Frequently asked questions
For operators
What is Verified Ham?
A way to prove online that you hold your amateur radio call sign. You verify once, by postcard, and then sign in to any app or website that supports Verified Ham with your call sign, already proven.
How does verification work?
You create an account and enter your call sign. We look it up in the licensing authority's public data and mail a postcard with a one-time code to the address on your licence. When it arrives, you enter the code. Only someone who receives mail at that address can do that, which is what makes it proof.
What does it cost?
$3.00, once, which covers printing and postage. If the card can't be mailed, the payment is refunded automatically.
Which countries are supported?
The United States (FCC licences) and Canada (ISED). Individual licences only, for now: club and other organisation call signs can't be verified yet.
My address on file is out of date. What do I do?
Update it with your licensing authority first: the FCC's ULS in the US, or ISED in Canada. We import new licence data regularly, and the card goes to the address in the latest data.
How long is the code valid?
60 days from when the card is mailed. Only one card per call sign can be on its way at a time; if yours never arrives, get in touch and we'll sort out a replacement.
What does an app learn about me when I sign in?
Only what you approve on the consent screen: your call sign and whether it's verified, and optionally your name as it appears on your licence, your email address, and your licence class. Your mailing address is never shared with apps. The privacy policy has the details.
What happens if my licence expires or my call sign changes?
We re-check every verified call sign against new licence data. If a licence lapses or a call sign is reassigned, the verification is revoked and we email you. A new vanity call sign needs a new verification, so a new postcard. A change of address alone doesn't affect anything.
Do I need a password?
No. You sign in with a passkey, the fingerprint, face or PIN unlock built into your phone or computer. When you sign up you also get ten single-use backup codes, for when you don't have your passkey.
Can I show that I'm verified?
Yes. Once verified, you can turn on a public verified page and put a badge on your website or QRZ.com bio that links to it.
I got a postcard I didn't ask for.
Someone entered your call sign and paid to mail you a code. Nothing has happened to your call sign: nobody can verify it without the code on the card, so you can throw it away. We limit how many cards can be sent for any call sign. More about unwanted cards.
For developers
How do I add Verified Ham to my app?
It's a standard OpenID Connect provider. Register your app, then follow a guide for your platform, or point any OpenID Connect library at the discovery document. The playground shows a real sign-in, step by step.
What does it cost developers?
Nothing. Registering apps and signing users in are free.
Who can sign in to my app?
You, straight away, to build and test. Everyone else once you've verified your own call sign, and only if they've verified theirs; anyone who hasn't is shown how, then sent back to your app.
Should I key users by call sign?
No, by sub, which never changes. Call signs change (vanity calls) and are eventually reissued to
other people.
Do I need PKCE if my app has a client secret?
Yes. PKCE is required for every app, with or without a secret.
Anything else?
Email verifiedham@w7apk.com.