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
- Why did I receive a PIN in the mail?
- I received notification that I would be receiving a PIN assigned by USAC, but I didn't receive the PIN. What should I do?
- I received my PIN, but not my User ID. What should I do?
- Can I apply for my PIN online and receive an electronic notification when it's assigned?
- I received a PIN mailer with a PIN assigned to an individual that is no longer an authorized signer for our Billed Entity. What should I do?
- Why did I receive multiple PIN mailers?
- Why was my existing 4-digit PIN deactivated?
- I submitted a Form 470, 471 or 486 with a paper certification. When will I receive my new PIN?
- If I change employers, can I use my PIN at the new Billed Entity?
- How do I change my PIN?
- I have misplaced my PIN. What can I do?
- How do I update the postal mailing address associated with my PIN?
Q. Why did I receive a PIN in the mail?
A. Effective December 5, 2005, USAC instituted a new and improved PIN system that will make the application certification process much easier. As a result, new PINs were sent to applicants who already had a PIN as well as those applicants who had successfully filed and certified a FCC Form 470, 471 or 486. Applicants no longer need to apply for a PIN, as USAC's new and improved process allows for PINs to be automatically generated, mailed, and ready to be used once the applicant has certified any one of the forms. Your PIN enables the authorized person to certify program forms online and is the equivalent of your hand-written signature.
Q. I received notification that I would be receiving a PIN assigned by USAC, but I didn't receive the PIN. What should I do?
A. USAC must deactivate the PIN we've assigned to you. Call the Schools and Libraries Program's Client Service Bureau toll-free at 1-888-203-8100. If possible, have our advance notification available when you call. It contains the information the agent will need to assist you. You will be asked for your full name and the Billed Entity Number(s) that you represent. A new PIN will be mailed within two weeks.
Q. I received my PIN, but not my User ID. What should I do?
A. User IDs are not part of the new PIN system. The PIN is sufficient to certify your online forms electronically.
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 signer for our Billed Entity. What should I do?
A. Disable the PIN to insure that only an authorized signer can electronically certify program forms for your Billed Entity. Go to the USAC PIN Area and click the "Disable PIN" link. Follow the instructions on that page.
Q. Why did I receive multiple PIN mailers?
A. Because your PIN is the equivalent of your handwritten signature and program forms require you to certify that you are authorized to sign forms for the specific entity, each eligible authorized signer has a separate PIN for each Billed Entity.
Q. Why was my existing 4-digit PIN deactivated?
A. The deactivation of your existing 4-digit PIN is part of the process to implement the new, more secure 6-8 digit PIN system. The new PIN system is designed to make it easier for more people to have a PIN and to electronically certify online forms.
Q. I submitted a Form 470, 471 or 486 with a paper certification. When will I receive my new PIN?
A. Your PIN will be mailed within one week of successful certification of your form. PINs are issued once each week to each authorized person submitting a Form 470, 471 or 486 certification 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 portable. Since each eligible authorized signer has a separate PIN for each Billed Entity, USAC will assign and mail a new PIN to you, once you've submitted your first Form 470, 471 or 486 and signed a paper certification 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 USAC PIN area and follow the instructions. Then follow the prompts given by the PIN system.
Q. I have misplaced my PIN. What can I do?
A. If you have misplaced your PIN, USAC must disable your current PIN and issue you a new PIN. Call the Client Service Bureau at 1-888-203-8100 and provide your full name and the associated Billed Entity Number. The Client Service Bureau will use that information to assign a new PIN that will be sent to you in a secure mailer.
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 Form 470, 471, or 486 with a paper certification that contains the correct authorized person address information. To disable your PIN, go to the USAC PIN Area and disable your current PIN.
Posted December 20, 2005
