After applying for multiple different 1×2 and 2×1 vanity call signs, I finally decided to apply for one that I knew I could actually get. I had quite a few others “picked out”, but one of them stood out from the others, so I decided to file the single application for it. On April 12th, I filed for KØAGM and on May 2, 2017, it was assigned to me.
I got the domain name and bought some eyeball QSO cards before it was even granted. This posted was actually written on April 18th, but not published until everything was final.
There may be some misconceptions about vanity call signs out there, I realized. The first misconception being that you have to spend money to get one. As of September 2, 2015, there is NO COST for applying or getting a vanity call sign. There are websites that will tell you exactly when certain call signs are available (this is the one I used), and describe the process of how to apply for them. The process is actually very easy.
The first thing to do is make sure that you have an FRN. This makes things much easier to keep track of. Once you have that, just log in to the ULS on the FCC website using the “online filing” log in button. Enter your FRN and password, and submit. Over on the right side of the page, click on “Request Vanity Call Sign”. Select “No, No”… then click continue. Select “Primary station preference list”, then press continue. Put in the call sign that you want. If you have a list, put the one that you most prefer in the #1 spot, the next in the #2 spot, and so on.
From that point forward, it’s pretty self explanatory. Just digitally sign your name, exactly how it’s listed with your FRN, and submit. It takes around 19 days to know if you got the call that you requested, or not. It no longer costs anything to request a vanity call sign or to actually get one, so there is no reason for expense to get in the way.
Here is another good site to check, if you’d like to see how many others have applied for the same call. I’ll let you explore that site, yourself, since there are a lot of different things that it will help you out with.