Getting Your FCC Registration Number (FRN)
Before you can sit for an amateur radio license exam, the FCC requires you to have an FCC Registration Number (FRN). This 10-digit number replaces your Social Security Number on your paperwork to protect your privacy.
You cannot take your exam without an FRN. Please complete these steps before arriving at our testing session. It is completely free to generate the number.
Prefer a visual walkthrough?
🎥 Watch official FCC Video TutorialsStep-by-Step Instructions
1. Create an FCC CORES Account
Go to the official FCC CORES Portal. Under the “Need a Username?” column on the left, click Register. Fill out your name, email, and choose a secure password.
2. Confirm Your Email
Check your email inbox for a verification message from the FCC. You must click the activation link inside that email within 24 hours to unlock your account. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it within a few minutes.
3. Register the FRN
Log back into the CORES portal using your newly verified email and password. On your main account dashboard screen, click the option that says “Register New FRN.”
4. Select “An Individual”
The system will ask if you are registering as an entity or an individual. Select “An Individual” and choose “Yes” when asked if your contact address is within the United States.
5. Complete the Form
Provide your legal name, physical address, and phone number. The system will securely ask for your SSN to verify your unique identity. Submit the form, and your new 10-digit FRN will instantly pop up on the screen.
What to Do Next
- Save it: Take a screenshot, print the page, or write down your 10-digit FRN carefully.
- Bring it to class/testing: Bring this number along with your legal photo ID to the Five County VE Team testing session.
- Keep your password handy: After you pass your exam, you will need to log back into this exact CORES account to pay the FCC’s $35 licensing fee before they will issue your official callsign.