WPC Dealer Possession Licence (DPL), Now Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation
Stock, sell or hold wireless and radio equipment with the right DoT permission. We check whether your products and premises need a possession authorisation, prepare the application on the DoT Authorisation Portal, handle WPC queries and keep your stock records and renewals on track.
Get Expert Help
Expert calls back during business hours
WPC Dealer Possession Licence (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) in brief
Who it applies to, what it costs, how long it takes and which law governs it — before the details.
A Dealer Possession Licence (DPL) was issued by the WPC Wing of the Department of Telecommunications to dealers and distributors who stock and sell wireless equipment such as walkie-talkies, radio sets and radio modems; a Non-Dealer Possession Licence (NDPL) covered possession by non-dealers. DoT has stopped accepting DPL and NDPL applications, including renewals, under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 on Saral Sanchar and NSWS. Possession is now authorised under the Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026, with applications on the DoT Authorisation Portal from 6 August 2026.
- Professional Fee
- Custom quote
- Governing Law
- Telecommunications Act 2023
- Rules
- Radio Equipment Possession Rules 2026
- Authority
- DoT — WPC Wing
- Mode
- Online — DoT Authorisation Portal
- Tied To
- Specified premises
- Government Fee
- At actuals, as prescribed
- Covers
- Radio & wireless equipment
- Act
- Telecommunications Act, 2023
- Rules
- Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules, 2026
- Replaces
- DPL / NDPL under the Telegraph Act
- Authority
- DoT — WPC Wing
- Platform
- DoT Authorisation Portal
- Last Reviewed
- 23 Sep 2026
What Is WPC Dealer Possession Licence (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation)?
A quick, plain-language explanation before the details.
It is DoT’s permission to keep radio or wireless equipment in your possession — as a dealer holding stock for sale, or otherwise — at a specified place. Earlier it was called a DPL or NDPL; under the new law it is a Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023 requires an authorisation to possess radio equipment, except where exempted. The Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026 set out the categories, conditions, renewal and surrender of possession authorisations, replacing the DPL / NDPL regime under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 framework.
Administered by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications. Applications are made on the DoT Authorisation Portal on the Telecom eServices Portal.
Validity is as set in the Rules and the grant. Under the old regime a DPL was valid for one year. A possession authorisation is specific to the premises named in it.
Is This Service Right for You?
Ideal for
- Dealers and distributors of walkie-talkies and two-way radios
- Traders of radio modems, transceivers and wireless communication sets
- Importers who stock wireless equipment before sale
- System integrators holding radio equipment for projects
- Security, event and logistics firms holding radio sets
- Retailers of licensed-band wireless products
You may need this if
- You stock or sell radio equipment that needs a possession authorisation
- You held a DPL or NDPL that is due for renewal
- You hold wireless equipment at a warehouse or shop for sale or use
- A supplier, customs broker or buyer asks for your WPC possession permission
- You are opening a new store or warehouse for radio equipment
- You want to confirm whether your products are exempt
Not sure if you need this?
Talk to an Expert →Why Do Wireless Equipment Dealers Need a Possession Authorisation?
Holding radio equipment without the right permission can lead to seizure and penalties. Here is why it matters.
Talk to a WPC Licensing Expert →Required by Law
The Telecommunications Act, 2023 requires authorisation to possess radio equipment unless it is exempted.
Avoid Seizure & Penalties
Unauthorised possession can lead to action under Chapter VIII of the Act, including seizure of equipment.
Sell Through Proper Channels
Distributors, importers and large buyers ask for a valid possession authorisation before trading radio equipment.
Premises-Specific Permission
The authorisation covers a named location, so each store or warehouse is properly covered.
Clean Stock Records
Authorised dealers keep stock and sale records that support audits and physical verification by DoT.
Trust With Buyers
Security agencies, event firms and government buyers prefer suppliers who hold a valid WPC authorisation.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Custom quote for your case
Fees depend on your business type and scope. Get a clear, itemised quote upfront — no hidden professional charges, government fee billed at actuals.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility checklist
- Identity and registration proof of the applicant (PAN, CIN where applicable)
- Address of the premises where equipment will be stored
- Make, model and technical details of the radio equipment
- Technical literature or datasheets for the equipment
- An authorised person with photo, signature and PAN
- Ability to maintain stock records and allow physical verification
Everything You Need. One Professional Team.
Consultation
Understand your products, premises and business model, and confirm which possession category applies.
Exemption Check
Check whether your equipment or activity is exempt under the Rules before applying.
Portal Account Setup
Create and configure the applicant account on the DoT Authorisation Portal.
Equipment Schedule
Prepare the equipment list with make, model, frequency and technical literature.
Online Application
Complete and submit the possession authorisation application with fee payment at actuals.
WPC Queries
Respond to WPC scrutiny queries and document requests on your behalf.
Stock Register Setup
Set up the stock, sale and transfer records the authorisation requires.
Renewal & Changes
Track renewal, premises changes and surrender under the new Rules.
What You’ll Receive
What Documents Are Required for a Possession Authorisation?
Documents are grouped by applicant identity, premises and equipment details. Keep clear PDF scans ready — everything is collected securely over WhatsApp or email.
Applicant Identity
Registration proof- PAN of the applicant
- Certificate of Incorporation (CIN) for companies
- GST registration certificate, where applicable
- Address proof of the registered office
Premises & Signatory
Storage location- Address of the premises where equipment will be stored
- Ownership or rent agreement for the premises
- Photograph, signature and PAN of the authorised person
- Board resolution or authority letter for the signatory
Equipment Details
Technical information- List of equipment with make and model
- Frequency band and technical specifications
- Technical literature or datasheets
- Existing DPL / NDPL copy, if previously licensed
Old DPL / NDPL route has closed
DoT has stopped accepting DPL and NDPL applications and renewals under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 on Saral Sanchar and NSWS. New applications go to the DoT Authorisation Portal.
One premises, one permission
The authorisation is specific to the premises named in it. Moving stock to a new location needs the required clearance first.
Check exemptions first
Some equipment and some holders are exempt under the Rules. We check your product list before you apply, so you do not file unnecessarily.
Separate from equipment approval
A possession authorisation is not the same as equipment type approval or certification of the device. Your products may need both.
Don’t have all the documents?
We’ll identify what your case needs →How to Get a Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation (Step by Step)
Applications are made online on the DoT Authorisation Portal under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Product & premises check
We review your equipment list, premises and business model and check exemptions under the Rules.
Document preparation
Prepare the equipment schedule and collect identity, premises and signatory documents over WhatsApp or email.
Portal registration
Register the applicant on the DoT Authorisation Portal on the Telecom eServices Portal.
Online application & fee
Fill in the Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation application, upload documents and pay the prescribed fee at actuals.
WPC scrutiny & queries
The WPC Wing examines the application. We track it and answer any clarification requests.
Authorisation granted
On approval, the authorisation is issued. We hand it over with a stock-register format and renewal reminder.
How Long Does a Possession Authorisation Take?
| Stage | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Product review, exemption check & documents | Depends on document readiness |
| Portal registration & online application | Filed once documents are complete |
| WPC scrutiny, clarifications & grant | Subject to DoT processing |
The timeline depends on how complete the equipment details are and on WPC processing under the new Rules. Complete technical literature avoids most queries. Queries pause the clock until they are answered.
Key Dates — At a Glance
| Frequency | What Is Due |
|---|---|
| Before Expiry | Apply for renewal as the Rules require · Update the equipment list for the renewal · Confirm the premises details are still correct |
| Annually | Reconcile physical stock with the register · Review products against any exemption changes · Keep entity and signatory details current |
| Event-Based | Obtain clearance before changing the storage premises · Record every sale or transfer of equipment · Intimate changes in name, address or ownership as required |
| Ongoing | Display the authorisation at the premises · Allow physical verification by DoT officers · Follow DoT circulars under the 2026 Rules |
Dates are indicative and may change with government notifications. Our team tracks every deadline so you never miss a filing.
Doing It Yourself vs TaxClue
Doing It Yourself
- Work out which possession category applies under the new Rules
- Check exemptions for each product yourself
- Build the equipment schedule and technical file alone
- Navigate the new DoT Authorisation Portal
- Handle WPC clarifications without context
- Design stock and sale records from scratch
- Track renewal and premises changes manually
With TaxClue
- Expert confirms the right possession category
- Exemptions checked product by product
- Equipment schedule prepared for you
- Application filed on the portal for you
- WPC queries answered by our team
- Stock register format provided
- Renewal and change reminders set up
Skip the guesswork.
Let an expert handle it →What happens next
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Application
TaxClue reviews your documents before filing to reduce avoidable errors.
What Compliance Applies After a Possession Authorisation?
Before Expiry
- Apply for renewal as the Rules require
- Update the equipment list for the renewal
- Confirm the premises details are still correct
Annually
- Reconcile physical stock with the register
- Review products against any exemption changes
- Keep entity and signatory details current
Event-Based
- Obtain clearance before changing the storage premises
- Record every sale or transfer of equipment
- Intimate changes in name, address or ownership as required
Ongoing
- Display the authorisation at the premises
- Allow physical verification by DoT officers
- Follow DoT circulars under the 2026 Rules
Penalties & Consequences
What is at stake if you do not comply
- Possessing non-exempt radio equipment without authorisation invites seizure and penalties
- Renewals under the old DPL route are no longer accepted
- Stock held at an unauthorised location breaches the authorisation
- Missing stock and sale records fail DoT physical verification
Regulatory Updates 2025–26
- 06 Aug 2026: DoT enabled Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation applications on the Authorisation Portal under the Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules, 2026.
- 08 Jul 2026: The Telecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026 were issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
- 03 Jul 2026: DoT stopped accepting DPL and NDPL applications, including renewals, under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 on Saral Sanchar and NSWS.
Why Businesses Choose TaxClue
CA / CS Team
Qualified professionals who handle regulatory filings and business compliance together.
New-Law Readiness
We track the Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation Rules, 2026 and WPC notices.
Always Updated
We monitor DoT circulars, portal changes and exemption notifications.
Fully Online
Everything over WhatsApp and email — no office visits required.
Transparent Fees
A clear quote upfront — government fees at actuals, no hidden charges.
Post-Grant Support
Guidance on stock records, renewals and premises changes after issue.
Your Documents Deserve Professional Care
- Documents handled by professionals under confidentiality
- Access limited to the team working on your file
- Communication over secure digital channels
- Documents retained only as long as needed for compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WPC Dealer Possession Licence (DPL)?
What is a Non-Dealer Possession Licence (NDPL)?
Can I still apply for or renew a DPL?
When did the new possession authorisation start?
Where do I apply now?
Who needs a possession authorisation?
Are all wireless products covered?
What was the old DPL fee and validity?
Is the authorisation tied to a location?
Is this the same as ETA or equipment certification?
What records must a dealer keep?
What happens to my existing DPL?
Which documents are required?
What if I possess radio equipment without authorisation?
Official Sources & Legal References
Every regulatory detail on this page is drawn from primary law and official government sources. Verify them directly:
- Telecommunications Act, 2023 — full textThe governing law on possession of radio equipment · India Code
- DoT eServices — Dealer / Non Dealer Possession LicenceNotice that DPL / NDPL applications under the Telegraph Act have stopped, and the new authorisation route
- DoT eServices — Acts & RulesTelecommunications (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Rules, 2026
- Telecom eServices Portal (DoT)Authorisation Portal for Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation applications
Related Guides
WPC Dealer Possession Licence (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) Resources — All Free
WPC Dealer Possession Licence (Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation) in your city
Same service, same team — with the local registrar, state tax portal and professional-tax rules for your city.
Get Your Radio Equipment Possession Authorisation — Fully Managed
Expert-managed WPC dealer possession authorisation under the new DoT Rules — exemption check, equipment schedule, Authorisation Portal filing, WPC queries and renewals, end to end. Transparent fees, no hidden charges.
Talk to a WPC Licensing Expert →