Transferring Callsigns

31st May 2006

Ofcom have issued a statement about their policy on transferring Amateur Radio callsigns between individuals.

Highlights of the Ofcom policy statement are:-

Once issued, an amateur radio call sign is permanently associated with the individual concerned and is not re-issued
An individual’s call sign will only be changed under exceptional circumstances.
Similarly, the transfer of a call sign from one radio amateur to another is not normally permitted except under exceptional circumstances.
Should a radio amateur allow their licence to lapse, their call sign will be re-instated if they subsequently choose to renew their licence.
Call signs are a finite resource and remain the property of Ofcom.
Ofcom will transfer a call sign from one radio amateur to another radio amateur providing that the call sign holder consents to the transfer. Ofcom will require a letter of instruction from the call sign holder as evidence of consent.
Ofcom will also transfer a call sign from a deceased radio amateur to another radio amateur. Ofcom will require a letter of instruction from the call sign holder’s executor (or administrator) as evidence of consent.