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Operating While Application is Pending
A person who has filed an application for a commercial operator license with the FCC, and who holds a Proof of Passing Certificate(s) indicating that he or she has passed the necessary examination(s) within the previous 365 days, is authorized to exercise the rights and privileges of the applied-for operator license during the period before the FCC acts on the application, but only for a period of 90 days from the date the application was filed, provided that the applicant has not had a commercial radio operator license revoked or suspended in the past, and is not the subject of an ongoing suspension proceeding.
Renewal Procedures
If you need to renew a commercial radio operator license, submit completed FCC Forms 159 (Fee Processing Form) and 605. A fee is required. Current information on the fee amount and filing location can be found in the most recent edition of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide, FCC Form 1070Y, or by calling the FCC's Consumer Center toll free at 1-888-CALL-FCC (225-5322). The WTB Fee Filing Guide and FCC Form 1070Y are also available from the fax-on-demand system by dialing (202) 418-0177 from the handset of a fax machine.
If you file an application to renew your license before it expires, you may continue to operate under the authority of your license while the FCC processes your renewal application. However, if you fail to renew your license before it expires, you cannot operate or maintain equipment that requires that license until it is renewed. You may file to renew your expired license any time during the five-year grace period after your license expires. If you fail to renew your license within the grace period, you must apply for a new license and re-take the required examination(s).
Posting of License or Permit
If you are employed at a station where your operator license must be posted, you may post either your proof of passing certificate or a signed copy of your renewal application instead of your license while your application for license renewal is being processed.
Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Licenses
You may apply for a duplicate license by submitting FCC Forms 159 (Fee Processing Form) and 605 according to the instructions printed on the 605 application. A fee is required. Current information on the fee amount and filing location can be found in the most recent edition of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide, FCC Form 1070Y, or by calling the FCC's Consumer Center toll free at 1-888-CALL-FCC (225-5322). The WTB Fee Filing Guide and FCC Form 1070Y are also available from the fax-on-demand system by dialing (202) 418-0177 from the handset of a fax machine.
Name Changes
If you change your name, you must apply for a replacement license in your new legal name. Be sure to indicate the reason for your application and give both your former and new legal names.