Amateur Radio License Expiration Dates

There has been considerable discussion when the expiration date on amateur radio license dates changes.  I asked the ARRL VEC for an answer since they work hand and glove with the FCC licensing process.  The following is their definitive answer:

An FCC issued Amateur Radio license is valid for 10 years.  Any administrative changes and most modifications to a license will not affect the expiration date.  These administrative changes and modifications include:  name, address, phone, email, class (upgrade), and sequential call sign changes.

Again, these types of changes will not alter the expiration date.

Only a new vanity call sign change will affect the license expiration date.  When the requested vanity call sign is issued, the FCC will restart the 10 year license term.  That’s because the current call sign and license is relinquished for a new call sign and license.

Obviously, renewing the license will change the expiration date.  The FCC rules state Amateurs may file for renewal at 90 days or less before the license expiration date or up to two years after expiration.

If any of the changes that do not reset the expiration date happen when the license is in the 90 day renewal window, then the expiration date will change.  The individual will receive a fresh ten-year license term and whatever changes or modifications that were requested on the application.