Do I need Morse code? No. The United States dropped the code requirement for all licence classes in 2007.
How hard is the exam? The Technician exam is 35 multiple-choice questions from a published pool of about 400, and you need 26 correct. Most people are ready in two to four weeks of casual study.
Is there an age limit? No minimum and no maximum. Licensees under ten years old are not rare.
Do I need to be a US citizen? No. Anyone may hold a US amateur licence except a representative of a foreign government.
Will my call sign and address be public? Yes. The FCC licence database is public and includes your name and mailing address. Many operators use a PO box for this reason.
How much does it cost? Typically $15 exam fee plus a $35 FCC application fee, then $35 to renew every ten years.
Can I talk to anyone I want? You may talk to other licensed amateurs, and in emergencies to anyone. You may not conduct business, broadcast to the general public, or transmit music or obscenity. See Part 97 basics.
Can I use my radio at work? Not for work traffic. Amateur radio is non-commercial.
Do I need a big antenna? For local FM, no. For worldwide HF work, an antenna in the clear matters far more than an expensive radio.
What if I fail? You may retake immediately at the same session, usually for another fee.