You need an amateur licence for hobby radio and technical experimentation
Amateur radio
Amateur radio operators must be qualified, and follow licence conditions and the operating procedures.
The amateur class licence commenced on 19 February 2024. Find out about the class licence, accredited assessors, and revised qualification and call sign arrangements.
You will not receive a renewal notice for a non-assigned amateur licence. As we have moved to class licensing arrangements, we can no longer renew non-assigned amateur licences. Under the amateur class licence, a qualified person with a suitable call sign may operate an amateur station. Non-assigned amateur licence holders were sent a confirmation letter that confirms their highest qualification and call sign/s.
Amateur operators can view their qualification and call signs on ACMA Assist.
Get your notices faster by email. To switch, contact us at info@acma.gov.au.
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What can we help you with?
Different amateur licences require different qualification levels
Useful links and documents
Learn the procedures and requirements of amateur radio
Information about amateur apparatus licences for accredited persons
Amateur and CB radios can interfere with TV reception
We recognise some licences and qualifications from other countries
Learn about arrangements for amateur radio accredited assessors
You can operate a station on shared frequencies. You don’t need to pay fees or apply but you must follow these rules.
New arrangements started on 19 February 2024
We’ve made changes to give amateurs more flexibility and a more active role in self-managing call signs
Fees and charges for 2023–24
