Schools and Libraries
About the Schools and Libraries Program:
- Overview of the Program
- Overview of the Process
- Outreach and Training
- HATS Outreach
- Filing Appeals
- Understanding Audits
Schools and Libraries Tools:
PIN FAQs for Applicants
Q. Why did I receive a PIN in the mail?
A. A Personal Identification Number or PIN is sent to the authorized person who successfully filed and certified an FCC Form 470, 471, 472 or 486. The PIN enables the authorized person to certify Program forms online and is the equivalent of a hand-written signature.
Q. I submitted a paper Form 470, Form 470 Certification, Form 471, Form 471 Certification, Form 486, Form 486 Certification, or Form 472 (BEAR) but I didn't receive a PIN. What should I do?
A. Generally, you will receive your PIN within two weeks of completion of data entry of your form. If more than two weeks have elapsed since your form completed processing, contact our Client Service Bureau (CSB) via Submit A Question or toll-free at 1-888-203-8100. Please be prepared to provide –
- the form application number assigned by USAC,
- your Billed Entity Number,
- the mailing address where you expect to receive your PIN mailer, and
- the full name of the authorized person as given in the certification block of your form (e.g., Form 471, Block 6).
Q. Can I apply for my PIN online and receive an electronic notification when it's assigned?
A. No. Our system is designed to automatically assign applicant PINs and will not accept online requests. Once USAC assigns your PIN, we will mail your PIN in a secure PIN mailer.
Q. I received a PIN mailer with a PIN assigned to an individual that is no longer an authorized person for our Billed Entity. What should I do?
A. Disable the PIN to insure that only an authorized person can electronically certify Program forms for your Billed Entity. The name associated with the PIN cannot be changed. To disable a PIN, go to the Applicant PIN Area, click the "Disable PIN" link, and follow the instructions on that page. Contact CSB (see above) if you need further assistance.
Q. Why did I receive multiple PIN mailers?
A. USAC assigns a PIN to an authorized person filing a Program form for a specific Billed Entity. If you file a Program form for more than one Billed Entity, you will receive a separate PIN for each Billed Entity.
Q. I submitted a Program form. When will I receive my new PIN?
A. Your PIN will be mailed within two weeks of successful certification of your form. PINs are issued once each week to each authorized person who submitted a Program form – as described above – on paper who has not previously been assigned a PIN.
Q. If I change employers, can I use my PIN at the new Billed Entity?
A. No. PINs are not transferrable to another Billed Entity. Since each eligible authorized person has a separate PIN for each Billed Entity, USAC will assign and mail a new PIN to you, once you've submitted and signed your first Program form on paper as described above as the authorized person for the new Billed Entity.
A. Once you have used your PIN to certify an online Form 470, 471, or 486, and have accepted the Terms and Conditions of use during the electronic certification process, you can change your PIN. Go to the Applicant PIN area and follow the instructions and prompts.
Q. I have misplaced my PIN. What can I do?
A. If you have misplaced or forgotten your PIN, USAC must disable your current PIN and issue you a new PIN. Contact CSB as described above and provide your full name and the associated Billed Entity Number. CSB will use that information to assign a new PIN that will be sent to you in a secure mailer within two weeks.
Q. How do I update the postal mailing address associated with my PIN?
A. You cannot edit the mailing address associated with your PIN. You must disable your current PIN and file a new Form 470, 471, or 486 on paper – complete with certification – that contains the correct authorized person's name, address, and complete contact information. To disable your PIN, go to the Applicant PIN Area. Follow the instructions and prompts to disable your current PIN.
Q. How do I update the email address associated to my PIN?
A. Once you have used your PIN to certify a Form 470, 471, or 486 online and have accepted the Terms and Conditions of use, you can change your PIN and the associated email address in the Applicant PIN area by following the instructions and prompts.
Q. I received a PIN mailer that says, "The enclosed PIN can ONLY be used to certify FCC Forms 472 (BEARs)." What does this mean?
A. You have received a "BEAR-only PIN" which was created when a paper Form 472 (BEAR form), including your name and address in the Block 3 Certification, was processed. This PIN can only be used to login to and use the Online BEAR system.
