The short answer. Using a normal UHF CB radio in Australia does not need a licence — it runs under an ACMA class licence, free of charge, for anyone. Amateur (ham) radio does need a licence — an exam and a callsign. Marine VHF is a separate service with its own channels and rules, and you're expected to know how to use it properly.
General information only. This page explains the broad picture for two-way radio licensing in Australia. It is not legal advice, the detail varies by service and situation, and the rules change. Always check the current ACMA requirements for your specific radio and use before you rely on anything here.
UHF CB: no licence needed
Australian UHF Citizen Band (CB) radio operates under an ACMA class licence. A class licence isn't something you apply for — it's a standing authorisation that covers everyone who uses approved equipment within the rules. So there's no individual licence, no paperwork and no fee. You buy an approved radio and you're good to go.
This is the service almost everyone means when they talk about a "two-way radio" for the car, the 4WD, the farm, the campsite or a work crew. The radios are the familiar 80-channel UHF handhelds and vehicle-mount sets.
Conditions of the UHF CB class licence
"Licence-free" doesn't mean "rules-free". The class licence comes with conditions, and using the radio means agreeing to them:
- Approved equipment only. The radio must be a type-approved Australian UHF CB set (operating in the 476.4250–477.4125 MHz band, 80 channels).
- 5 watts maximum. Transmit power is capped at 5 W. You can't legally run an amplifier to push past it.
- Keep emergency channels clear. Channel 5 (emergency) and Channel 35 (its repeater input) are for emergencies — not chatter.
- Respect the band plan. Channels 22 and 23 are data-only (no voice), and 61–63 are reserved. Our UHF CB channel guide breaks down the lot.
- No offensive or harassing use. It's an open, shared band — keep transmissions civil and lawful.
Stay inside those and you never need to think about a licence again.
Amateur (ham) radio: a licence is required
Amateur radio is a different service, and it does require a licence. To operate, you sit a qualification exam, you're issued a callsign, and you transmit within the frequency bands and conditions of your licence class. In return, amateur operators get far wider frequency access and capability than UHF CB allows — which is the whole appeal of the hobby.
This is also the source of one of the most common mistakes new buyers make, so it's worth spelling out clearly.
Heads-up about Baofeng radios. The popular, cheap
Baofeng UV-5R (and similar models) is an
amateur radio, not a UHF CB. It is
not type-approved for Australian UHF CB and is not legal to use on the UHF CB band. To use it legally on amateur frequencies you need an amateur licence. If you just want licence-free comms for the car or campsite, buy an approved 80-channel UHF CB radio instead — see our
best radios list.
Marine VHF: its own service and rules
If you're on the water, UHF CB is the wrong tool. Boats use marine VHF, which is a separate radio service with its own set of channels — including the international distress, safety and calling channel, Channel 16 — and its own operating procedures.
The key points to understand:
- Different channels entirely. Marine VHF channels are not UHF CB channels. Critically, UHF CB is not for marine distress — Channel 5 on UHF CB is not the same as marine VHF Channel 16.
- Operating knowledge expected. You're expected to understand marine VHF procedures (how to make a distress, urgency or safety call, radio discipline, and so on). Depending on the situation and equipment, an operator qualification may apply.
- Check before you transmit. Requirements differ for recreational versus commercial use and can change — confirm the current rules for your boat and radio.
If you want a set for the boat, look for a dedicated marine VHF radio rather than a UHF CB — our picks include a marine VHF option.
Quick recap
Three services, three different answers:
- UHF CB — no licence, no fee; just use an approved 80-channel radio within the rules.
- Amateur (ham) — licence required: exam, callsign, conditions.
- Marine VHF — separate service with its own channels and rules; know how to use it, and check the current requirements.
For most people reading this, the takeaway is simple: a normal UHF CB two-way radio needs no licence. If that's you, head to the comparison tool or our top picks and pick one.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to use a UHF CB radio in Australia?
No. Australian UHF CB radio operates under an ACMA class licence, so there is no individual licence to apply for and no fee. As long as your radio is an approved 80-channel UHF CB set and you follow the conditions — like the 5-watt power limit and keeping the emergency channels clear — anyone can use it.
Do I need a licence for amateur (ham) radio?
Yes. Amateur radio requires an individual licence in Australia. You sit an exam, get assigned a callsign, and must operate within the bands and conditions of your licence class. It is a separate service from UHF CB, with much wider frequency access and capabilities.
Can I use a Baofeng UV-5R as a UHF CB radio in Australia?
No. The Baofeng UV-5R is an amateur radio. It is not type-approved for Australian UHF CB and is not legal to use on the UHF CB band. Using it on amateur frequencies requires an amateur licence. For licence-free use, buy an approved 80-channel UHF CB radio instead.
Do I need a licence for a marine VHF radio?
Marine VHF is a separate service with its own channels — including distress Channel 16 — and its own operating rules. While recreational marine VHF in Australia generally operates under a class licence rather than an individual one, you are expected to understand marine VHF procedures, and some situations and qualifications (such as an operator certificate) may apply. Always check the current requirements before you transmit.
Is there any fee or registration for UHF CB?
No. There is no fee and no registration for using an approved UHF CB radio under the class licence. You simply buy an approved 80-channel set and use it within the rules.