Information for amateur radio licensees - Ofcom

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Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

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You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

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We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
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Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

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Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
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- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Spectrum Radio equipment Licence information

Published: 21 February 2024

Ofcom licensing portal for aircraft, amateur and ships radio

Welcome to the Ofcom Amateur Radio and Ships Radio Licensing Portal.

General Notice of decision to vary amateur radio licences

On 21 February 2024 Ofcom published a General Notice of the decision to vary amateur radio licences.

Read about licensing updates

Regulations and technical information

Notices of Variation (NoVs)

You can apply for and issue a Special Event NoV via our Online Licensing System.

Applying for Special Event Station Notice of Variations Online

To apply the following NoVs you will need to complete and application form and send it Spectrum Licensing via post or emails.

Special, Special Event Station NoV
Permanent Special Event Station NoV

OfW287 Application for a Notice of Variation (NoV) for a Special Event Call sign PDF, 35.9 KB

Special research permit

OfW306 Application for an Amateur Radio special research permit PDF, 28.9 KB

Arrangements for special event stations to mark the centenary of the cub scouts and events in the Great War

Variation for a special contest callsign

The RSGB processes applications for Special contest callsigns for Ofcom, although it remains Ofcom's decision on whether or not to grant a variation.

Who may apply for a Notice of Variation? (PDF, 187.2 KB)

Related content

Amateur radio guidance: Misuse and licence revocation

This section explains what licence holders can do to help deal with the problem of licensees choose to operate irresponsibly

Licensing updates

Amateur radio, sometimes known as ham radio, is both a hobby and a service that uses various types of radio equipment allowing communication with other radio amateurs for the purpose of self-training, recreation and public service. Licencing updates

See also...

Localness guidelines

Ofcom is required to ensure that local commercial radio stations provide an appropriate amount of programmes, including local material, and locally made programmes. Ofcom is also required to provide guidelines as to how these requirements should be met.

Commercial radio industry data collection

Information on submitting radio relevant turnover returns for commercial licence holders.

Rules on using radio equipment

The rules that apply to spectrum use in the UK. Includes licence-exempt use and devices like jammers and repeaters.