UK Amateur Licensing

The regulatory authority for UK Amateur Radio is Ofcom. There are three licence levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Full. Below are some useful links and information for accessing the amateur radio licence information on the Ofcom website.

NOTES:

  • Ensure you can access the Ofcom Online Licence Service. Previous and new users should read the (re)registration instructions carefully

UK Amateur Radio Licence

As of 21st February 2024, the Ofcom amateur licence framework has a number of key elements:

Ofcom changes

Phase-2/3 Delay: On 25th October 2024 Ofcom announced a delay to Phase-2/3 to 2025Q3 as a result of issues that had arisen related to updating their licensing platform. Further updates will be on the same Ofcom page.

Power Level Changes

Ofcom Online Service

 

Validity / Revalidation

Although the current amateur radio licence is sometimes referred to as a “licence for life”, all radio amateurs are required to revalidate their licence at least every five years. This requires every licence holder to contact Ofcom to confirm or update their details on the licence database.

The quickest way to revalidate is simply to access the licensing system and (re)-confirm your details online via the Ofcom website, or by email to spectrum.licensing@ofcom.org.uk. 

A helpful article by Ofcom about the Licensing Portal, Registration and Revalidation is below:

If you need further assistance in the process, Ofcom staff are available to help, but please be patient during times of heavy workload.

 

Revocation

If you fail to revalidate, Ofcom may revoke your licence. Note that this can occur where you have failed to inform Ofcom of a change of contact information (thus preventing their reminders/notifications reaching you).

 

Licence Fees

Online issue/renewal for UK amateurs is free. However postal and other applications (including reinstating a lapsed licence) may incur a fee.

 

Useful Links