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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-grace-period-2-years

What is the grace period for renewing an amateur license after it expires?

Two years, but you cannot transmit during it.

  1. Two years ✔
  2. Five years
  3. Ten years

Why: You have two years after expiration to renew without retesting. You may not transmit until the license is actually renewed.

Huh, didn't know that: Once the grace period ends, you must pass at least the Technician exam again to get back on the air.

The dad joke
Why did the expired ham stay quiet? He was on his best behavior during grace.
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Sources

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Element 2), errata Feb 19, 2026 https://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
  2. 47 CFR 97.21 and 97.505 (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-A/section-97.21

Test yourself in the game

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