TL;DR – The FCC now obliges every amateur‑radio licensee to update the email / mailing address stored in the FCC Registration Number (FRN) within ten business days of any change. Missing the deadline can trigger suspension or revocation under existing rules.
Why this matters
| What | Who’s affected | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Rule change – FRN contact info must be current within 10 business days of a change. | All FCC licensees (including hams) because an FRN is needed for any FCC filing. | Log in to CORES and edit your email/postal address promptly after any change. |
| Separate records – The FRN record is different from the License Manager System record. | Same as above. | Keep both records (FRN + License Manager) up‑to‑date. |
| Penalty – Existing rules (97.21 / 97.23) still allow suspension or revocation if FCC correspondence bounces. | All licensees. | Updating the FRN on time helps you avoid missed mail and possible enforcement. |
Quick‑Start checklist
- Check your FRN – Go to the FCC’s CORES portal: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do.
- Verify contact info – Ensure email and mailing address are current.
- Update if needed – Make any changes within ten business days of the change.
- Confirm the License Manager record – Log in to the License Manager System (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp) and verify those details are also current.
- Set a reminder – Add a calendar note to review your FRN after moving, changing jobs, or updating your email.
What if nothing changes?
If your FRN contact information is already up‑to‑date and you don’t plan any changes, you can skip any immediate action. Just remember the 10‑day rule for any future updates.
Bottom line
The FCC’s new 10‑day deadline makes keeping your FRN contact information non‑optional. Staying on top of this simple admin task keeps your amateur‑radio license in good standing and avoids unnecessary hassles.
For more details, see the ARRL news release “FCC Requires That FRN Contact Information Be Updated Within Ten Days of a Change.”
