Recovering an old call sign - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: The R1d3r
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 07:58:41 pm
content: Is there a way to recover my old HAM call sign?

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 08:12:26 pm
content: You could start the process by researching whether it has been re-assigned.

author: The R1d3r
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 08:24:16 pm
content: It has not according to the FCC license search.

author: klunkerbus
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 08:29:14 pm
content: Using a database likehttp://www.radioqth.net/will tell you what's available instead of what is assignedEDIT: If the call isn't listed in either, then there's the chance the call is held in limbo. I think the FCC does this on expired licenses, depending on how long ago the license lapsed.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 08:51:39 pm
content: Quote from: The R1d3r on April 10, 2017, 08:24:16 pmIf it hasn't been reassigned, then you likely can pick it up under the vanity callsign program provided that you are currently licensed or you're still within the 2yr grace period.

author: The R1d3r
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 09:29:54 pm
content: Not currently licensed. License has long expired. Didn't get it renewed because my Navy command refused to allow me to run phone patches. The RMC had a hissy fit about an electrician in "his" space. My first ship (NNN0CNX) had a dedicated ham shack I worked out of.

author: The R1d3r
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 09:32:59 pm
content: Quote from: klunkerbus on April 10, 2017, 08:29:14 pmThanks. That was far more informative than the FCC database. It shows my license (KB7BER) expired in 2000. Odd because I could have swore it expired while I was deployed in the Navy.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2017, 03:33:32 am
content: Since you're well past the 2yr grace period, you'll have to retake element 2 at the very least. Once you pass and get your new license, then you can apply for your old call via the vanity license program.

author: LaserSteve
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 02:16:42 pm
content: Other thing you'll probably need is your old TIN, Taxpayer Identification Number, used on the FCC web site.If you don't have one, register for one. If you HAD one, follow the procedure for "I've lost my TIN".A phone call to FCC, after a long wait on hold, will be most useful. They will walk you thru this a bit.Steve

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 05:12:59 pm
content: Employer companies have "TIN" (Tax Identification Number), but us humans have SSN (Social Security Number) which is our tax ID number.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 09:10:29 pm
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on April 13, 2017, 05:12:59 pmWhat he might be referring to is the FRN - the FCC Registration Number, that is issued to each individual that applies for or is granted a license.

author: LaserSteve
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 09:34:19 pm
content: My apologies, when I signed up they asked if you had a Corporate TIN to create the FRN, otherwise they created one for you if you were not corporate..Sorry,Steve