Rick, NØCFL suggests that prospective Hams (those who plan on testing for an Amateur Radio license) log on to the FCC website and get an FRN number.  He assures us that this will speed up the issuance of the license once they have passed the exam.

Electronic Registration: If not already registered in CORES, go to the FCC Amateur Radio Web site and choose REGISTER “CORES/Call Sign”. Either choose REGISTER NOW if you are not sure you are already registered or, if you are already registered, choose UPDATE REGISTRATION INFORMATION. Questions can be directed to the CORES Help Desk at 1-877-480-3201. Complete your registration information (ignore the contact person, and SGIN references). If you are not a US citizen, follow the prompts. When the system confirms that you are registered, and the page goes on to read “To continue on to another FCC Filing system, select: AUCTIONS, BLS, CDBS, CSRS, ETFS, IBFS, or ULS, be sure to link your call sign to your registration by choosing “ULS”; then choose “Proceed to Call Sign/ASR Number Registration”, then re-enter the FRN number the FCC assigned to you and enter your password (for password help contact FCC Tech Support weekdays at 202-414-1250 or at [email protected]). Lastly, choose “ENTER CALL SIGNS” and enter your amateur call sign in the first block of the 100 spaces-then click on “Submit”, and you are now finished with your CORES Registration. Then choose “HOME”. You may update your registration (e.g., change address, passwords, or call sign) in a similar fashion.

One big advantage to on-line registration is that the ULS application system checks for errors before you submit your data. This advantage is not available to manual filers. If you file electronically with ULS, you will be required to use your CORES password. CORES passwords will be the same as current ULS passwords. If you chose to log in with your TIN, the FCC will tell you your FRN. It should be used in all transactions with the FCC. If you don’t have an FRN, you will be prompted to obtain one first before the FCC will accept your application.

This will be posted on the XTRAS BUY/SELL page as well