International Callsigns and Divisions
A practical guide to identifying stations and understanding prefixes, numbers and suffixes used by different radio communities.
No single worldwide CB callsign standard
CB and DX communities often use country or division numbers and local group identifiers, but conventions vary by country, organisation and activity. Do not treat a community list as an official national allocation.
How to read an identifier
An identifier may contain a prefix, a number associated with a country or division, and a suffix chosen or assigned by a group. The meaning depends on the scheme being used.
Portable and mobile identifiers
Some radio services use additions such as portable or mobile markers. Their meaning and permitted use vary. Follow the rules and convention for the service and country concerned.
Keep a directory accurate
Record the source and date for each entry. Mark uncertain entries as unverified and provide a correction route. Do not publish personal details without permission.
Delta Tango directory idea
A searchable directory could show identifier, country/division as used by the relevant scheme, source link, date checked and a correction option. Keep group identifiers separate from official licence callsigns.
Further reading
Always check current rules for the country and radio service you are using. A community convention or software feature is not proof that a transmission is authorised.
This guide is educational and may need updating as regulations, software and community information change. Check linked primary sources before relying on technical or regulatory details.