DC{at}> Hi Daryl,

Hi, Dustin...

 DC{at}> Can you explain what you mean by character issue with regard to FCC
 DC{at}> licensing? What's the unpaid gov debt? If you owe, say taxes to the
 DC{at}> irs, you can't get a ham license?

  The character issue would be if you have a criminal record...such as 
felony crimes. I know of a ham radio operator who lost his license because
of an incestuous relationship with his 2 daughters. Another local ham was
caught in a "sex sting operation" at a local park. In telling another ham
of these incidents, he lamented "we sure are some sick puppies". :(

  The character issue is also if you have major or repeated violations of
FCC rules...or even if you tried to obtain an amateur radio license by
fraudulent means.

  Now, in getting a license, you MUST provide a photo ID at the exam 
session...or 2 forms of non-photo ID. You also MUST provide a Social 
Security Number (SSN) to the FCC. It is PROTECTED by the Privacy Act of 
1974...and REQUIRED by the Debt Collection Act of 1996. 

  At a license exam session, while you have to provide either your Social 
Security Number, or your Federal Registration Number (the latter obtained 
once you are licensed, or you can get one by going to the FCC website 
before the exam session, and supplying your Social Security Number)...the 
Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team (that gives the tests) does NOT keep that 
data. It is sent off to the appropriate Volunteer Examiner Coordinator 
(VEC) for processing to the FCC.

  If you don't provide either valid ID, or either a SSN or FRN, you won't
be allowed to take the license examination.

  In regard to the Debt Collection act, if you have an outstanding federal
debt...such as a student loan (I'm not sure if owing taxes to the IRS
would also qualify)...you MUST set up a repayment plan of some sort with
the government, or the FCC would not process your ham radio license 
application.

  While those who pass a ham radio license examination in front of a VE
Team get a Certificate Of Successful Completion Of Examination (CSCE), that
CSCE is good ONLY for 365 calendar days from initial issuance. If you do
not yet have a callsign, it gives NO AUTHORITY to get on the air. But, if
one is already licensed with a callsign, they can use the upgraded license
privileges immediately, with special identifiers after their callsign.

  If you have a "character issue", or an outstanding government debt, the
FCC can basically "ignore" the CSCE...as if it was never issued.

Daryl, WX1DER

... Ham Radio Messages And Replies Will Be Sent In Morse Code.
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