Who's That on the Radio? Creating Your Ham Identity
Introduction
Behind every Ham is a callsign. It is how you are known in the amateur radio community. Creating your own callsign (vanity callsign) helps to personalize your radio identity.
Key Takeaway
Your callsign is more than just an identifier - it's your personal brand in the amateur radio world.
Throughout the years, as I have upgraded my ham license, I have also changed my callsign. I received my first callsign (KB5KCL) while living in Starkville, MS. After moving to the Pacific Northwest I felt changing my callsign (KC7JPA) to my new region would simplify things. I was happy with that callsign, until the introduction of the IC-7800. Once exposed to the world of DX and contesters, I quickly learned the need for a 1×2 callsign. After upgrading once again, I snagged my current sign, N9JA.
Meaning Behind the Callsigns
Callsigns have an internationally agreed structure, meaning you can determine where a person is from based on the prefixes. In the United States, we have been allocated the letters N, K, and W as callsign prefixes. We have also been allocated the two letter prefixes AA to AL.
Callsign regions in the United States
After the letter(s) prefix, there is a number that typically represents your location. For instance, if you live in California you would be assigned "6". When you pass your first exam, the FCC assigns your callsign based on these regions, which you can keep even if you move to another region. With vanity callsigns you can request a callsign regardless of region, however you must have a mailing address in Alaska, Hawaii, the Pacific islands, or the Caribbean to request those respective call series (KL, KP, KH).
Continental United States (Region 1-9)
| Region # | States/Territories | Prefix Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT | AA1, K1, N1, W1 |
| 2 | NJ, NY | AA2, K2, N2, W2 |
| 3 | DE, DC, MD, PA | AA3, K3, N3, W3 |
| 4 | AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA, PR, VI | AA4, K4, N4, W4 |
| 5 | AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX | AA5, K5, N5, W5 |
| 6 | CA | AA6, K6, N6, W6 |
| 7 | AZ, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY | AA7, K7, N7, W7 |
| 8 | MI, OH, WV | AA8, K8, N8, W8 |
| 9 | IL, IN, WI | AA9, K9, N9, W9 |
Alaska, Hawaii/Pacific, and Caribbean Territories
Alaska (Region 0)
| Prefix | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KL7 | Alaska | Primary prefix for Alaska |
| AL7, KL0, NL7, WL7 | Alaska | Additional prefixes |
Hawaii and Pacific Islands (Region 0)
| Prefix | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KH6 | Hawaii | Primary prefix for Hawaii |
| AH6, KH0, NH6, WH6 | Hawaii | Additional prefixes |
| KH1 | Baker Island, Howland Island | |
| KH2 | Guam | |
| KH3 | Johnston Atoll | |
| KH4 | Midway Island | |
| KH5 | Palmyra Island, Jarvis Island | |
| KH7K | Kure Island | |
| KH8 | American Samoa | |
| KH9 | Wake Island |
Caribbean Territories (Region 4)
| Prefix | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KP2, NP2, WP2 | US Virgin Islands | |
| KP3, NP3, WP3 | Puerto Rico | |
| KP4, NP4, WP4 | Navassa Island | |
| KP5, NP5, WP5 | Desecheo Island |
Practical Example: Choosing Your Callsign
Let's walk through how I selected my current callsign (N9JA) using these regional charts:
- Determine my region: Living in Illinois, I'm in Region 9 (IL, IN, WI)
- Check available prefixes: For Region 9, the standard prefixes are AA9, K9, N9, and W9
- Consider license class: As an Extra class licensee, I qualified for shorter 1×2 callsigns (N9__)
- Personal meaning: I wanted something with my initials (J.A.), so I looked for available combinations
- Phonetic test: "November Nine Juliet Alpha" flows well and is easily understood
- Check availability: Using the AE7Q database, I confirmed N9JA was available
Another example for a new Technician in California:
- Region: 6 (California)
- License: Technician (typically gets 2×3 format)
- Options: Could choose KF6ABC, W6XYZ, or similar
- Special case: If they had a family member's old callsign (like K6RS), they could apply for it as a vanity
💡 Pro Tip: When choosing, say your potential callsign aloud using phonetics. Avoid combinations that might sound like other words or be hard to distinguish (like "N" vs "M" in poor conditions).
Callsign Groups
When choosing a callsign you need to consider the group in which they fall into. There are four groups based on authorized license class. These groups determine the number of prefix and suffix letters. After earning your first technician license, most hams receive a 2×3 callsign.
| Group | License Class | Format |
|---|---|---|
| A | Amateur Extra Class | 1×2, 2×1, and 2×2 (includes AA-AL prefixes) |
| B | Advanced Class | 2×2 |
| C | General and Technician | 1×3 (or 2×2 in special locations) |
| D | Technician and Novice | 2×3 |
"Courtesy Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_licensing_in_the_United_States"
Choosing Your Vanity Callsign
This is where the fun comes into play. My own callsign was selected from the limited number of 1×2 calls available at the time. However if you are selecting a 2×2, 1×3, or 2×3, there are literally thousands of available calls.
For me it was the simplicity of having a short callsign. Plus I wanted a unique callsign that would stand out in a DX pileup. Phonetically my current callsign, November 9 Juliet Alpha (N9JA) is very quick and it has a nice rhythm to it in CW or Morse code.
Pro Tip
Avoid callsigns ending with "E" as it can be hard to distinguish when working DX or contests.
Whether it is something as simple as your initials, duplicate letters, or more personal like the callsign of a loved one who has become a Silent Key, many of us have decided to personalize our amateur radio identity. When picking your sign think how it will sound using phonetics.
Vanity Callsign Availability and Applications
There are currently just over 100,000 vanity callsigns in the USA, not counting club callsigns. Determining the calls that are available can be challenging, but there are a couple of sites to assist you. The AE7Q and RadioQTH sites will show available callsigns.
Applying for a vanity callsign is a fairly simple process and there is no application fee. You can file online or with a paper application. The FCC has listed the instructions for obtaining a vanity callsign. You will also find a great deal more information at the ARRL's website under FCC's Vanity Callsign Program. They cover the types of callsigns available along with those that aren't available.
FCC Vanity Callsign Application Steps:
1. Verify eligibility for desired callsign group
2. Check availability on FCC ULS or third-party sites
3. Submit FCC Form 605 via:
- Online ULS system
- Fax (717-338-2491)
- Mail to: FCC, 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325
4. Wait for processing (typically 18 days)
Conclusion
I hope this has provided some insight into the vanity callsign system and how you can obtain your own vanity call. There are of course quite a few more aspects of the system, but this should get you off to a good start.
As always, you are encouraged to jump in and make something happen. After all, your callsign is part of your amateur radio identity.
