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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-license-term-10-years

What is the normal term of an FCC amateur radio license?

Ten years, then you renew.

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

Why: An amateur license is normally granted for 10 years. You can renew it again and again without retesting.

Huh, didn't know that: Your license must show an email address where the FCC can reach you, or it can be revoked or suspended.

The dad joke
My ham license lasts ten years. My goldfish should be so lucky.
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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 97.25 License term (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-A/section-97.25
  3. 47 CFR 97.23 Mailing and email addresses (eCFR) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-A/section-97.23

Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.