRED or CANCELLED. 

  Since the ham radio licenses are good for 10 years, it sounds like you got
your license originally in 1991, when I did. If that's the case, once you
pass the Technician exam, several items are in play:

1) You will get a new callsign issued. If your original callsign has not
been taken by another ham radio operator through the vanity callsign system,
you can apply for it (after you get your new callsign)...but, you have to do 
it online. There is a 21 day waiting period, although there is no longer a 
fee for it. Also, it only takes 1 to 2 weeks now to get your callsign, and
get on the air. It used to take 3 months or longer!!

2) If the previous license had a Federal Registration Number (FRN) with it, 
use it INSTEAD of your Social Security Number (SSN) on the NCVEC Form 605, 
and on any other exam paperwork. They can't steal your identity with an FRN, 
as most places require an SSN for data to be processed...and that is NOT
available on the callsign servers. 

3) I personally use a Post Office Box, due to sticky fingered nosey neighbors
at the apartment complex where I live. As long as it's an address where you
can receive mail from the FCC, it doesn't have to be your physical residence
address. 

4) The FCC no longer mails out printed copies of the licenses, unless the
licensee requests it via the online website. Personally, I prefer the
online version, as I can get it immediately, print as many copies of both
the official and the reference copies as I'd like, and I don't have to worry
about the Postal Service losing it.

5) You can apply to be a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association
(QCWA). The main requirements is that you were first licensed 25 years ago,
and that you are currently licensed. Even if there was a period of time
where you weren't licensed, they look on when you were first licensed, and
if you're still licensed. There are several local chapters, in addition to
the national organization.

 BP@> I'm working on studying for the exam, and wanted to make sure I had all
 BP@> my ducks in a row beforehand.

  Excellent. The Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team will appreciate your efforts.

Daryl Stout, WX1DER, UALR Ham Radio Club VE Team Liaison

.... I CQ. Therefore, I HAM. -- DE WX1DER
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