Vanity Application Refunds

Good afternoon,

If your vanity application is dismissed and you file a replacement, you can request a refund on the dismissed application.  Instructions are below:

Refund Request Instructions

Requests for refund of a fee paid to the FCC must be made in writing.

Prior to submitting the refund request, please ensure that your information is up to date in the Commissions Registration System (CORES):

• Go to the FCC Commission's Registration System (CORES) at https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do ; you will need to log in with your FRN and password.
   
  NOTE: If you do not know the password, click on the Forgot Password link located under the Update button, and then follow the prompts for resetting the password.
   

• Click the Update button.
   

• Enter your FRN and Password and click the Continue button.
   

• Update the registration information and click the Submit button.

NOTE: If the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) needs to be updated, you will need to send a completed Form 161 to FCC Licensing Support. Please attach Form 161 to an online help request form at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/available-support-services

To request a refund please include the following information noted in the checklist below: 

• Applicant Name

• Payor FCC Registration Number (FRN)

• Application File Number

• Check Number (if applicable)

• Radio Service

• Call Sign (if applicable)

• Date Application was filed

• Amount of Refund being requested*

• Copy of dismissal letter (if applicable)

• Detailed Reason for the Refund request

• Email Address (for credit card payment receipts)

Credit Card Payments

If the application was paid for by credit card, and less than 18 months from the original payment, refunds will be deposited back to the credit card that was used.  Please provide a valid email address and a receipt of the refund transaction will be emailed to you.

Refund Checks or Refund Requests Over $1500.00

Refund checks are no longer issued and the FCC now requires an ACH form be completed for direct deposit on payments made via bank draft or for refunds over $1500.00.  If you require an ACH form, please note that in your refund request and one will be emailed to you with instructions on competing the Form.

You can submit a refund using one of the following two methods:

1. Submit your request online at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/available-support-services. Click on "Submit a help request" and complete the form and attach any documentation.

2. Mail a written request to :
   Federal Communications Commission
   1270 Fairfield Road
   Gettysburg, PA 17325-724

Please Note: Due to COVID-19, requests for refund that are received by mail may have a delayed processing time.

Refunds are reviewed by the Commission on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Rule Sections 1.1113 and 1.1160. We cannot predict the amount of the refund, nor if the refund will be issued. Although Application Fees may not be refunded, it is within a licensee's rights to request a refund.

If you have any further questions or need additional information, please submit a help request at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/available-support-services or call the FCC Licensing Support Center at (877) 480-3201.

Sincerely,

FCC Licensing Support Center
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST, M - F