What is a Vanity Callsign?
A "vanity" call sign is like a "vanity" automobile license plate. It is an Amateur call sign that, subject to availability, is personalized to the radio amateur´s wishes. You must meet certain license class criteria in selecting your call sign and list the exact prefix, numeral and suffix for each selected call sign. On your FCC form, you may list several call signs of the appropriate format and the first available one on your list will be assigned to you. Some call sign formats (1-by-2 and 2-by-1) are in short supply. Right now (September 2006), the F.C.C. Filing Fee is $20.80
How can I find available Callsign's?
A good place to check is Radioqth.net Web site They maintain a complete list of available callsign's and callsign's which are not yet available, but are in the two year expiration grace period.
May I renew or change my name or address at the same time I apply for a Vanity call sign?
No! You must hold an un expired amateur operator/station license of the proper operator class to request a Vanity call sign for your station. Your name and mailing address as shown on your current licensing information in the FCC database must be correct. If your license has expired, or if your name or address has changed, you must first modify your station license so that it shows the correct information in the FCC database before you apply for a Vanity call sign.
How do I obtain the callsign of a deceased relative?
When the holder dies, a callsign is immediately assignable to a "close relative" once it is no longer in the database. You do not have to wait two years before you apply for the call sign. The FCC defines a close relative of a deceased amateur as a spouse, child, grandchild, stepchild, parent, grandparent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or in-law. You must indicate your relationship to the deceased person on the Vanity call sign application. But there is an important catch! You must hold a call sign in a Group equal to - or higher than - the deceased. That is, you must be an Amateur Extra Class operator if the deceased held a Group A call sign. It follows that you must be an Amateur Extra or Advanced Class operator to request a Group B (2-by-2 format) call sign. You must be an Amateur Extra, Advanced, General, Technician Plus, or Technician Class operator to request a Group C (1-by-3 format) call sign . A licensee of any license class may request a Group D (2-by-3 format) call sign. If the deceased Amateur´s call sign is still listed in the licensee database, it must be removed prior to Vanity call sign application. This is accomplished by submitting a signed letter requesting license cancellation accompanied by a copy of the death certificate or an obituary from a newspaper that shows the date of death. Send to: FCC Amateur Section, 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245 prior to filing the application for a vanity call sign.
May I request any Callsign?
Technician, Tech Plus and General Class operators may only apply for a "Group C or D" (1-by-3 or a 2-by-3) call sign format. A Group C call sign has 1 prefix letter followed by any numeral 0 (zero) through 9 and any three available suffix letters. (for example: K1AAA). A Group C prefix must have a K, N or W prefix -- but not the letter "A".. Group C call signs beginning with W or K seem to be the most popular. Advanced Class operators may only apply for a "Group B, C or D" (2-by-2, 1-by-3 or a 2-by-3) call sign format. A Group B call sign has 2 prefix letters followed by any numeral 0 (zero) through 9 and any two available suffix letters. The prefix must be from the KA to KZ, NA to NZ or the WA to WZ prefix blocks -- but not the AA-AK prefix block which are Group A format call signs. Information above provided by the W5YI Group, W5YI Web site