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Effective immediately QRZ will no longer accept License Renewal applications or Modification Requests on behalf of W5YI-VEC.
April 18, 2022
QRZ ends VEC Licensing Service
Recent changes at the FCC have required that all VEC's throughout the USA modify their policies and procedures to comply with the new FCC rules and especially licensing fees. These fees have necessitated changes in the process that are beyond QRZ's control. Under the new system, two payments are required, one to the VEC and one to the FCC, in completely separate transactions. QRZ believes that this procedure will be rife with user confusion as well as a fair amount of resentment over the cost. Therefore, we have decided to step away from providing the service.
Everyone should be aware that VEC services, apart from initial license testing, are provided as a concierge or convenience service. This is because once licensed, all interaction with the FCC can be done by the licensees themselves at the FCC site. This includes renewals, address changes, and name changes, i.e. the vast majority of VEC activities. There really is a lot that you can accomplish on your own at the FCC website and we encourage everyone to go there and get signed up for a login account.
The purpose of the VEC concierge services was to streamline the process for those who may have difficulty in navigating the FCC's somewhat complex website. Fortunately, things have improved a bit over the years and now nearly anyone can successfully self-serve at the FCC website. In many cases, this is faster than using a VEC, and there is no fee for routine updates. Only the 10-year license itself exacts a fee at the FCC for amateurs. You can even get them to send you a paper copy of your license if you find and check the right box.
The W5YI-VEC will continue to provide services to amateurs who prefer to use them. QRZ will provide a link to the W5YI-VEC licensing page, however, transactions for license services will no longer be processed by QRZ. All transactions will now process directly through W5YI-VEC.
QRZ wishes to thank Larry Pollock, NB5X, President of W5YI-VEC for his service and guidance to the QRZ community for all these years. QRZ will continue to offer W5YI books, license guides, and printed materials for the foreseeable future.
73 -fred AA7BQ