Hi!
When this announcement came out last fall, I logged into the FCC's ULS system and set my preferences to send a paper copy of my licenses. When I renewed my amateur license in March, I had a paper copy in my PO box about a week after I did the renewal online. It had "Official Copy" printed across it, front and back, and was printed on what appears to be normal white copier/printer paper.
I just logged into the ULS system this morning, and downloaded a PDF file with all of my FCC licenses/permits - my amateur license, a GMRS license, and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. These also had "Official Copy" across each page in the 5- page PDF file - two pages each for the amateur license and RROP, and one page for the GMRS license. This is different than the PDF file I downloaded from the ULS system after I logged out. Anyone can download a "Reference Copy" PDF of an FCC license, which has "Reference Copy" printed across each page of the PDF.
I may go back and change my preference to skip the paper copy of my FCC licenses being mailed to me. For now, I'll leave it as is. Even though we are not required to carry a paper copy of our amateur licenses when operating in the US, I prefer to have the wallet- card version on me for those occasions where I might be asked for it.
73!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK http://www.wd9ewk.net/ Twitter: @WD9EWK
On Thu, Jul 7, 2016 at 2:50 PM, Paul Stoetzer n8hm@arrl.net wrote:
The FCC no longer routinely issues paper license documents to amateur radio operators.
You can request one by following the procedures laid out here: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/VEs/Obtain%20License%20Copy%202015.pdf
73,
Paul, N8HM