If you were one of the first residents to sign up for Pennsylvania's do-not-call list when it was launched five years ago, now is the time to re-register if you want to maintain the peace.

The registry allows Pennsylvanians to stop most telemarketers from invading their homes with phone calls. But registration is only valid for five years. That means the initial batch of registered phone numbers is about to expire.

People have from now until Sept. 15 to renew and still make the next list, which is updated quarterly. Telemarketers are required to buy the lists and purge the registered numbers from their call logs.

The state Attorney General's office, which enforces the program, is set to activate an enhanced Web site today designed to handle the expected flood of renewals.

The state also has hired a call center to operate a dedicated toll-free registration line, 1-888-777-3406.

When the do-not-call registry was launched in 2002, a crush of people jammed the phone lines and crashed the state's Web site trying to get through.

This time, officials believe the system is prepared to handle the onslaught.

"We hope we are more ready this time," spokesman Nils Frederiksen said. "We don't expect any glitches."

The state expects roughly 2 million do-not-call registrations between now and the end of the year, he said.

Residents who can't remember how long ago they signed up can find out online at www.attorneygeneral.gov. People who are unsure of their registration status but don't have access to the Internet can re-register just to be sure they are covered.

People are allowed to register up to seven residential and wireless numbers, although it isn't necessary to place wireless numbers on the list because federal law already essentially bars telemarketing calls to cell phones.

Some telemarketing calls are exempt from the registry. They include calls from charities, political groups, telephone surveyors and calls regarding an existing debt or contract. Companies with an existing business relationship with the household also are exempt from honoring the list.

To register your phone number on the state's do-not-call list, visit www.attorneygeneral.gov or www.nocallsplease.com, or call toll-free, 1-888-777-3406.

The Federal Trade Commission runs a national do-not-call registry at www.donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222.

First Published: August 1, 2007, 12:00 a.m.