How to Get a GMRS License

We are providing this information as a benefit to our customers. If you have detailed questions concerning licensing, please give us a call. This information is only applicable to customers using two way radios within the United States.

Read 'Understanding FCC Bands' under our 'FCC Radio License' section of Help on this website to become familiar with the primary FCC service types used for two-way radios. This will help you determine which service is appropriate for your usage before proceeding with your application.

GMRS Overview (General Mobile Radio Service)

GMRS is for individuals and their family members. For non-commercial use only.
Is a more powerful service for individuals than FRS.
- Handheld radios can be up to 5 watts.
- Repeaters are allowed with some limitations.
GMRS requires a license. One license covers the entire family.
You must be 18 years or older to apply for the license, but anyone within your family (regardless of age) can use the radios.
Equipment must be certified for GMRS use.
You can only transmit on frequencies designated for GMRS (see list below).
You must stay within the power limitations assigned for each frequency (see list below).

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To use GRMS frequencies, the FCC requires you to obtain a license. To get a license you don’t have to take an exam, but you will need to fill out the required forms and send your payment.

Obtaining an FRN

First you must obtain an FRN number (FCC Registration Number).
There is no charge to obtain an FRN. However, there is a fee when you apply for your license.
To get your FRN go to the FCC Universal Licensing System .
Select "Register" on the ULS Home page, complete the online questionnaire.
You will receive your FRN immediately upon completing the one page online form. Then you can move to the next steps below.

Getting a FRN | FCC GMRS License

GMRS Application Process

The process to obtain a GMRS license is fairly easy. You can apply for a license on-line by following the steps below.

Once you have your FRN (see "Obtaining an FRN" in the previous paragraph) from the main FCC screen choose "Online Filing, Log In". Follow the screen pages below.

Answer the questions on the following screens to complete your GMRS license application. Navigate through each screen by clicking on the 'Continue' button. A printed copy of you new license will be mailed to you.

Getting a GMRS License Step 1 | FCC GMRS License

Login using your FRN and password.

Getting a GMRS License Step 2 | FCC GMRS License

Select "Apply For a New License" on the upper right-hand side of the screen.

Getting a GMRS License Step 3 | FCC GMRS License

Select "ZA - General Mobile Radio (GMRS)" from the drop-down menu.

Getting a GMRS License Step 4 | FCC GMRS License

Complete your application by filling out the information. Continue to the certification section, and certify your information is true and correct.

To recap:

Your license is valid for 10 years and permits you to transmit on GMRS frequencies (see list below)
Your equipment must be Part 90 and/or Part 95 type-accepted
GMRS is also for individuals and their friends and family. For non-commercial use only.
You should become familiare with the rules and etiquette of two-way radio and GMRS.
You should memorize your call sign and be able to provide it when asked by other users.

GMRS Radio Frequencies

1       FRS/GMRS    462.5625    2W / 12.5kHz    5W / 25kHz*
2       FRS/GMRS    462.5875    2W / 12.5kHz    5W / 25kHz*
3       FRS/GMRS    462.6125    2W / 12.5kHz    5W / 25kHz*
4       FRS/GMRS    462.6375    2W / 12.5kHz    5W / 25kHz*
5       FRS/GMRS    462.6625    2W / 12.5kHz    5W / 25kHz*
6       FRS/GMRS    462.6875    2W / 12.5kHz    5W / 25kHz*
7       FRS/GMRS    462.7125    2W / 12.5kHz    5W / 25kHz*
8 FRS/GMRS    467.5625    ½ W / 12.5kHz    ½ W / 12.5kHz     requires built-in antenna
9       FRS/GMRS    467.5875    ½ W / 12.5kHz    ½ W / 12.5kHz     requires built-in antenna
10    FRS/GMRS    467.6125    ½ W / 12.5kHz    ½ W / 12.5kHz     requires built-in antenna
11    FRS/GMRS    467.6375    ½ W / 12.5kHz    ½ W / 12.5kHz     requires built-in antenna
12    FRS/GMRS    467.6625    ½ W / 12.5kHz    ½ W / 12.5kHz     requires built-in antenna
13    FRS/GMRS    467.6875    ½ W / 12.5kHz    ½ W / 12.5kHz     requires built-in antenna
14    FRS/GMRS    467.7125    ½ W / 12.5kHz    ½ W / 12.5kHz     requires built-in antenna
15    FRS/GMRS    462.5500    2W / 12.5kHz        50W / 25kHz*
16    FRS/GMRS    462.5750    2W / 12.5kHz    50W / 25kHz*
17    FRS/GMRS    462.6000    2W / 12.5kHz    50W / 25kHz*
18    FRS/GMRS    462.6250    2W / 12.5kHz    50W / 25kHz*
19    FRS/GMRS    462.6500    2W / 12.5kHz    50W / 25kHz*
20    FRS/GMRS    462.6750    2W / 12.5kHz    50W / 25kHz*
21    FRS/GMRS    462.7000    2W / 12.5kHz    50W / 25kHz*
22    FRS/GMRS    462.7250    2W / 12.5kHz    50W / 25kHz*

GMRS Repeater Frequencies

RPT15    GMRS    467.5500    -    50W / 25kHz*
RPT16    GMRS    467.5750    -    50W / 25kHz*
RPT17    GMRS    467.6000    -    50W / 25kHz*
RPT18    GMRS    467.6250    -    50W / 25kHz*
RPT19    GMRS    467.6500    -    50W / 25kHz*
RPT20    GMRS    467.6750    -    50W / 25kHz*
PRT21    GMRS    467.7000    -    50W / 25kHz*
RPT22    GMRS    467.7250    -    50W / 25kHz*

*Note: 20kHz Authorized Bandwidth.

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