How to get your FRN (FCC Registration Number)


You must have an FRN to complete registration for the class and to take the examination for your license.


It’s pretty easy to register online with the FCC and to get your FRN

using the FCC registration system.


Note: In 2022, the FCC began charging a $35 license fee for new license applications.   After passing the exam you’ll get an email from FCC with instructions to pay this fee using their NEW CORES website at https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do


If you already used that new site to setup your account and get your FRN, you’re all set - nothing more to do.


However: If you’ve had your FRN for a while you might have gotten that from the old site at

https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

If so, you will need to create a new account on the new site and associate your FRN to that new account.


Back to our regularly scheduled instructions.


FIRST: You only need one FRN for all your individual FCC licenses.

If you’ve had another license (like maritime) from the FCC in the last 15 or so years, you probably already have an individual FRN and can use that.  If you think you might already have an FRN, you can use the simple SEARCH link to look for your last name.  If you have a common last name use advanced SEARCH instead (read the info on using wildcard characters to help your search).


If you’re pretty sure you don’t have an FRN already, you can register for a new FRN in 5 or 10 minutes using the REGISTER link. 


A few tips on the registration process:

  1. 1.Create your account at the FCC CORES website.

  2. 2.Register as an individual (amateur radio is not for business use).

  3. 3.Enter the required information: your name, SSN, address, etc.  Note: the registration process allows you to “trade” your SSN for an FRN. The exam team needs your FRN to issue you an exam.

  4. 4.Warning: Your mailing address will become public record when the FCC issues your license (after you pass the exam).  If you do not want your street address published, use another address. For example, you could use a P.O. Box, a work address, or another address at which you can receive US mail from the FCC.

  5. 5.You must also supply an email address to register. Make sure this is one the FCC can email you at so you can complete your license application fee.

  6. 6.Use a reasonable password, and save it securely.  You will use this password to login and renew your license when it expires in 10 years.  (Adding the personal security question should help you to reset your password in the event that you lose it.) Tip: use a password manager “app” to save your password.


Once you have your FRN, you’ll be able to sign up for our exam session in Exam Tools, and we can get the FRN from there.  You’re also welcome to email your FRN if you like. 

Please do not send an image or pdf of the entire page (which may contain personal information). 







Back to Home Page