ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Who may select a desired call sign under the vanity call sign rules?

1. Only advanced class amateurs

2. Only new licensees

3. Only licensed amateurs

4. All individuals over the age of 18

The correct answer is: Only licensed amateurs

The ability to select a desired call sign under the vanity call sign rules is granted to any individual who holds a valid amateur radio license. This means that as long as a person is a licensed amateur operator, they can apply for and select a vanity call sign, regardless of their license class. This flexibility encourages engagement among all licensed operators, not just those who hold advanced class licenses or have recently obtained their licenses. The vanity call sign program was created to allow amateur radio operators to personalize their call signs, which can be a source of pride and identity in the amateur community. Other choices imply restrictions that do not align with the regulations established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding vanity call signs. For instance, stating that only advanced class or new licensees can select vanity call signs would exclude a significant segment of the amateur radio population who are licensed at different levels. Thus, the most accurate representation of who may select a desired vanity call sign is that it includes all licensed amateurs.