I passed Amateur Extra in May 2024 and immediately went after a vanity callsign. I settled on a 2×2 instead of holding out for a 1×2 or 2×1.
Researching Available Call Signs
Feel the Pain
Your call sign is your identity. Even after only two years with my original call, changing it was a surprisingly big hassle. A lot of this is not well documented, so here’s the complete checklist.
The FCC issues the new call on day 19 (usually in the middle of the night). You’ll get the official email then.
Hold Your Horses!
Wait a few days before you start updating everything. Many services pull the FCC database in batches and won’t recognize your new call immediately.
Where You Must Make Changes
Radios
- Reprogram all memories that reference your old callsign (usually digital memories)
- D-STAR: 8-character limit → for a 2×2 use two spaces (example:
KQ4JP^^B)
- DMR, YSF, etc. – update ID and call in codeplugs
Automatic Updaters (these usually change themselves)
- ARRL – updates a couple of days after appearing in the FCC DB
- QRZ – automatic; old log preserved, new log created, awards stay
- eQSL – callsign updates automatically, but you must upload a new QSL card image
Digital Voice Services (manual action required)
- D-STAR – re-register at https://regist.dstargateway.org/Dstar.do (old registration will be deleted)
- DMR / RadioID.net – open a support ticket at radioid.net/support (usually fixed same day)
- BrandMeister – follow their call-sign change KB article (requires new account; old one deleted)
- TGIF – log in → Self Care → Edit Profile → “Callsign Change” button at bottom
- Pi-Star / Personal Hotspots – update call sign in configuration and reboot
Club & Membership Updates
- Local club rosters –> contact membership secretary
- Groups.IO reflectors –> update Groups.io profile
- State ARES / AUXCOMM rosters
- GMRS club memberships (if any)
Software & Logging
- JS8Call
- VarAC
- Winlink – official call-sign change instructions
- WSJT-X – consider archiving old ADIF first
- VARA license – email the developer
- Primary logging program / station log
- APRS (aprs.fi profile)
- POTA – add new call to your account (old callsign logs are retained)
- SOTA – log in at sotawatch.sota.org.uk and update profile
SWAG & Printed Items
- New name badges
- New shirts, hats, patches
- Update QSL cards (design & order)
Yes… it’s a long list. But once it’s done, you’ll love your new call!