On April 27, 2021, ARRL News reported:

Auto-registration in the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) amateur radio exam for candidates using a Social Security number will be discontinued on May 20, 2021. Applicants must use an FCC Registration Number (FRN) for all license transactions with the FCC. Examinees must register in CORES and receive an FRN before exam day. Starting on May 20, electronic batch filed applications that do not include a candidate’s FRN will be rejected. The Social Security/Licensee ID Field will be disabled.

An instructional video provides step-by-step instructions on how to establish a CORES account, which is necessary for licensees to make administrative updates and download electronic license authorizations.

After June 29, all filers must provide an email address on all applications. When an email is provided, applicants will receive an official electronic copy of their licenses once granted (allow incoming email from authorizations@fcc.gov). If no email is provided when filing on or after June 29, applications will be rejected. ARRL VEC suggests that those without access to email to use the email address of a family member or friend.

Licensees need to log in to the Universal Licensing System (ULS) to download their authorizations. The FCC no longer issues paper copies. ¹

“The Federal Communications Commission will be changing the way new amateur radio applicants register for a FCC Registration Number (FRN)”¹—the identification number needed by those who are “doing business” with the Commission (e.g. applying for a radio operator license, paying fees).

The FCC have released a short HOWTO video demonstrating the registration procedure. Please note that e-mail address verification is required when creating an FCC User Profile; applicants will need access to their e-mail account during profile creation.

Other video tutorials for the Updated CORES system have been published on the FCC Commission Registration System (CORES) Video Tutorials page.