ShipLicense.com

Q: I requested a MMSI (Maritime Mobile Ship Identity number but I don't find it on my license?

A: It probably is there as we automatically request that number. The problem likely is that in "FCC-Speak" the MMSI is called "Ship Station Identity". It is a 9 digit number begining with 366 or 367.

Q: I already have a MMSI issued by Boat U.S. or Sea Tow. Will my number change?

A: Yes. That number is ONLY for use on vessels NOT licensed by the FCC. If that number has been programmed into your radio, it will have to be changed. On some older radios, that can only be done by a service facility or the factory. Others may limit the number of times that number may be programmed or changes (usually 3) before it needs to be returned to the factory to be reset. Please consult your operator's manual or the radio manufacturer.

Q: Why do I need to pay you to file my license? Can't I do it myself?

A: Yes you can. The easiest way is on-line at www.fcc.gov . That's where we do it. But navigating the FCC website can be difficult, confusing and frustrating - after all - it IS the government. If you make a mistake it IS possible to pay your fees but not be granted a license. Most mistakes don't result in that, but it is possible.

Q: Is there anyway you can expedite my license?

A: Sorry, we're dealing with the federal government here. They only know 2 speeds - slow and slower. Actually, the process is pretty fast. Once you receive the link to your licenses from us, you can begin using your ship call-sign. Normally, about 2 - 3 business days.

Q: It has been 3 days and I haven't received the information from you?

A: We're pretty diligent about getting it out to you. Maybe your email program bolcked it as spam? Send us an email from the contact page and will let you know. The other thing is it could be stuck in Red Light Review, where they check to see if you owe the government any taxes or fees, including child support. If you do, then they will not issue a license until those are paid. On rare occasions, we have seen applications get caught in Red Light Review Hell for 2 or 3 days and when we do, we call the FCC to see what the problem is.

Q: I thought your form said the fee was $125? I just got my credit card statement and there is a charge on it from HF Radio on Board for $125 and another charge from the FCC.

A: Our fee for filing your FCC license is $125. The FCC fees are in addition to our fee.

Q: My vessel is not registered in the US. Can you obtain a license for it?

A: Sorry, at this time we cannot process licenses for vessels not registered in the US.

Q: Do you process any other FCC radio licenses?

A: No, we only process ship radio and aircraft radio licenses and restricted radio telephone operator permits. We do not process any land based licenses including marine coast stations.

Q: The form asks for my Social Security Number. I'd rather not give that out.

A: The FCC needs that to issue a FRN (Federal Registration Number). If you would prefer, go to the FRN Registration   page of the FCC Website and obtain that your- self, then just enter the number and password in the proper location on our form.

Q: I forgot my FRN Password. What do I do?

A: Go to the FCC Website and follow the instructions there.

Q: Can I create my own password?

A: Yes you can. Simply enter a 6 to 15 character case-sensitive password of your desire in the Password field of our form using ONLY the letters A - Z and the numbers 1-9 (0 - Zero is not recommended). If you don't indicate a password, we will create one for you, using the name of your boat in lower case letters. If the name is less then 6 characters, we will use it twice in a row without spaces. No punctuation marks are allowed.

Q: The form asks for my documentation or registration number and I don't have that yet. Can I still obtain a license?

A: Yes you can. A documentation or registration number is not necessary to obtain a license. Other information such as emergency contacts and EPIRB registration number is also optional, but we think it is a good idea if you can provide it.

Q: I am not a citizen of the US. Can I still obtain a ship license and an operators permit?

A: Yes. Because the vessel is "flagged" in the US, the ship radio station can ONLY be licensed by the FCC. You can obtain a FCC operators license even if you are not a US citizen.

Q: I have an amateur (HAM) radio license. Do I still need a ship station license and an operators permit?

A: Yes. That license is for the Amateur Radio Service and these licenses are for the MARITIME RADIO SERVICE. Totally different in the eyes of the FCC and one has absolutely no bearing on the other.

Q: Do I need to pass a test or get my HAM license to operate a marine radio?

A: Nope. All you need to do is fill out a form (or have us do it for you) and pay the FCC some money.

Q: How long are my licenses valid?

A: The Ship Station License is valid for 10 years. The Operators Permit is good for life. Some people might already have that license if they worked as a dispatcher for a public safety agency, utility company or similar job, flew small aircraft or worked as a Disk Jockey - that is why it is sometimes referred to as a "DJ License". If you can't find it, then the easiest thing to do is apply for a new one.

Q: I found the license the former owner of my boat had and it hasn't expired. Can I use that license?

A: Sorry, no. When the vessel ownership changes, the license is no longer valid.

Q: I have a license from my old boat. Can I use that?

A: Again, nope. That was for your old boat and when you sold that, that license is no longer valid. Even if you haven't sold it, that license is for THAT boat.

Q: My license is expired. Can I get my old call sign back?

A: Sorry, you cannot.

Q: My license is about to expire. How do I renew it?

A: Renewal is essentially the same process as the initial application. If we processed your license originally, we will process the renewal of your license for $100. We will need your FRN and password as we do not keep those on file.

Click here to download our FCC License information form.