Fwd:

[prinaldo@mindspring.com]

Gang,

Here's some up-to-date info to help you through the new procedures for filing license renewals with the FCC.

Paul



Renewing your Amateur Service FCC license, or changing your license address,

call sign or name, or requesting a duplicate license.

Amateurs have several options for renewals or filing changes.  They include:

* As a free service to ARRL Members, ARRL Members may complete and sign an 
NCVEC Form 605 (http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/ncvec605-3.pdf) and return it to

ARRL HQ. ARRL HQ staff will in turn file the application data electronically

with the FCC.  The processing time will take only a few days or less once
the 
application reaches ARRL HQ.  Send such applications to: 

ARRL VEC, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111 USA.

Non members are welcome to first sign up for membership and then use this
service.  
For membership info, including an on-line membership application, 
see http://www.arrl.org/join.html.  For NCVEC Form 605 
see http://www.arrl.org/fcc/forms.html. If preferred, non members can mail a

check (or the credit card charge info) for the applicable current membership
rate 
for themselves in the same envelope with a completed NCVEC Form 605 and ARRL

HQ will immediately process the membership request and shortly thereafter
the 
NCVEC Form 605 FCC license renewal/update request.  Vanity requests must
still 
be handled separately by mail or on line directly with the FCC (or via
someone 
serving as a filing agent, such as the W5YI Group).


* All Amateurs can apply by mail with FCC. To place your request by mail
obtain 
an "FCC" Form 605, complete it and then mail it to: FCC, 1270 Fairfield Rd, 
Gettysburg PA 17325. This is a free FCC service.

FCC Form 605 can be obtained via http://www.arrl.org/fcc/forms.html or
ftp://ftp.fcc.gov/pub/Forms/ or via fax to FCC's Fax-On-Demand system at
202-418-0177 (request form number 000605).

* All Amateurs can apply via the internet. The FCC accepts submissions
electronically via their Universal Licensing Service (ULS) system. You
may file requests via: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/. To use the on-line
ULS system, you must first be sure you are using a web browser which FCC
indicates is fully functional for ULS use (FCC indicates that at present
only recent versions of Netscape {vers. 4.7x work well} are fully tested 
and functional); you must then registered in ULS, which involves supplying 
your Taxpayer ID Number (TIN) which is your Social Security Number to FCC. 
To do so choose the "REGISTER, TIN/Call Sign" link and then complete your
registration information (ignore the contact person, and SGIN
references). On the next page enter your call sign and lastly print out
the final page for your records (that last page shows your TIN/SSN,
Licensee ID Number, Password and Personal Identifier for any necessary
future reference). Once registered, you must then choose the "FILE, ULS
Filing" link to perform your on-line transaction with FCC. During the
filing process the FCC system will download to your PC special software
to automatically run a JAVA security applet (this will take a few
minutes depending on your connection speed) which will update files
within Netscape to cause a smoother flow of data between your computer
and the FCC ULS server. Any on-line filing technical problems can be
directed to FCC Tech Support weekdays at 202-414-1250. If you are unable
to complete a successful on-line filing session in ULS, consider mailing a
hardcopy "FCC" Form 605 to FCC (or apply through the ARRL per above). 
Be sure to print a copy of your on-line renewal request for your records.

Processing time can vary depending on the FCC's workload. If you file
your request electronically, the FCC may take only a day or two to
modify your license or process your request. If you file by mail,
the FCC might take a few weeks to process your request. If you have not
received your updated or duplicate license within 12 weeks, you may
contact the FCC for guidance on how to proceed. The FCC may be reached
by telephone 1-888-225-5322 or by fax to 717-338-2696, or by writing to:
FCC, 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg PA 17325-7245.

Be sure to keep a copy of your as filed "FCC" Form 605 request for your
records.


FCC Form 605 Step-by-Step Guidance (these are the usual responses to the 
items requested on FCC Form 605):


Item 1 - Enter the code "HA" if you do not have a Vanity call sign.  
If you now have a Vanity call (a call sign you obtained in 1996 or after
for which you paid a Vanity fee) sign enter "HV".

Item 2 - For Renewals Only enter "RO", 
for Renewal with Address/Call/Name change enter "RM", 
for Administrative Updates of Address and/or Name change enter "AU", 
for Modifications/Changes including a Call Sign Change enter  "MD",
for Duplicate license requests enter "DU".

Item 3 - N/A

Item 4 - Ignore

Item 5 - Enter your present call sign

Item 6 - Ignore

Item 7 - No

Item 8 - No

Item 9a - Enter your Social Security Number.

Item 9b - Ignore

Item 9c - Enter your CORES FRN number if you have one - else ignore

Item 10 - Enter - I - Individual

Item 11-18 complete as appropriate (ignoring 12 and 13)

Item 19 - Ignore

Items 20-22 are optional

Item 23 - No (we are not exempt, it's just that our fee is presently set to
zero)

Item 24 - No (we are not exempt, it's just that our fee is presently set to
zero)

Item 25 Print your name

Ignore title

Item 26 - sign your name

Item 27 - enter the date

================================

Unless you are applying with this application to receive a 
Vanity call sign, ignore Schedule D

================================

If completing Schedule D:

Item 1 - No

Item 2 - Check the application category

Item 3 - If you checked category E or F in Item 2, enter from one up to 
25 choices in your order of preference in this section.

Note: Vanity requests take 18 days from the date FCC receives the
application.

Don't forget to include the appropriate Vanity fee and FCC Form 159 when
filing a request 
for a Vanity call sign.  For more Vanity information see
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/vanity.html