What is the normal term for an FCC-issued amateur radio license?

An FCC-issued amateur radio license has a standard term of ten years. Once your license is granted, you are authorized to operate for a full decade before you need to file for a renewal. While some professional certifications or international radio licenses may have shorter five- or eight-year terms, the US amateur radio service standardizes on ten years. The FCC does not issue lifetime amateur licenses, as periodic renewals ensure that operator mailing addresses and contact information remain up to date in their database. Fortunately, renewing after your ten-year term is complete is purely an administrative process, and you do not have to retake your exam as long as you renew before the end of the allowable grace period.