[CTSARA] vanity application "rules"

[Urso, Steve - Stamford, CT]

Random order?, 17 Days? Just so you know!
Valid applications are normally processed on the following schedule:
1.     Applications are considered "received" on the first Federal workday on or after the day the FCC  actually receives them (for online applications, up until 23:59 ET). This means that applications filed on a Federal holiday or weekend are considered to be filed on the next Federal workday.
2.     The FCC waits 10 calendar days . During this time, the FCC enters into their computer all paper applications.
3.     The FCC waits seven more calendar days. Even if  there are no other applicants, the FCC still waits a total of 17 days.
4.     On the first Federal workday after 17 days beyond the receipt date, the FCC batches for its nightly processing, all vanity applications with that same receipt date.
5.     Early the next morning, between 00:00 & 02:00 ET, that batch of vanity applications with that same receipt date are processed. Duplicate applications are dismissed, and the remaining applications are then processed in a random order (without regard to content, the order or time of day that the application was received, or any other factor). Successful applications are immediately recorded with the current date as the date of license grant. At this point (around 02:00 ET) you can verify in the ULS if your application has been granted, and if so, immediately start using your new call-sign. Your new license grant will usually show up here within minutes of being granted. Note that it will not show up in most other non-FCC databases until at least the FOLLOWING day.
6.     Note that FCC no longer automatically prints and mails a copy of your license to you, because your true license is legally the data in the ULS (see FCC rules, US Title 47 CFR §97.5(a) & US Title 47 CFR §97.7(a)).