Apply for a radio licence

Before getting started

  1. To apply for or copy a radio licence, you will be asked to sign in with your Spectrum Management System (SMS) Web Profile. To create a Web Profile, visit the SMS Online registration page.

  2. The Copy licence button allows you to apply for a new licence by copying licence information from an existing licence and modifying where appropriate. To learn more on how to apply for or copy a radio licence, visit the How to apply for a radio licence page.

  3. For Web Profiles with multiple associated licensee accounts, the Select Active Licensee option allows you to select the account under which your applications are submitted.

Choose a radio licence type

Fixed Service

Point-to-point

Use these options to apply for a licence for two fixed stations operating above 960 MHz at fixed locations.

Apply for a new point-to-point licence

Point-to-multipoint

Use this option to apply for a licence for multiple fixed stations operating above 960 MHz at fixed locations.

Apply for a new point-to-multipoint licence

Point-to-transportable

Use this option to apply for a licence with two fixed stations operating above 960 MHz where one station is transportable and could be moved to a different location.

Apply for a new point-to-transportable licence

Transportable-to-transportable

Use this option to apply for a licence with two transportable fixed stations operating above 960 MHz where both stations could be moved to different locations.

Apply for a new transportable-to-transportable

Not sure which option to choose?

Use our interactive questionnaire for fixed service licences to determine which licence you need.

Land mobile Service

Base and mobile stations

Use these options to apply for mobile and base stations operating on their own or requiring repeaters to extend coverage.

Apply for a new base and mobile station licence

Mobiles only

Use these options to apply for mobiles communicating only with other mobiles.

Apply for a new mobile station licence

Light-licensed mobiles

Use these options to apply for mobiles operating on pre-established frequency lists or using a licence appendix like resource road channels.

Apply for a new light-licensed mobile station licence

Not sure which option to choose?

Use our interactive questionnaire for land mobile service licences to determine which licence you need.

Maritime Service

Maritime base

Use these options to apply for a licence for a maritime base or coast station that operates in the maritime service.

Apply for a new maritime base station licence

Maritime vessel

Use these options to apply for a maritime mobile or ship station, including a hand-held radio that is installed or operates on board a ship or vessel, within the maritime service.

Apply for a new maritime vessel station licence

Not sure which option to choose?

Use our interactive questionnaire for maritime service licences to determine which licence you need.

Aeronautical Service

Aeronautical base

Use these options to apply for an aeronautical base station that operates in the aeronautical service (this type of station cannot be used while in motion).

Apply for a new aeronautical base station licence

Aeronautical aircraft

Use these options to apply for an aeronautical mobile or aircraft station, including a hand-held radio that is installed or operates only on board an aircraft.

Apply for a new aeronautical aircraft licence

Not sure which option to choose?

Use our interactive questionnaire for aeronautical service licences to determine which licence you need.

Radiodetermination Service

Radiodetermination

Use these options to apply for stations in the radiodetermination service. This includes radars to measure position, velocity or other characteristics of an object or physical phenomenon.

Apply for a radiodetermination licence

Not sure which option to choose?

Use our interactive questionnaire for radiodetermination service licences to determine which licence you need.

Developmental Service

To support ongoing innovations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada provides temporary access to spectrum for research and development purposes, specifically to test new and innovative systems and ideas.

See our Developmental service page and the Developmental Licence Playbook for more information.

When applying for a licence, you can indicate that your request is for a developmental licence on the “General information” page by selecting “Developmental” in the “Licence category” drop down option.