Apply for a licence

What type of licence do I need?

All licences are recorded in SMART (the Register of Radio frequencies), and are granted according to the type of service that is required.

• To find out what type of licence you need, check out What type of licence do I need?

Who may hold a licence?

To hold a New Zealand radio or spectrum licence you must be a legal entity.

• For more information about legal entities, please read PIB 47 - Legal entities for the purposes of the Radiocommunications Act 1989.

Annual Fees

Your licence may be subject to an annual fee. A discount will apply if you pay your annual fees online in SMART.

• The schedule of annual fees can be found here.

Step 1 – Choose an independent engineer

Most licence types require engineering certification by an Approved Radio Engineer (ARE) or an Approved Radio Certifier (ARC).

The ARE or ARC can also complete the licence application for you.

The ARE or ARC may charge a fee for their engineering certification. This fee is separate to the annual fee and should be negotiated with the engineer.

• Please choose an independent ARE or ARC to engineer and certify your licence from the list of independent engineers.

Note: If you are not a registered client with RSM your nominated ARE or ARC can set up a client account for you. Alternatively, you can complete an online client request form here.

Step 2 – Verify and pay your annual licence fees

When your licence has been certified, you will receive email instructions to go online and;

• Logon to verify your licence details, and
• Pay for licence fees

When your licence fees have been paid, your licence can be granted.

Note: If you do not have an email address, please discuss your options with the ARE or ARC.

Step 3 – How do I get a logon to pay my licence fees online in SMART?

An activation code will be emailed to you when your client account is set up.

You will need to activate your client account to allow you to logon to SMART.

• If you can’t find your existing activation code you can request an activation code online. An email address is required to send your activation code to.

Step 4 - When can I transmit on my licence?

You will be advised by email when your licence has been granted. At this point transmission can commence.

Note: If you do not have an email address, ask your independent engineer to advise when your licence has been granted.

Step 5 - How can I view my licence once it’s been granted?

All granted licences are recorded and can be searched online in SMART. You do not need a logon to search for a current licence.