1. MIC ICT Policy
  2. Press Release
  3. September
  4. Digitalization of Radio Station Licenses

September 1, 2025 Digitalization of Radio Station Licenses

　Pursuant to the Act for Partial Amendment of the Radio Act and the Broadcasting Act (Act No. 27 of 2025, hereinafter the "Amending Act"), the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will abolish paper licenses for radio stations on October 1, 2025. The MIC will digitalize all radio station licenses and introduce a system that enables licensees and other operators to view the details of their licenses and other certificates online.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Background, and other details

　In recent years, the government has been promoting the "Digital First Principle" as part of a collective effort. Under this policy, individual administrative procedures and related administrative tasks at government agencies will be completed entirely through digital means. This principle also applies to administrative procedures under the Radio Act. Operations conducted by licensees, other operators, and administrative agencies should be further expedited and streamlined, with cost reductions achieved through the continued promotion of digitization.

2. Overview

　Pursuant to the Amending Act, the MIC abolished paper licenses for radio stations, and will digitalize all radio station licenses and introduce a system that enables licensees and other operators to view the details of their licenses and other certificates online. Specific details are provided in the following paragraphs:

  • Licensees and other operators will be able to view their licenses and related records, which include the details of their licenses and other certificates, on the following website.(The service is free, but users must bear any equipment and communication costs.)
    Note: Electronic application for radio use to the MIC (https://www.denpa.soumu.go.jp/ Open a new window)
  • If you submit an electronic application and obtain a license, certificate or permission after the effective date of the Amending Act (October 1, 2025), your license and related records can be viewed without any special procedures.
    Note: Depending on the application method, certain procedures may be required, such as submitting an application accompanied by a written letter of attorney.
    If you received a license or other certificate prior to the effective date, or if you submit a written application and wish to view your license and related records, you must apply for access through the electronic application system. (This service is free of charge.)
  • Paper licenses and other certificates will no longer be issued. If you require a paper certificate (such as a Certificate of Licensing Matters or related records), you can apply for it through written or electronic application. (This service is subject to a fee.)
  • Licenses and other certificates—the Certificate of Licensing Matters, the Certificate of Registration Matters, and the Certificate of Permitted Matters for High Frequency Facilities—that you currently hold will be treated as paper certificates after the effective date. You may continue to operate your radio stations as before without any special procedures, provided there are no changes to your license or related records.
  • Please note that the fees for procedures related to radio station licenses and other certificates will be revised on the effective date.
    Note: For the new fees, please refer to the MIC Radio Use Portal below.
  • At the same time, certificates issued to registered inspection agencies will be abolished, and their registration details will be made publicly available online.

・For more information, please refer to the "Digitization of Licenses and Other Certificates" page on the MIC Radio Use Portal: (https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/Open a new window)

(About terminology)
Licensing and related services: Licensing of radio stations, registration of radio stations, and licensing of high-frequency use facilities
Licenses and other certificates: Radio station licenses, radio station registration certificates, and permissions for high-frequency facilities
Licensees and other operators: Radio station licensees, radio station registrants and high-frequency facilities installers
License and related records: Licensing records, registration records, and permit records for high-frequency facilities

3. For reference

Contact

For further information about this press release, please fill in the inquiry form and submit it to MIC on the website
https://www.soumu.go.jp/common/english_opinions.html

Global Strategy Bureau, MIC

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