In the USA amateur radio licenses are, like the UK, free of charge but now the FCC is proposing imposing a charge of $50 for a new license or a renewal

This charge could act as a deterrent to young people wishing to get started in the hobby and adversely affect retirees and those on low-incomes.

The FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) MD Docket 20-270 says:

"As such, several services in the personal licenses category will be subject to new fees. One such example is Amateur Radio Service licenses, which were not listed on the fee schedule in section 8 of the Act, but are now subject to fees under the broader mandate of the RAY BAUM’s Act."

Download the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - https://www.fcc.gov/document/amendment-schedule-applications-fees