Universal Licensing System

In the early days of the Universal Licensing System (ULS), deployed in the Amateur Service on August 16, 1999, the FCC registration and filing systems were not easy to navigate. Now, however, the FCC has taken great strides to make ULS and COmission REgistration System (CORES) easier to use.

The FCC has done a very good job of updating their Web page and there is a specific section for the Amateur Radio Service. The FCC has even devoted a page to common filing tasks which offers instruction on filing electronically via the ULS.

If you wish to conduct business with the FCC, you must first register through FCC CORES. Upon registration, you will be assigned a Federal Registration Number (FRN). This number will be used to uniquely identify you in all transactions with the FCC. Effective December 3, 2001, the use of a Federal Registration Number (FRN) became mandatory.

You must be registered in CORES and be issued an FRN before you can use ULS to renew your license, change your address, obtain a duplicate license or use any of the other services that the FCC offers. Not sure if you have an FRN? Check your license to determine if it’s been assigned an FRN.

Registration

• If you ARE Registered in the FCC CORES-

  If you are already registered in FCC CORES, and if you have a FRN and know your CORES Password no further action is required. You can go directly to the Online Filing page, where you’ll select "Log In" to file a transaction with FCC using the ULS. You will be required to supply your FCC assigned FRN and your Password to renew or update your license.
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• If you are NOT Registered in the FCC CORES+

  If you are NOT registered in FCC CORES and do not have a FRN, you will need to sign up for one. Follow the instructions on the next page to learn how to register.
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• Reset your FCC CORES Password+

  If you are Registered (have a FRN) but do not know your FCC CORES Password you can reset your password online.
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• How do I register for ULS and CORES?