1) Start by getting an FCC FRN. FRN stands for FCC Registration Number. This is how the FCC tracks licensing for each license type.
All FCC licensing is tied back to this number. Prior to 2001 all licenses were done independently by each FCC radio service and this was the government's way to simplify licensing. You must do this *FIRST* before obtaining *ANY* FCC license.
Start by navigating to this link: Click here for instructions on how to obtain the FRN
2) We strongly encourage all those seeking an Amateur Radio license to also obtain a General Mobile Radio Service License (GMRS). This license is good for 10 years, the cost is $35 for that time period, and it is good for the whole family.
This is particularly good for folks that want to be able to use a radio for short distances and have no interest other than that. It's great for when you go camping or other outdoor activities. Many CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) members will have their GMRS license. We recommend getting this because it will get you on the air right away without testing and will give you a bit of radio experience before you take your first Amateur Radio test, the Technician exam.
To obtain your GMRS license, first log into the CORES FCC website using your FRN and the password associated with the FRN.
ULS FCC CORES license manager website
After you log in you will see a list of licenses. New users will not have any licenses. To obtain a new license, click on the sidebar menu top left and click "Apply for a New License"
It will bring you to this screen. Click on the select service drop and and scroll down to "ZA - General Radio Mobile Service" and select that.
The FCC wants to know if you are exempt from any fees. US citizens typically answer NO to all three questions.
Felons aren't allowed to have licenses, for whatever reason. If you answer YES here you will be denied a license.
Review your application, then go onto paying the fee.
After you've reviewed the application, you'll be asked to affirm that it is all true. Entering your name at the bottom is equivalent to your legal signature.
Follow the rest of the prompts. You will be asked to pay for the license with a credit card. Fill in that information and the next business day of the FCC you should receive your license information.
3) The process for getting your Amateur Radio license is a bit different. Because there is a test involved, once the test examiner forwards your information to the FCC, they will process your application on the next business day and recognize your passing grade for a new license.
You'll basically watch your e-mail and once you get a that e-mail from the FCC, it will include a link to pay for license. Follow that information and then they will e-mail your information with your new Amateur Radio callsign.
To prepare for your Tech license, we recommend just brute force memorization. You'll pass the test using this method. The interesting thing is that the FCC *GIVES* you the questions on the test and pull the questions out of a pool of questions. 24/35 on the exam is passing (that's 75%) and there are only 300 questions in the pool. Many questions are the same fact asked in a different way, so it's only about 100 facts you need to really memorize in this pool. You'll be basically learning the laws regarding amateur radio use. You can find free practice tests for the Technician License at https://hamstudy.org/tech2022 When you are scoring 90% on the practice tests you are ready for the real exam. You're allowed to take the Tech and General together and you can use this website to prepare for the General as well. This exam we suggest actually studying for instead of brute force memorization, as there are concepts here that you will actually need to understand.
You can always see if your license has been issued by doing an advanced search keyed off of your FRN and license type (GMRS or Amateur).
License Search Link: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp
If brute force memorization is not your learning style, I'd suggest these resources:
ARRL is a good place to start. They have some resources online for local classes.
If you are a book learner, then check out the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 5th Edition