What are the official hours for the licensing year?

The correct answer indicates that the official hours for the licensing year are defined as starting at 12:01 am on January 1 and ending at 12:00 midnight on December 31. This timeframe is significant as it provides a clear and precise delineation of the licensing period, encompassing the entire calendar year, from the first moments of January 1 through the very end of December 31.

In this context, it is important to highlight that using "midnight" at the end of December 31 effectively signifies the conclusion of that year's licensing, as it transitions to the first moments of January 1 of the following year. The notation of 12:01 am allows for the entirety of January 1 to be included in the licensing year, connecting the beginning of the year directly to the end of December.

Additionally, while other options present slight variations on the timing, they do not accurately represent a full licensing year as effectively as this choice. By clearly stating the official hours associated with the licensing year, it ensures that all entities are aligned in their understanding of the critical timeframes related to compliance and renewal activities.