Main Content

What’s Next – Welcome to Amateur Radio!

Disclaimer:
We are not required to provide the following information and links. We do this to help and assist you as we welcome you into the great hobby of Amateur Radio.




• Pay your $35 license fee as soon as the system allows it.
  Submit your payment promptly to secure your place in the queue.
• Watch your email closely.
  The FCC will send an email to the address listed on your Form 605 once their system begins processing. This email contains the payment instructions. Check your spam and junk folders regularly. Missing this email or failing to pay in time will result in your application being dismissed, and you will have to begin the process again.
• Felony documentation.
  If you have a felony conviction, submit the required documentation to the FCC. This process is strictly between you and the FCC - we cannot assist or intervene..
• Do not contact the FCC, ARRL, or us about your paperwork.
  The FCC’s public call center is operated by a contractor and may not have accurate information, patience is. If you have not received an email within ten days, email us to check on your application for you.
How to Pay Your FCC License Application Fee of 35 Dollars in Advance
1. Go to the FCC CORES website by searching “FCC CORES Login.”
2. Sign in using your email and password.
3. On the main page, select “Submit a New Filing.”
4. Choose “ULS Application Fee.”
5. Enter your FRN and confirm your information.
6. Select the 35 dollar Amateur Radio License Fee.
7. Follow the prompts to pay by credit card or bank transfer.
8. Save or print your payment confirmation for your records.

When to Expect Progress

• New licenses are issued in order of payment date.
• Upgrades and new licenses will process as soon as payment and/or verification steps are complete.
• You may see your call sign appear in the FCC ULS database within days or it may take several weeks depending on the backlog.
• If you have already paid and do not see your license after ten days, contact the FCC at their toll-free number (888) 225-5322.

Helpful Tips

• Paying promptly is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Keep monitoring email and FCC notices, but do not worry about contacting us or the FCC unnecessarily. It can take up to ten days.
• Remember that backlogs are normal after system outages and shutdowns. Patience is key.

Congratulations

You are now a licensed Amateur Radio Operator!

The most important thing you can do now is to keep learning and stay active in the community.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
• Join a local amateur radio club and meet other hams.
• Attend Hamfests and local events.
• Consider joining the ARRL for resources and advocacy.
• Avoid buying low-cost handheld radios such as Baofeng or Wouxun, which can be difficult to program and have limited range.
• Before buying any equipment, learn what others in your area use so you can make informed choices that will serve you for years.
• ** JOIN PARC ** PARC Radio & Technology hosts a monthly meeting on Zoom with Amateur Radio News and Helpful Tips as well as a special presentation on an interesting topic. Join US in addition to your local club. We would love to have you with us.




Helpful Resources

Find an ARRL Affiliated Club:
https://www.arrl.org/find-a-club
QRZ Jumpstart Program – $17.99 Radio Offer
1. Get your FCC-issued call sign.
2. Create your QRZ account: https://www.qrz.com/jumpstart/account-required
3. Apply within six months of your license issue date.
4. Submit your application: https://www.qrz.com/jumpstart
5. Receive your unique discount code by email.
6. Add a QRZ-1 radio and accessories to your cart.
7. Use your code for a one-time 70% discount.
More details: https://www.gigaparts.com/qrzjumpstart
Equipment Reviews and Information:
https://www.eham.net/reviews/
Join PARC Radio & Technology’s Online Worldwide Club:
https://parcradio.org
We use Telegram to communicate regularly and make club & contest announcements.

If you already have Telegram, joining the group is simple. Open Telegram and paste this link into your browser or directly into Telegram: https://t.me/+d32UCpaXRLhiNjJh Tap Join.

Before participating, make sure your profile is set correctly. Your display name should be the name you go by followed by your callsign, for example: Gary K4XYZ.

Set your username in this format: @callsignfirstname (example: @K4XYZGary). Go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Profile Photos, and set it to Everybody. Once that is done, you are all set.

If you do not have Telegram: Telegram Setup and Group Join Instructions

Step 1: Download Telegram
On iPhone
• Open the App Store -> Search for Telegram Messenger -> Install the app
On Android
• Open Google Play Store -> Search for Telegram Messenger -> Install the app
On Computer
• Go to telegram.org -> Download the Desktop version -> Install and open the application
Step 2: Create Your Account

• Open Telegram -> Select Start Messaging -> Enter your mobile phone number -> Enter the verification code sent to you by text
Step 3: Set Your Name Properly
When prompted for your name, enter:
First Name: The name you go by followed by your callsign
Example: Gary K4XYZ
Last Name: Optional (can be left blank)

This is important so members can immediately identify you.
If you need to edit it later:

• Go to Settings -> Tap your name -> Edit and save
Step 4: Set Your Username Properly
Your username should follow this format: @Firstname_Callsign Example: @Gary_K4XYZ
To set your username:
• Go to Settings -> Tap Username -> Enter your username in the required format -> Save
This allows others to find you without using your phone number.

Step 5: Set Profile Photo Visibility
• Go to Settings -> Tap Privacy and Security -> Tap Profile Photos -> Set to Everybody
Step 6: Adjust Phone Number Privacy (Recommended)
For privacy:

• Go to Settings -> Tap Privacy and Security -> Tap Phone Number
• Set “Who can see my phone number” to Nobody
• Set “Who can find me by my number” to My Contacts
Step 7: Join the Group
Click or paste this link into your browser: https://t.me/+d32UCpaXRLhiNjJh Then tap or click Join. If you are already logged into Telegram, it will open automatically.

Final Checklist
Before you consider setup complete, verify:

• Your display name is First Name + Callsign
• Your username is @callsignfirstname
• Profile photo visibility is set to Everybody
• You have successfully joined the group

If anyone has difficulty, they should reach out to a volunteer for assistance. We also have a Facebook group that you are encouraged to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/833919518104689

Other Helpful Links:

If you have been thinking about upgrading your license, now is a great time to do it. Advancing to the next level expands your operating privileges, gives you more frequency access, and allows you to get even more out of the hobby.

We encourage you to use our partner link and prepare with Ham Radio Prep. Their courses are structured, easy to follow, and designed to help you pass.

Sign up today at www.HamRadioPrep.com and use coupon code PARC for 20% off.

Take the next step and upgrade. We look forward to seeing you earn that next license.