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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/ham-grace-period-2-years

What is the grace period for renewing an amateur license after it expires?

Two years, but you cannot transmit during it.

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  1. Two years ✔
  2. Five years
  3. Ten years

Why: You have two years after expiration to renew without retesting. You may not transmit until the license is actually renewed.

Huh, didn't know that: Once the grace period ends, you must pass at least the Technician exam again to get back on the air.

The dad joke
Why did the expired ham stay quiet? He was on his best behavior during grace.
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References

Answer: Two years. You have two years after expiration to renew without retesting. You may not transmit until the license is actually renewed.

  1. 47 CFR 97.21 Application for a renewed license grant www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-A/section-97.21
    may apply to the FCC for renewal of the license grant for another term during a 2 year filing grace period.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. 47 CFR 97.21 No privileges before renewal www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-A/section-97.21
    Unless and until the license grant is renewed, no privileges in this part are conferred.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. 47 CFR 97.505 Element credit after the grace period www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-F/section-97.505
    Expired and beyond the renewal grace period
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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