The FCC will email you once your application is approved. Be sure to check your junk or spam folder regularly to avoid missing important communications.
Upon receipt, you will be able to print your license off through their website. The FCC processes applications in batches; you can view your license in your account the day it was approved or the day after.
Here is an example of their approval email:
Upon successful approval of the applicant's license with the FCC, applicants will receive an email from the FCC. The applicant will have 10 days to pay the FCC an issuance fee ($35 for most applications) to finalize their license, as instructed in the FCC’s email.
Per Public Notice DA 15-72, the FCC no longer mails official licenses. You must print a copy yourself:
If you provided an email address on your application, you will receive a link to print your official license once it is granted
Check your junk or spam folder in case the email is filtered incorrectly
You can also log into the Universal Licensing System (ULS) to download and print your license
A person who has applied for a commercial operator license with the FCC, and who holds a Proof of Passing Certificate(s) indicating that he or she passed the requisite examination(s) within the previous 365 days, is authorized to exercise the rights and privileges of the applied-for operator license during the period before the FCC acts on the application, but only for 90 days from the date the application was filed, provided that the applicant has not had a commercial radio operator license revoked or suspended in the past, and is not the subject of an ongoing suspension proceeding.
Use the FCC Form 605 and the FCC Form 159 (fee processing form) to renew your license or to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated license.
All commercial radio operator licenses issued on or after May 20, 2013, are valid for the lifetime of the holder, and do not need to be renewed. For licenses issued before that date, see Terms of Licenses to ascertain if your license needs to be renewed.
If you change your name, you must apply for a replacement license in your new legal name. Be sure to indicate the reason for your application and give both your former and new legal names.
If you are employed at a station where your operator's license must be posted, you may post either your proof of passing certificate or a signed copy of your renewal application instead of your license while your application for license renewal is being processed.
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