Oops... Let my ham ticket lapse, and now I cannot apply for a GMRS license. How to proceed?

[Horseflesh]

This looked like the best subforum for this question, sorry if I missed a better choice. Everything that is happening here is my fault and I will happily endure your scolding if it comes with some ideas for how to dig myself out of this hole.

I am terrible at managing long-term to-dos, like "fill out this form once every decade." So in 2017, my Technician ham license expired and I missed it. I wasn't using radio at all at that time and before I knew it, it was 2020 and I was past the 2 year grace period. I just let it go since I was still not going to restart ham stuff.

Now in 2024, I wanted to get a couple of GMRS radios for the family, so I looked into that process. I got my FCC account up to date... I recovered my FRN password, made a CORES account, and tied them together. But when I tried to apply for a GMRS license, I found that it was not allowed with an expired ham license in my name!

I followed the suggested path in the Universal License System, and simply applied to renew my long-dead ham ticket. I asked for a waiver, attached the waiver letter, and paid them $70. But the ULS makes it clear that they don't often grant waivers and "I forgot" is not a great story. I probably just wasted $70 and will still be blocked from applying for a GMRS license. Or, I guess, even a new ham license?!

If I am hosed we can still get GMRS for the family in my wife's name ... but I would sure like to fix my account if possible.

If anyone knows how to navigate this situation, I could use some advice!

 

[AK9R]

Have you tried ignoring your previous CORES account and applying for a GMRS license by starting at the beginning?

 

[steve9570]

Your lapsed Ham Lic should have nothing to do with getting your GMRS.
Start from the beginning it should work.

 

[Horseflesh]

Your lapsed Ham Lic should have nothing to do with getting your GMRS.
Start from the beginning it should work.

The ULS said point blank that I was blocked until the expired amateur license issue was resolved. I didn't think to get screen shots unfortunately.

But, I tried starting over, and ... It was fine. It took 3 minutes. It's done.

Somehow, before, I ended up on a different path and I swear the messaging was very clear and there was no way forward. I surely misunderstood something, but it was very convincing!

Like they say, the web site is the test.

Have you tried ignoring your previous CORES account and applying for a GMRS license by starting at the beginning?

Fortunately, it is moot now.

Thanks for the encouragement to just try it again.

Too bad I probably wasted $70 on a futile appeal to get my ham ticket back. That would buy like 70 cheap GMRS radios.

 

[AK9R]

Since the FCC administrative fee for an amateur radio license renewal is only $35, I'm not sure where your $70 went.

 

[Horseflesh]

If you file a waiver, it's an extra $35.

 

[farmerjack_09]

How long has your license been expired?

 

[Horseflesh]

Since 2017! Yes, I suck, I know. I do not expect them to make an exception for me and if I want a ham license back I am resigned to testing again.

 

[farmerjack_09]

Since 2017! Yes, I suck, I know. I do not expect them to make an exception for me and if I want a ham license back I am resigned to testing again.

Your good... retake it and show them!

 

[Horseflesh]

I might. I just got back from a camping weekend and had fun with the GMRS radios. Even my wife appreciated them, and we also had some fun using their modest scanner capabilities. This was the first time I had used any kind of radio in many years. I guess I missed it.

I am not sure I really need a ham license again since all I ever did with it was stuff you can do with GMRS, but I feel bad for having let it lapse. Maybe my wife would be interested in taking the test too. Stranger things have happened.