Are you returning to amateur radio after a break?

A suite of RSGB call books dating from the 1980s and before

Whether you’ve been away for a few years, or even a few decades, you’ll be in great company in the amateur radio community.

Your licence – is this still valid?

Radio amateurs need to revalidate their free licence with the licensing regulator, Ofcom, at least every five years. You can find out more on our licence revalidation webpage.

If you are not sure whether it has been five years since you revalidated your licence, you can try to revalidate it via the Ofcom portal, otherwise you can contact Ofcom via spectrum.licensing@ofcom.org.uk or 0300 123 1000.

Been out of amateur radio for more than five years?

If this is the case you will need to use the Ofcom form, OfW 346, to apply for your licence to be reissued. You’ll need to provide evidence that you qualify for an amateur radio licence in one of the following ways:

  • A scan of your old licence with your call sign (this can be emailed to Ofcom)

  • A scan from an RSGB Callbook or Yearbook. There is an agreement between the RSGB and Ofcom that this is suitable evidence of you holding a licence. This will only work if you chose to have your call sign published when you originally applied for your licence. You will need to let us know the approximate year of issue of your licence

  • A scan of your exam certificate, from City and Guilds (if you passed your exam before 2003-4) or the RSGB. The route proves that you passed your exam but it doesn’t prove your call sign. You might be able to have your original call sign back if it is still available and has not been reallocated by Ofcom

You do not need to include a candidate number on the OfW 346 form. Candidate numbers are only needed for people applying for a new licence after taking our current exams.

For further assistance, you can contact the RSGB via ar.dept@rsgb.org.uk

 

Your knowledge – is it time for a refresh?

If you have been out of amateur radio for some time, you may wish to get up to speed with recent technologies and to refresh your knowledge to increase your confidence and enjoyment of amateur radio.

RSGB resources

The RSGB YouTube channel is a fantastic place to start with almost 500 videos covering the whole spectrum (pun intended!) of amateur radio topics, from LF to microwaves and from local to worldwide and satellite communications.

The RSGB shop has an extensive range of amateur radio books, so why not have a browse and see which topics you want to explore further. RSGB members receive a minimum of 15% off RSGB shop prices.

You’ll also find useful information on our Guidance resources webpage.

Ofcom resources

You will also need to be aware of current information for licensees on the Ofcom website, including the following documents

 

The RSGB – your partner in amateur radio 

Whether you were an RSGB member in the past, or not, we would love to see you as a member of the national society.

The benefits of RSGB membership include:

  • Our monthly magazine RadCom, with the latest news, reviews, practical guidance and technical articles – available in paper copy, with digital versions in the RSGB app for web and mobile. Once you join the RSGB, you will gain access to over 36 years of RadCom back issues – there’s so much to discover!

  • Our digital supplements, RadCom Basics and RadCom Plus

  • Free admission to Bletchley Park, including the RSGB National Radio Centre and discounted entry to partner museums

  • Exclusive member-only services, offers and workshops

  • Advice and support from the RSGB Regional Team in your local area

  • RSGB Construction competition, contests, planning advice, QSL Bureau – the list goes on!

And by becoming an RSGB member, you will know that you’re supporting us in our work to protect the spectrum.

Our digital membership rate starts from just £5.66 per month.

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