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Author Topic: Official copy of my license  (Read 594 times)

KC1MDX

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Official copy of my license
« on: July 15, 2020, 04:29:52 PM »

Any suggestions on how to get an official copy of my license?  I only have the reference copy, and would like the official copy.  I can’t figure it out on the fcc website.  Any suggestions would be a great help.  Thanks.
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AA4PB

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2020, 04:44:36 PM »

The "official copy" that I requested and received from the FCC via mail when I renewed my license was printed on a standard printer using standard printer paper - the same as I would print out myself. I don't think they provide any "official looking" license any longer. The only "official copy" is the FCC database.
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Bob  AA4PB
Garrisonville, VA

WA2ONH

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2020, 06:02:59 PM »

From the ARRL web site this info ...

How to Obtain an Official FCC License Copy
The FCC went paperless in February 2015.  In order to streamline procedures and save money, the FCC stopped routinely printing and mailing licenses. 

http://www.arrl.org/obtain-license-copy
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73 de WA2ONH  <dit dit> ... Charlie
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Never be satisfied with what you know, only with what more you can find out."
   Dr David Fairchild 1869-1954 US Scientist

K7AAT

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2020, 06:29:56 PM »

The "official copy" that I requested and received from the FCC via mail when I renewed my license was printed on a standard printer using standard printer paper - the same as I would print out myself. I don't think they provide any "official looking" license any longer. The only "official copy" is the FCC database.

According to the ARRL link to FCC - a requested official license copy, while being printed on plain paper,  will have the FCC watermark 'Official Copy' on it.     K7AAT
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K6LP

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2020, 07:03:51 PM »

Anyone can have an official FCC ham license mailed to their address. It requires logging into your account:
https://www.fcc.gov/how-obtain-official-authorizations-uls
http://w6nbc.com/images/print%20FCC%20licenses.pdf

Also, you can request that the FCC mail all communications and licenses to you. That way, if you upgrade your license the FCC will automatically mail your new license to you. The links explain how to do this.

You can download and print out your license from the FCC, of course. But I think that this site's licenses look a whole lot snazzier than the official licenses:
http://www.ae7q.com/misc/Generate.php

« Last Edit: July 15, 2020, 07:07:06 PM by K6LP »
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KS2G

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2020, 09:44:00 AM »

The "official copy" that I requested and received from the FCC via mail when I renewed my license was printed on a standard printer using standard printer paper - the same as I would print out myself. I don't think they provide any "official looking" license any longer. The only "official copy" is the FCC database.

According to the ARRL link to FCC - a requested official license copy, while being printed on plain paper,  will have the FCC watermark 'Official Copy' on it.     K7AAT

It's not a WATERMARK -- as in some imprinted in the paper.

It's a "watermark" overlay that's part of the PDF image.

There is nothing physically special about an "official copy" mailed by the FCC -- it's printed on plain bond paper -- indistinguishable from what you get when you download the PDF from the ULS and print it yourself.

 ;)
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KC1MDX

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2020, 04:38:00 PM »

When I received my technician and general license by email from the fcc, they were both “official copy” license.  When I received my amateur extra license by email from the fcc, it is a “reference copy” license.  Most likely it is not a big deal as long as it is in the fcc data base.
Thanks for the help, and links, I will give it a try.
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N3ZP

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #7 on: July 17, 2020, 07:42:29 AM »

I needed an official copy of my license recently to get a DMR ID. At first I only was able to get the Reference copy. I can't remember the exact procedure but I was able to get the official copy as a pdf file. The page name for that option wasn't entirely clear but if you continue browsing the website you should be able to get the official copy. Sorry that I can't give you the specific info.

Phil N3ZP
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N8AUC

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Re: Official copy of my license
« Reply #8 on: July 17, 2020, 03:27:53 PM »

I just had to do this to renew my amateur radio license plates.
Ohio BMV won't renew them without a copy of your license.
To print an official copy you have to log in to ULS using your FRN and password.
If you don't have a password assigned to your FRN, do that first.

Here's what you do:
1) Go to www.fcc.gov
2) Select ULS
3) Under "Filing", select "Obtain Official ULS Authorization"
4) Select "Instructions for Downloading Official Authorizations in ULS"
5) Follow the step-by-step directions. Be prepared to enter your FRN and password where requested.

You can download a PDF copy of your official license, and from that, print as many copies as youwant.

The instructions work as shown on the web site. I just did it myself.

73 de N8AUC
Eric
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