FCC Fees For Ham Licenses Go Into Effect

From the ARRL: https://www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee

The new Amateur Radio license application fees mandated by the recent congressional actions will take effect at midnight (Eastern) on April 19, 2022. The Federal Communications Commission’s authority to impose and collect fees is mandated by Congress. 

The $35 application fee, when it becomes effective on April 19, will apply to new, renewal, and vanity call sign applications. The fee will be per application.

Most License Modifications (such as license class upgrades) and Administrative updates, such as a change of name, mailing or email address, will be exempt from fees.

The process for new amateur radio exams:

When the FCC receives the examination information from the VEC and assigns a file number to the application, it will email a link with payment instructions to each successful candidate who then will have 10 calendar days from the date of the email to pay. The applicant must log into the FCC CORES system and pay the required application fee with a Credit Card (the only payment method accepted). After the fee is paid and the FCC has processed the application, examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with a link to their official license. The link will be good for 30 days.

If the fee is not paid (or not paid within 10 calendar days), then the FCC will dismiss the application without prejudice (which means the applicant can reapply). CSCE credit is good for 365 days, so no-retest would be necessary, but there would be some process (currently TBD) to reapply and start another 10 day payment period.

Notably, for vanity call applications:

Additionally, the FCC stated that applications processed and dismissed will not be entitled to a refund. This includes vanity requests where the applicant does not receive the requested call sign.

More info: https://www.fcc.gov/document/effective-date-wireless-application-fee-rates