I finally went and did the paperwork to change my 1975 Technician + code
license into a General ticket. I took the Extra written at the same
time, with no expectation of really passing it on the first try.

But when I got the response from the FCC, there was a surprise. Two
envelopes, each with an identical copy of a General license in my name!
Additionally, the expiration date on both is March next year.

Doesn't paying the fee and having new paperwork generated result in a
license renewal?