Changing Your Ham Radio Call Sign Using The FCC Vanity Call Sign Process

[@MauriceCalis]

Thanks! - All filled out and standing by...............................

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Best of luck. They are not fast on turning the forms around so just hang in there AND check your spam folder for their response. That is where mine ended up.

[@victormorales3144]

Thank you for taking the time to put this information in a 5/9 ++. Very to the point and clear. 73

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for the kind words my friend!!

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Thanks, great video ! 🤗🇺🇸👍

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad you enjoyed it and hope it was helpful.

[@EricSolomon-op8ti]

MASSIVE HELP. Just applied for my Vanity call sign. Followed your instructions 100%. All done. Now waiting 3 weeks

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Let me know what your results are. Hope you get your top choice.

[@full_metal2452]

I just got my technician license and the same morning I received my assigned call sign I applied for a new vanity one 😂. Thanks for the great how to video 👍

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Outstanding!! So glad it was helpful 😁

[@jbird4h30]

Saved me $35 with the 'Station Owner/Operator' title tip. Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Outstanding and glad it helped!!

[@michaeljorcutt3142]

I didn’t fill that part out. Am I out the money? Can I amend an application ?

[@AlvinMcManus]

Great video. I believe those letters that sound similar are called homophones. Hey, I married an English major who taught 2nd grade for 30years. You hear things. (and you get called on it too!) Thanks for the clarification of this system very helpful.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for sharing! You are smarter than me and I trust your knowledge on this!! Thanks for posting 😁

[@jasonbjorn4536]

Best videos are clear and concise with step-by-step instructions. You nailed it. Thank you. I look forward to your other videos.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you get the callsign you wanted....

[@Emanemoston]

Such a great video on this subject. Thank you very much for taking the time to make it.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful! Sorry for not getting back sooner. Had several surgeries in the past 5 months and one still to go in November.

[@EricSolomon-op8ti]

Just found your videos MAJORLY HELPFUL !!! Thank You !!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephrogers5337]

you forgot the advanced class had mine since 1979 as advanced. I had call sign originally KB4TJ

[@jamesgoodrich8355]

Just put in for my vanity call sign. Thanks for the great helpful info!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful and let me know the results. On avg now, you can expect about 14 to 21 days to find out. You will get an email so make sure to check your spam folders. That is where mine ended up in.

[@rabidscallion9947]

Thank you in advance. Going for tech license and had a hard time figuring this out. Well explained!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Make sure you check out all my videos. They were designed to help nebbies. I have one specifically on taking your test. The 1st 4 videos I did are great info to understand the overall picture and what is required to get setup.

[@BautistaII]

Awesome video, thank you so much, well explained I just apply for my vanity call sign while watching this video

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I hope you get your new call sign soon! I am so glad we have that option but it does take some work, finding one that is available. Let me know when you get it!!

[@chuckk5358]

Thanks for a well planned and laid out, step by step tutorial on this process. I started to do this once before and gave up due to frustration. I'm sure if I follow your lead here, I will be successful. 😊

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I also have detailed setup instructions for all the HF Digital Apps with key suggestions (PDF format). Is there anything you are looking for? Email me at [e-mail]. I am here to help.

[@MrJakeXXL]

Very informative. Thanks for all you do MJ.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for letting me know these video's have value to you!! Appreciate you taking the time to post this comment!

[@tribulationprepper787]

Good clear information. I just received my first ever call sign via email this morning and it is L O N G & UGLY. I want my dad's airplane's tail number as a call sign so "N" will work. Changeable region numbers should help my chances of success by a factor of 10 X. Thanks for that tip! I subscribed because I too am interested in ham radio as a result of prepping and to start with I purchased a Yaesu FT5D, a cable and some RT Systems 5D programming software. It is very clear to me that these are the biblically prophesied end times I look forward to your advice on communications after the NWO reset SHFT. Thank you for your video. 73's... for the first time.

[@stephenp9899]

Just came across your channel today. This was a great video and easy to follow. Thanks.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carlsmith8850]

This was a great help. Thank you. When I logged on to the FCC license manager page I had to fill in the "Find My License" box in the lower-left section of the page before the vanity call sign option came up. That may help.

[@tribulationprepper787]

Thanks for the tip.

[@w6lax]

Thank you. This really clarified the process

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know how it goes for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. [e-mail]

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent presentation! Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for letting me know.

[@drewrinella1646]

Fantastic video! Thank you.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Drew, hopefully you will your call sign. It takes about 3 weeks so be patient!! I am hearing reports of people not getting their first time call signs post test for 3 weeks. It is taking longer now then ever before.

[@The-Objective-Observer]

This has been extremely helpful!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I am so glad to hear this. I am trying to fill in the gaps, while making it simple to understand and in logical thought process. That's the way I learn (also visually too). Let me know if you have any questions!

[@appleguy1986]

Big Help, Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

You're welcome!

[@markbusch1252]

I'm definitely changing my KF0OFE to something else. Just sounds weird and I wouldnt want it on my license plate 😅

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I would too!! Let me know what you end up getting.

[@curtisletch6911]

Funny I’m KF0OHE and I thought the same thing.

[@billys5062]

Coffee brothers

[@MackZero]

Great help thank you. So I just took the test and dont see anything associated with my FRN yet. Will they assign me a random call sign before I get the opportunity to pay my $35, then I have to submit for a vanity call sign and pay an additional $35 or can I request a vanity call sign before Iam assigned anything? Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

So you just took your test and passed. You needed to submit your FRN Number when signing up and pay the money upfront. Once that is done (depending on who submitted your test results) it could take 2 days to a week to get your random call sign. Once you get it, next you can apply for a vanity callsign. You will have to pay the $35 and not guaranteed to get the ones you submitted. If you don't get it, you start over again and pay the $35 and repeat the process. With this in mind, put down as many callsigns (in order of preference) as possible. Check to see if those call signs are available. www.ae7q.com/query/ This is from the AARL Instructions: www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee Filing Online with the FCC: For license applicants filing online directly with the FCC in the ULS License Manager System, if a payment is required, the system will automatically direct you to the CORES system. Log in and pay the fee. CORES payment instructions. Filing with a VEC: If paying a fee for an application filed by a VEC organization, please use the CORES FRN Registration system (CORES - Login). The candidate will have 10 calendar days, from the date of the application file number being issued, to pay. Login and pay as soon as the application is in the FCC system. CORES payment instructions.

[@blackpaw369]

How soon before a call sign is expired can you put in the request? It looks like some people submit their request a few days before the call sign expire date. Excellent video though!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

There are sites that show when the date of the callsign expires. They will submit the paper work ahead of the date and try and time it right that when they actually process it, the callsign will just become available. It seems like a lottery to me on all this.

[@jps99]

excellent!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know!

[@DanielBerzinskas]

Didn't expect someone SO LOCAL to me like30-60 mins

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I am in the Wake Forest area, where are you?

[@DanielBerzinskas]

@@hamradiomadesimple near Central NC

[@grampsradio]

12:28 - Which is why we use the phonetic alphabet. 17:23 - Can you pre-apply for a vanity call sign in advance of an expired call sign passing the two year reclaim date? How does someone "get ahead of me in line" to get it?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Any family member of the silent key gets first crack at it. Next, you have first come, first served on RECEIVED applications. How they filter who is first applying is not necessarily based on when you sent it in. Rather, on WHO processed who's application. Wishing you the best.

[@johnbauman4005]

Great informative and helpful video! Thank you! Just got my Tech/Gen license last night and call sign today. You've given me a lot to think about. So the FCC has set a price on vanity. Will check out that website but not convinced I need to change, at least not yet. BTW, I don't see the link in the description. 73, KK7JBZ

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Good luck! Work toward your general license while you are still in the studying mind set! Harder to restart this later on. Let me know how I can help!

[@billfujimoto5905]

I appreciate the information, but I was confused by some of your statements. Sequential call signs follow the naming rules by region etc., but I understood that vanity call signs are not subject to those rules. Yet you state the vanity must follow the rules. By definition, vanity call signs don't follow the rules and you choose what you like. Please clarify, thanks! Also, the ULS license page does not show the link on the right to apply for vanity call signs, I'm not sure why it was removed and so I'm not able to apply for the vanity call sign. Any ideas why it is not shown? I only have a GMRS license so perhaps that may have something to do with no vanity link.

[@billfujimoto5905]

I submitted a help request to the FCC, they replied that vanity call signs are not available for GMRS, only for amateur licenses (unfortunately!)

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Sorry for not seeing this. Are you a licensed Ham Radio operator?

[@rmcdj-k2kfe214]

Had another question... I heard there were freqs on the bands to avoid. but I cant find any info. Do you know of any?? tks agn 73

[@josephrogers5337]

what are the options for advance ham license

[@trains_are_fine]

18:10

[@AndyWellman-hv6co]

What is the FCC Manager's website adress? I do not see it posted in your description! I need some help!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Is this what you are looking for? wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

[@AndyWellman-hv6co]

@@hamradiomadesimple it is! Thank you very much! 73 KF4JQD!

[@LWRC]

The $35.00 application fee blows!! When I did mine - it was all free in 2014!!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I hear you. What most people don't know is IF you DON'T get your call sign approved, each time you submit, you're out another $35. Not much is free anymore :-)

[@LWRC]

@@hamradiomadesimple So the system now is based on first come first serve basis and if you are the first to apply for an available call, the you get it - is that correct? That may not be as much of an issue for General and Technician classes but for hyper competitive Extra 1x2 or 2x1 calls, there just aren't that many available calls to begin with much less one that you'd like!!! So theoretically, for the Extra class licensee, it may be possible to spend hundreds of dollars in this process and still get nothing at the end!!! When I got my 2x1 call, it didn't matter if you were the first or the last of all applicants, you went into a pool and I don't know if it was randomly selected electronically or some FCC employee drew your name out of a hat, and that's how the calls were given out. Order of application had nothing to do with getting the vanity call as everyone had an equal chance! Glad I got my 2x1 when I did as the current method is a money maker for the FCC and creates a mess for the hobbiest!!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

@@LWRC Yep, I could not have stated this any better than what you just sent me. Welcome to the wild wild west on the 1x2 or 2x1. Also, if someone is not smart enough to list 6-10 options on Tech and General (after using the right web sites to research all this) they could end up with nothing.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

@@Wolf1701.. Your are spot on. The Fed's need money and they are raising revenue through increased fees and increased cost for their permits. Let's face it, they are not in the business to promote Ham Radio but to finds ways to extract money where ever possible. Why the need for 85,000 new IRS agents?? To go after the taxpayers and extract as much as possible. Be glad it is only $35 and not $50 like they wanted....

[@hamradiomadesimple]

@@Wolf1701.. Great comment. I'm learning not to be surprised anymore, just like you!! Thanks for passing this onto me.

[@daveengstrom9250]

I can't find the license manager web site page. Do you have a link(s)? The FCC is a hard place to navigate.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Use the AARL link to find exactly what you need: www.arrl.org/searches/results It list different FCC areas that should be helpful to you. Let me know if this works.

[@daveengstrom9250]

@@hamradiomadesimple Thank you!! KI7QL/AE

[@daveengstrom9250]

@@hamradiomadesimple I am having some trouble. I tried AW1Q (and some others) and I get "Invalid Format". What am I doing wrong? (On the AE7Q site).

[@hamradiomadesimple]

All I could find was this "AW1Q looks like a callsign from India". It the rules might have changed and that call sign sequence is no longer available to be used today.

[@daveengstrom9250]

@@hamradiomadesimple Thank you MJ. I received an e-mail this morning with my NEW call sign. Your video made it possible for me! I appreciate it. Dave WD9O. 😉

[@tysonp2867]

If I apply for a vanity call as a Technician license holder can I keep the vanity call sign and become a general license holder without impacting my vanity call sign?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Yes but there limitations as to what is available to Tech Class Licenses. If that doesn't matter, go for it. You can always change again. I changed after I got my General and then again after getting my Extra.

[@tysonp2867]

@@hamradiomadesimple thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Sorry for not seeing this sooner, THANKS!!

[@chuckmartin6049]

I just got my technician call sign and i want to change it. I want 2x3 and wondering why N is listed as a letter to use for Prefix but your video said i can't use NA-NZ. I am confused?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Ok, I get what you are asking. The Prefix combo of NY - NZ can be used in the United-States. All other N (two letter prefix) are for SPECIFIC countries. Does this help you better understand this??

[@chuckmartin6049]

@@hamradiomadesimple yes thank you

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad to hear Chuck!! A lot of exceptions so not just black and white.....

[@chuckmartin6049]

I follow your instructions and it was a easy process for getting my new vanity call sign. It was granted in 18 days and I got the one I wanted. Thank you for this video. It made the process so much easier.

[@KQ1USA]

can you provide the link for the fcc license manager website, i didnt see it in the description

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Here is the link: www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service What are you trying to look for within this site? Since I just changed my email, I had to log into the FCC Registration so use this Link: apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do Let me know if this helped, if not, I can find what you are looking for.

[@KQ1USA]

@@hamradiomadesimple Wanted to apply for a vanity call sign

[@hamradiomadesimple]

How is the call sign process going??

[@KQ1USA]

@@hamradiomadesimple it’s going good. The website was down and that was the main issue. Once it came back up I was able to submit my vanity request. Your video helped out immensely.

[@rmcdj-k2kfe214]

So for a general I can add a 2nd letter after the 1st?? and it would be a 2x3?? and if so can it be any letter?? kkxabc?? etc...

[@rmcdj-k2kfe214]

@@hamradiomadesimple yep and tks for the reply, appreciate it. and the website to check for c/s is great, didnt know that was available. hopefully I can get a new one w/out any headaches. tks again and 73.

[@MOVIMKR7]

Nice work

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know!

[@peterbundarin8878]

Thank you for a very informative video. I appreciate all the work you put into it. I just got my General and currently working on the EXTRA, and really want to change my call sign. KQ4ITL.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Peter, I appreciate those like you, who take the time to let me know. Thank you!!