Validation period for some amateur radio licences extended

Ofcom has decided this time round to automatically extend the validation period of licences issued from November 2006 to August 2007 for a further year - giving 6 years from the issue date. 

This will apply only to this category of licensees who have not changed or validated their licensing details since the issue date.  After this, licence holders will need to update their licences themselves. Amateurs are encouraged to use the on-line licensing system - see below.

Ofcom has taken this decision to avoid having a large number of validations to process around the time of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Information applicable to all Amateur licensees and applicants:

In 2006, Ofcom introduced a new, improved online licensing system which facilitates amateur radio licensees validating their licence details as necessary, at least once every five years.

The site is now easier than ever to use with useful FAQs and tools to get you started. It only takes a few minutes to register your details and make any necessary updates to your licence.

To register, apply, update or validate your licence on-line go to www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing/olc/

If you are experiencing difficulties or need assistance in processing your licence on-line, please call 0300 123 1000 or 020 7981 3131 or Textphone: 020 7981 3043 or 0300 123 2024 (please note that textphone numbers only work with special equipment used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing).

FAQs

Q. Why has Ofcom taken this decision?
A. Ofcom has taken this decision to avoid having a large number of validations to process around the time of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012

Q. How do I know if my licence is affected?
A. Your licence will have an issue date between 1st November 2006 and 31st August 2007. Please make sure you have the most up to date version of your licence document as the issue date would have changed if you have made any amendments or validated the licence recently.

Q. My licence details are incorrect and needs updating. What do I do?
A. Register your details with the Ofcom online licensing services and make the necessary changes to your licence online. This includes changes to station and mailing addresses.

Q. Can I choose to validate my licence?
A. Yes you can validate your licence anytime you want. The easiest way is to register your details with the Ofcom online licensing services and validate your details online. This only takes a few minutes.

Q. Why is it important to validate?
A. It is important to validate because it is part of the terms, conditions and limitations of the licence. Ofcom must be notified of any changes to the details of the licence.

Q. Will I get a new licence document after Ofcom extends the validation period?
A. Ofcom will not be issuing any new licence documents to affected licensees. The main point to note is that if your licence has an issue date for instance 31st March 2007 then its new validation due date will be 30th March 2013. This is within six years as opposed to the normal five years.

Q. What do I do if a licensed family member or a friend is deceased and someone needs advice?
A. Ofcom would require a written notification with a copy of the death certificate or power of attorney to cancel the licence.

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