CQDeck

Waiting on the FCC

Callsign watch

Passed your exam? Get an email the day the FCC issues your call sign.

The FCC can take days to process a new license or an upgrade. Sign in and give us your FRN, and we'll check the FCC's public daily license files every day and email you the moment your call sign shows up.

Sign in to set it up

How long does it take to get your call sign?

Often a week or two from exam day. It moves in three steps:

  1. Your exam team sends your results to its coordinator, which files them with the FCC, usually within a few days.
  2. The FCC emails you a link to pay its $35 fee. Pay it within 10 days, or the application is dismissed. Check your spam folder.
  3. Once the payment goes through, your call sign appears in the FCC's license database, and a second email links to your license. You can transmit as soon as it's listed.

Upgrades to General or Extra have no FCC fee, so they show up as soon as the FCC processes the filing. Either way, Callsign watch emails you the day it happens. The full path is in how to get your license.

We only use your FRN to spot your license in the FCC's public daily files. We never show names or addresses from FCC records.

Haven't taken the exam yet? How to get your license