How to make a payment to Ofcom

If your licence renews at least annually, you can set up a Direct Debit quickly and securely using our online link.

When completing the Direct Debit mandate form, please use your Customer Reference Number exactly as shown on request for payment/invoice or correspondence. 

This reference usually begins with "1-" or "2-", or "3-" followed by numbers or combination of letters and numbers ( for example 1-4ABC-456 , 2-123456).

If a Direct Debit is set up on your account, all payments will be collected automatically via direct debit.

If your bank requires two authorised signatories

Some organisations require two signatures on the Direct Debit mandate. 
If this applies to you, please follow the steps below.

How to complete a dual‑signatory Direct Debit mandate;

1. Download the Direct Debit Mandate form.
2. Print and complete the form manually
3. Ensure both authorised signatories sign the form in line with your bank signing rules
4. Post the original, signed form to the following address: 
   Accounts Receivable
   Ofcom
   Riverside House
   2a Southwark Bridge Road   
   London
   SE1 2HA 

Important information 

We cannot accept Direct Debit mandates by email. 

Any emailed mandates will be rejected and securely deleted from our system. This is to protect your financial information and maintain data security.

You can use our Online Payment Portal to pay invoices of up to £5,000 using a credit or debit card. 

To make a payment, you will need:

• your payment number (invoice number) and 
• your  customer reference number,

both of which are shown on your invoice.

Card payments are usually processed on the same day. This is the fastest payment method for invoices under £5,000.

You can make a bank transfer using the bank details shown on your request for payment or an invoice. 

Please note that Ofcom operates multiple bank accounts, so it is important that you use bank details provided on your invoice to avoid delays in processing your payment.

Please ensure that you quote your payment request/invoice number as the payment reference. 

Processing times:

• Faster Payment – usually the same day
• CHAPS – the same day (your bank may charge the fee)
• BACS – typically 3-5 working days

If paying from outside the United Kingdom, please ensure that all bank charges are covered by the sender.

Please ensure that you quote your payment request/invoice number as the payment reference. 

Ofcom is legally required to receive the full invoiced amount to issue or renew the licence. 

If any charges are deducted during the transfer and the payment we receive is less than the amount due, your licence cannot be fully processed until the outstanding balance is paid. Unpaid deductions may delay licence processing.

When prompted about handling fees, please select the “OUR” option to ensure all charges (sending bank and intermediary bank) are paid by the sender and Ofcom receives the full amount.

Step 1: Submit your application 

We prefer application forms and required supporting documents to be submitted by email to broadcast.licensing@ofcom.org.uk.   

You should receive an auto-response from broadcast.licensing@ofcom.org.uk confirming that your application has been received by Ofcom. If you do not receive a response, it is likely your application has not been received, and you should contact Ofcom’s Contact Centre on 0300 123 3333 and ask for the Broadcast Licensing team who will be able to confirm if your application was received. 

Applications will not be assessed until the application fee has been received and identified in Ofcom’s bank account.

Step 2: Pay the application fee

Ofcom requests that applicants pay the application fee by bank transfer (BACS/Faster Payment or CHAPS) and that immediately after the applicant has instructed their bank to make the payment, confirmation of payment is emailed to broadcast.licensing@ofcom.org.uk. 
 
To ensure that Ofcom can identify the payment, it must include a payment reference which is the applicant’s postcode followed by the applicant’s name (or as much of the name as is possible to provide within the character limit set by the bank).
 
The bank details to be used to pay the application fee are: 

Account Name: Office of Communications 
Bank details: Lloyds Bank, 69-73 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NQ 
Account number: 00782415 
Sort code: 30-97-90
BIC: LOYDGB21351
IBAN: GB05 LOYD 3097 9000 7824 15  
SWIFT: LOYD GB 2L

PMSE licences cover lawful use of wireless microphones, walkie-talkies, wireless audio/video links and related equipment used in broadcasting, theatre, live events and other productions. They are required by law under Wireless Telegraphy Act. 

Payment instructions

PMSE licence fees must be paid up front before a licence can be issued.

This applies whether you are:

• applying for a new PMSE licence
• renewing an existing licence, or
• booking short term frequencies for an event. 

For guidance on how to pay for a PMSE licence, see the How do I pay section.

Processing time 

Ofcom aims to process a PMSE licence application within seven working days, but this can take longer during busy periods (April-September).

Please make sure your payment is completed promptly so your licence can be issued in time for your event.