DC@> Hi Daryl,   
      
   Hi, Dustin...   
      
    DC@> Can you explain what you mean by character issue with regard to FCC   
    DC@> licensing? What's the unpaid gov debt? If you owe, say taxes to the   
    DC@> 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   
      
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