Lapsed Callsigns
Date :
16 /
07 /
2025
Author :
ACMA Spectrum Licensing
The Wireless Institute of Australia is being contacted frequently about lapsed callsigns.
Both Members and non-members alike contact us to say that they called the ACMA to apply for a callsign after some years away from the hobby and are being told to contact the WIA.
Whilst the WIA do have some records prior to AMC taking over the certification program, we have nothing since that time. The ACMA have advised that there is a process to be followed to ascertain lost or lapsed qualifications, as indeed they do hold all of the qualification records.
The Amateur Radio Qualification Framework available at the link below outlines the domestic qualifications that allow amateurs to operate under the amateur class licence without needing to obtain an ACMA recognition certificate. If a person holds an existing domestic qualification, they may be able to obtain an exemption from certain ACMA recognition certificate examination components.
Prior to class licensing arrangements, an individual may have passed an exam or received a prior exemption for a particular examination component but did not apply to be issued a Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Since a person is only considered qualified once the COP has been issued, an exemption is unable to be granted without holding an existing domestic qualification.
Those who have been issued a COP and had their qualification information confirmed by the ACMA can operate under the amateur class licence. Amateur operators who are unable to locate their Australian qualification can provide the details below and the ACMA will use it to locate their records.
 Full name (include middle names)
Date of birth
Place of birth
Postal address (when qualification was obtained)
Qualification type
Date of issue
In other instances, an individual may have previously been granted an Australian licence based on an overseas qualification. However, to operate under the amateur class licence, the person must hold either an ACMA recognition certificate or an Australian amateur radio qualification that has been formally recognised as equivalent. For further information, please refer to qualifications to operate amateur radio at this Link
The Amateur Radio Qualification Framework is available at this Link
Page Last Updated: Wednesday, 16 Jul 2025 at 22:13 hours by Peter Clee
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