W5PRO TOOLS / FCC ADDRESS

License paperwork

Change your FCC address

Moved, or changed your email? Update your license in the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS). It's free, takes a few minutes, and the rules require it.

Why it matters

  • Your license must show your correct name, mailing address and email address, and the email has to be one where you actually receive mail (47 CFR §97.23).
  • While your license is current, you're required to file an update whenever those change (§97.21(a)(1)).
  • If FCC correspondence comes back undeliverable because your details are out of date, your station license can be revoked or your operator license suspended (§97.23).

What it costs

Nothing. The FCC charges no application fee for administrative updates such as a new mailing or email address (FCC 20-184, ¶43).

Before you start

  • Have your FRN (FCC Registration Number) and its ULS password ready. Forgotten the password? The FCC Licensing Support Center (below) can help.
  • Changing your contact details in CORES (the FCC's registration and payment system) does not update your license. The license itself has to be updated in ULS.

Step by step

  1. Go to ULS, choose Online Filing, and log in with your FRN and password.
  2. On your License At A Glance page, choose Update from the Work on This License menu on the right.
  3. Answer the Applicant Questions and click Continue.
  4. On the licensee page, type your new address, email or other changed details, then click Continue.
  5. Review the Summary. Use Edit to fix any section, then Return to Summary.
  6. Click Continue to Certify, read the certification, and type your first and last name. The application isn't signed until you do. Click Submit Application.
  7. Print or save the confirmation page; it has your file number.

Each ULS page has Common Questions and a Help link at the top right if you get stuck.

Club and military recreation stations

Club licenses are updated through a Club Station Call Sign Administrator, not directly in ULS.

Help and related

FCC Licensing Support Center: (877) 480-3201, 8 AM–6 PM Eastern, Monday to Friday, or fcc.gov/wtbhelp.

Check what the FCC has on file now: Callsign lookup. Coming up on ten years? Renew your license. You can update your address in the same filing.

Sources

  • 47 CFR §97.23, mailing and email addresses: eCFR.
  • 47 CFR §97.21(a)(1), duty to keep the license current: eCFR.
  • FCC Report and Order FCC 20-184 (2020), ¶43: no fee for administrative updates: PDF.
  • FCC, "Common Amateur Filing Task: Changing Address" (updated 5 Oct 2022): fcc.gov.