ULS FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions are the questions most commonly asked of our technical support staff. You can also learn more about ULS through the Getting Started tutorials or at FCC Support.

	What is ULS and how does it work?
	What is an FRN?
	What is my ULS/CORES password?
	What form(s) do I need to file?
	What is the status of my license or application?
	Why won't my call sign(s) appear in the pick list when I log in to ULS with my FRN and password?
	Why did I receive an Audit Letter? What do I need to do to respond?
	How do I access ULS Online Filing?
	How do I complete FCC Form 159 Remittance Advice?
	How do I complete FCC Form 601, Form 603, or Form 605?
	What is the difference between an Assignment of Authorization and a Transfer of Control?
	What is the current fee to file an application?
	How do I get a refund for a dismissed application?
	Where do I mail my application?
	Who or what are frequency coordinators and how do I find one?

What is ULS and how does it work?

The Universal Licensing System (ULS) is the consolidated database and application filing system for most Wireless Radio Services (Instructional Television Fixed Service and Multi-Point/Multi-Chanel Distribution Service are processed by the Broadband Licensing System).

ULS supports electronic filing and provides public access to licensing information, weekly Public Notices, FCC rulemakings, processing utilities, a telecommunications glossary, and much more. Below are just a few of the significant benefits ULS offers wireless applicants and licensees:

• Online Edits catch mistakes and incorrect data as they are entered, avoiding long delays that occur when incomplete applications are returned by the Commission.
• Automatic Fee Calculation tabulates the correct fees for your applications and provides a choice of easy payment methods online or through the mail.
• Immediate Receipt Confirmation of Applications ensures that your application is received by the FCC for processing the day you submit it.

Read more on Getting Started with ULS.

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What is an FRN?

The FCC Registration Number (FRN) is the 10-digit number assigned to all entities (individual and corporate) that transact business with the FCC, and it must be provided any time an application is filed in ULS. Here are some important facts about the FRN:

• All ULS and ASR users that have existing licenses and were registered in the ULS TIN Registration database prior to December 3, 2001, were issued an FRN. Search by your call sign in ULS License Search (accessible from the ULS Home). Your FRN will appear on the License Search results page.
• If you do not have an FRN, you must register with the Commission Registration System (CORES).
• Once you have registered in CORES, you must return to ULS and associate any existing call signs you have with your new FRN.

Read more about CORES and the FRN.

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What is my ULS/CORES password?

You need a password, assigned by the CORES registration system, to login to ULS and file applications. Please note:

• If you had a password for ULS or ASR prior to Dec 3, 2001, you may still use it; however, passwords must now be between 6 and 15 characters in length. If your older password contained less than 6 characters, CORES has added one or more asterisk (*) symbols to the end to make it 6 characters long. Similarly, CORES has eliminated all characters following the 15th place in longer passwords.
• If you don't know or have forgotten your password, contact WTB Technical Support on the Web or by telephone at 877-480-3201.
• If you have previously filed an application with the Commission through a third party such as a Volunteer Exam Coordinator (VEC) or Private Land Mobile Frequency Coordinator, you have automatically been assigned an FRN and password. To obtain them, contact WTB Technical Support on the Web or by telephone at 877-480-3201.
• You can change your password at any time by logging into CORES registration.

Read more about passwords in Getting Started in ULS.

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What form(s) do I need to file?

No manual forms are required if you file online with ULS. Read more about Getting Started in ULS.

If you choose to file manually, see Forms & Fees for instructions and information on how to download forms, or request forms by phone, fax on demand, or in writing. The following forms for wireless services are available in ULS or for manual submission:

• FCC 601-Use the 601 to file initial applications as well as most licensing-related requests and notifications.
• FCC 602 (Coming to ULS in September, 2002!)-Use the 602 to provide information regarding license ownership as required by FCC rules.
• FCC 603-Use Form 603 to assign wireless licenses from one party to another, including partitioning or disaggregation, and transfer control of wireless licenses that require FCC approval or notifications.
• FCC 605-Use this short form for applications in the Amateur, Ship, Aircraft, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio services.
• FCC 854-Use Form 854 for Antenna Structure Registration (ASR).

Read more about ASR.

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What is the status of my license or application?

Whether you have filed electronically or manually, you can quickly determine the status of your application through ULS Application Search or the status of your license through ULS License Search. Both search engines can be accessed from the ULS Home.

Note: Applications saved during the current business day will not appear in ULS Application search.

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Why won't my call sign(s) appear in the pick list when I log in to ULS with my FRN and password?

There are several reasons why your call sign(s) may not appear:

• Your Call Sign(s) may not have been associated with your FRN. After you have received your FRN and password, you must associate any existing call signs you have in the database with your FRN. Follow these steps:
  1. Return to ULS Home, and click the CORES/Call Sign button.
  2. On the next screen, select "Update Call Sign/ASR information," and click Continue.
  3. Enter your FRN and password, and click Continue again. The FRN/Call Sign/ASR Registration page will appear.
  4. Click the button at the bottom of the page labeled Enter Call Signs. Enter your call signs in the spaces provided on the next screen. (If you have more than 100 call signs, you must upload them in a separate file. Click on the "?" icon on this screen for more information.) Once you have listed your call signs, choose Submit to associate these call signs with your FRN.
  5. Return to the ULS home page to continue with your online filing. If your call sign still does not appear in your pick list, call 888-225-5322, and select option 2 for help.
• If you have intentionally or accidentally received more than one FRN, your call signs may have been associated with a different FRN than the one you used to login to ULS. Access ULS License Search from the ULS Home and search by call sign. The FRN associated with that call sign will appear on the search results screen. You must use this FRN and its associated password to login to ULS. If the call sign is not associated with the desired FRN, call 888-225-5322, and select option 2.
• If you are attempting to file for a Renewal Only (RO) or Renewal Modification (RM) and your call sign is not yet due for renewal (licenses cannot be renewed earlier than 90 days prior to expiration) or your license has expired, been cancelled, or terminated, the call sign will not appear in the pick list. Access ULS License Search from ULS Home and search by call sign. Follow the link to the license record and verify the status and expiration date of the license. If the renewal term has not yet begun, return to ULS at a later date to file an RO or RM. If your license has expired, been cancelled, or terminated, you must file an application for a New license.

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Why did I receive a License Audit Letter? What do I need to do to respond?

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) is performing license audits to aid in the management of the wireless radio spectrum. License audits promote intensive use of the radio spectrum by increasing the accuracy of the Commission's licensing database. The scope of each audit, schedule, audit letter, and response procedures vary depending on the licenses being audited. The license audit web site lists the spectrum currently being audited and the results of previous audits.

Read more about License Audits.

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How do I access ULS Online Filing?

To file wireless applications online, go to ULS Home, and choose the Online Filing button. First, you may want to review important information about Getting Started in ULS.

For help with browser configuration and other Internet issues, read Getting Connected to ULS.

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How do I pay fees or complete FCC Form 159 Remittance Advice?

Filing online with ULS makes paying for your applications easy. When you complete an application in ULS and choose Submit, you will be given the option of paying online with a credit card. This option provides a simple, secure way of paying required fees and saves you time because no paper Form 159 is required. You may also choose the Pay Fees link found on the ULS homepage or the ULS Batch Filer page within 10 days of submitting your application through ULS to pay online.

Alternately, you may select the Form 159 button from the ULS confirmation screen after submitting an online filing, or from the Pay Fees utility, to print a paper copy of form 159 pre-filled with your information. You may mail this copy with your check to the address specified on the form. All fees must be received by the Commission within 10 days of the date of submitting your application in ULS. Therefore, you must allow sufficient time for receipt and processing if you choose to mail in your payment.

NOTE: Please be sure to sign Form 159.
NOTE: When you access Form 159 online you will be asked for the FRN and password of the payer, the party paying for the application, which may be different than the FRN and password used to file the application.

Read more about application fees.

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How do I complete FCC Form 601, Form 603, or Form 605?

The easiest way to file forms for wireless services is to use ULS. It simplifies application and licensing filing and reduces processing time through secure, worldwide Internet access. From ULS Home, click on the Online Filing button, login with your FRN and password, and proceed through the online application process. Choose the "?" icon on any screen within ULS for more help. Read more about Getting Started in ULS.

All manual FCC forms and instructions are also available online. See Form & Fees for instructions and information on how to download forms, or request forms by phone, fax on demand, or in writing. You can also view completed sample applications, or contact ULS Licensing Support and Forms Information for assistance.

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What is the difference between an Assignment of Authorization and a Transfer of Control?

An Assignment of Authorization (Purpose Code AA) must be requested from the FCC when a license is assigned to another party. An Assignment of Authorization involves a complete transfer of controlling interest in ownership in the license and generally involves the changing of the Licensee name.

A Transfer of Control (Purpose Code TC) must be requested from the FCC when the transfer of controlling interest in the ownership of a licensee entity to another party or parties occurs. A Transfer of Control involves a transfer of controlling interest in ownership but generally does not involve the changing of the Licensee name.

Refer to 47 CFR 1.948 for additional information regarding assignment of authorization or transfer of control.

To complete a Transfer of Control or Assignment of Authorization, select the appropriate filing purpose in ULS, or manually file Form 603.

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What is the current fee to file an application?

The fee to file an application with the WTB of the FCC varies depending on your radio service and the purpose of your application. Some entities are fee-exempt. If you submit an application through ULS, your fees will be automatically calculated for you. See the Application Processing Fees Page for current Fee Filing Guides.

Read more about fees.

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How do I get a refund for a dismissed application?

Requests for a refund of a fee paid to the FCC must be made in writing to the following address:

Federal Communications Commission
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245

Please provide your FRN, the file number of the application, the check number of the payment, and all other information related to the filing. Complete information will help avoid delays in processing the refund request.

Read more about requests for refunds.

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Where do I mail my application?

To locate mailing address information, see the current FCC Fee Filing Guide. For information on all forms, see FCC Forms. Hand delivered and messenger delivered applications must be sent to:

Federal Communications Commission
1120 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325.

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Who or what are frequency coordinators?

Frequency coordinators are private organizations that have been certified by the Commission to recommend the most appropriate frequencies for applicants in the designated Part 90 radio services. Applications for new frequency assignments, changes to existing facilities, or operation at temporary locations must include a showing of frequency coordination.

View lists of frequency coordinators for Public Safety or Industrial/Business licensees.

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Last reviewed/updated on 7/18/2003.