How to Get a Ham Radio License in the U.S
To learn how to get a ham radio license, choose a license class, pass its exam, and complete the FCC application process; the FCC offers 3 license classes. The exam and application requirements depend on your class and session, so confirm current details with the Volunteer Examiner team before registering. A passing exam alone does not authorize you to transmit.
Quick answer
How do you get a ham radio license?
Choose a license class, pass its multiple-choice exam, complete the application with your VE team, then pay the FCC fee when the FCC emails instructions. The FCC has 3 classes; General requires Technician-level exam credit, and Amateur Extra requires credit for Elements 2 and 3. For an ARRL-listed session, get your 10-digit FRN through FCC CORES before the exam.
- Choose Technician, General, or Amateur Extra, then study that class’s question pool.
- Register with a VE team or VEC and confirm the session date, format, and local requirements.
- For an ARRL-listed session, obtain your FRN in FCC CORES before the exam.
- Take the exam with the identification your session requires; if you pass, complete the application paperwork with the VE team.
- Use your FRN, not your Social Security number, provide a valid email address, and follow the FCC’s emailed payment instructions.
How to Get Your Ham Radio License
Confirm the session’s date, format, and local requirements with the Volunteer Examiner team. For an ARRL-listed session, obtain your FRN in FCC CORES before the exam.
| Fee | Amount (USD) | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| FCC application | $35 | Per applicable application in 2026 |
| ARRL VEC exam | $15 or $5 | $5 for candidates under 18; team fees may differ |
The FCC fee is separate from the exam fee, so check both before you attend. For the FCC fee, ARRL gives candidates 10 calendar days from issuance of the application file number to pay.
- Choose a class. Pick the license class you’re seeking, then study that class’s question pool; a General candidate also needs Technician-level exam credit.
- Find a session. Register with a VE team or VEC and confirm the date, test format, and any local requirements. Sessions may be in person or video-supervised online, depending on the team.
- Prepare and register. Study the relevant multiple-choice question pool.
- Take the exam. Bring the identification required by your session; ARRL sessions accept one legal photo ID or two accepted non-photo IDs. If you pass, complete the application paperwork with the VE team.
- Complete FCC processing. Use your FRN, not your Social Security number, and provide a valid email address. The VE team submits qualifying applications, and the FCC emails payment instructions. Check the FCC licensing database for your grant; after an ARRL session reaches the VEC, a license often appears in about 1–2 business days.
What Does the License Exam Require?
The U.S. amateur radio license exam is a multiple-choice test based on the question pool for the license class you’re seeking. You can take it in person or through a participating Volunteer Examiner team’s video-supervised online session; availability and instructions depend on the team.
The passing score is 26 of 35 questions for Technician and General, or 37 of 50 for Amateur Extra, about 74% on each exam. You need to pass the exam for your desired class; Morse code isn’t required for any current U.S. amateur radio license exam.
Study the correct, current question pool. The published validity dates are:
- Technician: July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
- General: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.
- Amateur Extra: July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
At an ARRL session, bring one legal photo ID; if you don’t have one, bring two accepted non-photo IDs.
Volunteer Examiners or Volunteer Examiner Coordinators submit qualifying applications to the FCC. The exam-session fee is separate from the FCC application fee. For 2026, the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator exam fee is $15, or $5 for candidates under 18; other teams or coordinators may charge different amounts. Check the fee and requirements with your exam team before you register.
Which License Class Should You Choose?
Choose Technician for the simplest entry into U.S. amateur radio, General for broader HF access, or Amateur Extra for every U.S. amateur operating privilege. Your class determines which exam elements you need and which frequency segments you may use.
- Technician: Pass Element 2. This class gives you broad operating privileges above 30 MHz and limited privileges on some HF bands.
- General: Earn Technician-level exam credit and pass Element 3. General adds privileges across the HF bands, though some segments are reserved for higher license classes.
- Amateur Extra: Earn credit for Elements 2 and 3, then pass Element 4. Extra grants all U.S. amateur operating privileges, including segments reserved for Extra licensees.
If you’re starting without prior exam credit, Technician is the direct first step. You can then qualify for General and Amateur Extra by earning the required exam credit and passing the next element. Choose General if wider HF access is your priority; choose Amateur Extra if you want access to every U.S. amateur operating segment.
The classes use different exam elements, but Morse code isn’t required for any current U.S. amateur license exam.
Pro tip
You can take the exams in sequence at a session if the VE team offers them and you pass each required element; confirm the team’s arrangements before registering.
How Do You Apply After Passing?
Complete the FCC application after you pass by giving your Volunteer Examiner (VE) team the required paperwork, then paying the FCC fee when the FCC emails you instructions. Use an FCC Registration Number (FRN), not your Social Security number, on the application, and provide a valid email address for FCC correspondence.
The FCC emails payment instructions after it receives the exam and application information; ARRL says you have 10 calendar days from the application file number’s issuance to pay. Follow the email instructions and pay by the stated deadline.
After payment, check the FCC’s license records to confirm that your license has been granted before transmitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a ham radio license last, and how do you renew it?
A U.S. amateur radio license is normally valid for 10 years. Renew it through the FCC before it expires, using your FRN and the FCC’s licensing system; confirm the current renewal instructions and any applicable fee before submitting your renewal.
Can I operate a ham radio while waiting for my license grant?
No, wait until the FCC grants your license before transmitting under it. After passing, your VE team submits the qualifying application, and you must complete the FCC’s payment process; check the FCC license records for your grant before operating.
How do I find my ham radio call sign after passing the exam?
Look up your license in the FCC licensing records after your application is submitted and processed; passing the exam alone doesn’t confirm that the FCC has granted it. An ARRL session’s license often appears about 1–2 business days after the session reaches the VEC, though timing can vary.
Can I retake the ham radio exam if I fail?
Yes, you can register for another exam session and retake the exam; ask the VE team about its schedule, format, and local requirements. Study the question pool for the class you’re pursuing, and confirm whether the team charges an exam fee for the retake, since fees can vary.
How do I upgrade from a Technician license to General?
Pass Element 3 after earning Technician-level exam credit, then complete the application paperwork with the VE team. The General exam has 35 multiple-choice questions and requires 26 correct answers to pass; General adds operating privileges across the HF bands, with some segments reserved for higher classes.
Conclusion
If you want broad HF access, choose General; if you want every U.S. amateur operating privilege, choose Amateur Extra. If you’re starting without exam credit, begin with Technician, then build toward the class that fits how you plan to use the radio. Your next step is to choose the class and find a Volunteer Examiner session that offers its exam. Confirm the session format and local requirements, then study the matching question pool and get your FRN before an ARRL-listed session.
