To obtain an amateur radio license from the FCC, you’ll first need an FCC Registration Number (FRN). This requires creating an online account in the FCC’s COmmission REgistration System (CORES). These steps will guide you through getting your FRN before you take your Technician license exam.

The FCC has published a video tutorial describing the procedure.

Part 1:  Establish FCC Username account

1. Go to https://apps.fcc.gov/cores and click on REGISTER in the Need a Username? box.
2. Fill in the requested information:
   • Username (your email address)
   • Password (12-15 characters)
   • Name
   • Secondary email address (optional)
   • Phone number
   • Security question and answer
3. Click on Create Account.  Watch your email for a message with the subject FCC Account Request Verification and click on the link in the message to validate your new account.

Part 2: Register for new FRN

1. Go to https://apps.fcc.gov/cores and fill in your username and password in the Username Login box and click LOG IN.
2. Click on Register new FRN.
   • Check boxes to indicate an individual with a contact address in the US, then click CONTINUE.
   • Check box to proceed with a CORES FRN Registration and click CONTINUE.
   • Fill in the requested information (including SSN) and click SUBMIT.
3. If successful, you will get this message: “Thank you for registering with the FCC. As of today, Feb XX 2019 XX:XXPM, you have been assigned the following FCC Registration Number (FRN): 0XXXXXXXXX. Please print this page for your records. ”