Non Dealer Possesion License (NDPL)

Who Needs This Service

Companies and individuals using walkie-talkies or other restricted wireless equipment without trading in it, such as warehouses, security agencies, logistics firms and event companies, need NDPL or the new authorisation.

Businesses that hire radio sets should confirm who holds the authorisation.

Organisations with existing NDPLs should check renewal rules.

If you only use licence-exempt devices, ETA covers the device, not possession.

Key Benefits

• Clear route for possession of wireless equipment
• Documents prepared
• Portal filing handled
• Compliance for own-use radio sets
• Renewal and surrender guidance

Next Steps & Related Services

After authorisation, use equipment per conditions. Related services: DPL, ETA, VHF and UHF licences.

Common Mistakes

• Using old forms.
• Not checking if equipment needs authorisation.
• Missing renewal.
• Ignoring surrender rules.
• Sharing equipment without approval.

Timeline, Costs & Practical Tips

Timelines depend on DoT.

Practical tip: confirm the current route first.

Additional Information

WPC controls possession of radio equipment to manage spectrum and security.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1:

A warehouse applies.

Scenario 2:

A security agency checks the new route.

Scenario 3:

An event company surrenders old licence.

Process & Planning

Plan NDPL or its replacement by first listing the radio equipment your organisation holds or intends to buy, with make, model, frequency and quantity, and the purpose of use. Because a DoT notice says old-regime applications and renewals stopped from 3 July 2026 and new Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation applications opened on 6 August 2026, check the live Authorisation Portal for the process that applies. Prepare identity or entity documents, premises details and technical literature, and complete any verification requested. Planning checklist: keep an equipment register, confirm authorisation before purchase, renew or migrate existing licences as instructed and surrender or destroy equipment properly when no longer needed.

Practical Guidance

For organisations that use radio equipment but do not sell it, the main risk is complacency. Walkie-talkies and radio sets are often bought in bulk by facilities, security teams and logistics operations and then passed between staff without much thought for licensing. Create an equipment register listing each set, its model, frequency, assigned user and location. Check which sets need possession authorisation and which are licence-exempt devices that only need to carry ETA.

Given the 2026 changes announced in a DoT notice, review how your organisation holds authorisation today. If you have an NDPL, find out how it will be treated; if you are buying new equipment, check whether the new Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation applies and apply on the Authorisation Portal. Make sure the person responsible understands what is required, such as technical literature, purpose of use and premises details. Also plan for end-of-life: surrender or destroy equipment properly, and obtain destruction certificates where the process provides for them. Keeping an updated register is the simplest control against accidental non-compliance.