How To Get A GMRS License

In order to operate a GMRS radio, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requires you to obtain a GMRS license. This licensing requirement allows the FCC to better regulate the frequencies that two-way radios utilize. The process for getting a GMRS license can be a bit nuanced, so we’re here to help! 

Obtaining a license costs $35.00, does not require a test, and covers your immediate family for up to 10 years.

• "Immediate family" includes: Licensee's spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws! (you can use "Unit 1", "Unit 2", etc. to identify multiple stations)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Obtaining a GMRS License Online:

You can obtain an FCC-issued GMRS license for your family online in a matter of minutes! First, lets check our eligibility:

The GMRS license must be:

1. • 18 year or older

   • Not be a representative of a foreign government

   • Applying on you and your families behalf (a business can not apply for a blanket GMRS license, but individuals can use the radios for work)

Step one: Obtain an FRN number

Start by obtaining a 10-digit FRN (FCC Registered Number) from the Commission Registration System (CORES). We recommend completing this process on a computer (the buttons are quite small using a mobile device).

1. Click “Register” (middle of the three boxes) and set up your account

   • We recommend using an email account that you’ll have access to permanently (ie: not a school or work email address that you might lose access at some point).

2. Once you've created your account, log in using the email address (username) and password you just set up.

3. Select “Register FRN” from the central box (third option from top)

4. Follow the steps to confirm yourself as an individual, complete the FRN registration form, then press submit.

   • Note: you will need to input your social security number or a tax identification number at this step

   • You will receive your 10 digit FRN number after submitting at the top of the landing page.

Step Two: Apply for your GMRS license

Once you’ve obtained your FRN, you can apply for a GMRS License in the FCC’s License Manager. 

1. • You will need your FRN number and the password created for the CORES website to login. 

2. Once logged in, you will see an option at the top of the left-hand sidebar to “Apply for a new license" 

3. In the dropdown, scroll all the way to the bottom to “ZA - General Mobile Radio”, then click "Continue"

4. Follow the rest of the application. There will be questions to answer with dropdown menus and a page for you to enter your contact information. You will then arrive at the Summary page. Click "Continue to Certify" if everything looks correct.

5. Next you will be asked to sign by entering your first name, middle initial, and last name. The "Title" field is optional.
6. Once you have successfully submitted your application, click the button to Continue to CORES website for payment completion.

7. Log back into CORES using the email address & password from step 4 then select the second option from the menu titled “Manage Existing FRNs | FRN Financial | Bills and Fees “

8. Then select the second option “FRN Financial” then “View/Make Payments” under the Action column.

9. Finally, select “Make Payment” and follow the instructions. 

10. Once payment has been made, you’re finished with the process!

*Your call sign should be issued via email within 1-2 business days* After submitting your payment, you will not receive an email immediately after but you can check on the status by logging into the License Manager

1. Once you receive your call sign, remember to keep it handy! Consider committing it to memory or printing it out to have it easily accessible.

FCC Rules for GMRS:

• GMRS stations must not communicate:
  • Messages in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State, or local law
  • False or deceptive messages 
  • Coded messages or messages with hidden meanings (“10 codes” are permissible I.e. "10-4" means "OK")
  • Music, whistling, sound effects or material to amuse or entertain 
  • Advertisements or offers for the sale of goods or services 
  • Advertisements for a political candidate or political campaign (messages about the campaign business may be communicated) 
  • International distress signals, such as the word “Mayday” (except when on a ship, aircraft or other vehicle in immediate danger to ask for help)
  • Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station
  • Messages (except emergency messages) to any station in the Amateur Radio Service, to any unauthorized station, or to any foreign station
  • Continuous or uninterrupted transmissions, except for communications involving the immediate safety of life or property
  • Messages for public address systems
• Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals (every 15 min) during transmissions.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

is a licensed radio service designed for short-distance, two-way voice communications. Here are some key points and frequently asked questions about GMRS:

Key Points:

1. Frequency Range: GMRS operates on channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz¹².

2. Power Limits: GMRS radios can use up to 50 watts of power on certain channels, significantly more than FRS³.

3. License Requirement: A license is required to operate GMRS radios in the United States. The license is valid for 10 years and covers the licensee and their immediate family⁴.

4. Usage: Commonly used for personal, recreational, and business communications, including off-roading, hiking, and neighborhood coordination².

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Q: What is the range of GMRS radios? A: The range can vary widely depending on the environment and equipment. With high-power radios and good antennas, you can achieve ranges of up to 30 miles or more in ideal conditions³.
2. Q: Can GMRS radios communicate with FRS radios? A: Yes, GMRS radios can communicate with FRS radios on shared channels. However, GMRS radios can use higher power and have access to additional channels⁵.
3. Q: How do I get a GMRS license? A: You can apply for a GMRS license through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS). The process involves filling out an online form and paying a fee⁴.
4. Q: Are there any restrictions on the type of communications? A: GMRS is intended for personal and family communications. Business use is allowed, but the communications must be short-distance and not for continuous use¹.
5. Q: Can I use repeaters with GMRS? A: Yes, GMRS allows the use of repeaters to extend the communication range. There are specific channels designated for repeater use³.