Getting 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.
• The FCC licenses GMRS "to facilitate the activities of licensees and their immediate family members." So, only small family run businesses qualify to use GMRS.
• One license covers the licensee and their immediate family members.
• Is a more powerful service for individuals than FRS.
  • Handheld radios can be up to 5 watts but must transmit in analog.
  • 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).

GMRS frequencies are at the bottom of this page.

GMRS License - Start Here...

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

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

 

 

GMRS Application Process

The process to obtain a GMRS license is fairly easy.  You can apply for a license online 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.

 

 

 

2. Login using your FRN and password.

You can access the login page page here: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

 

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

 

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

 

5. Complete your application by filling out the information.

6. Continue to the certification section, and certify your information is correct.

7. What to do after applying.

• Once you have completed the application wait 24 to 48 hours. Then using your FRN, log back into the FCC USL website to print a copy of your license. The FCC no longer mails copies.
  

GMRS and FRS Frequencies

The table below lists all the FRS and GMRS channels. FRS only radios have channels 1-14.  Radios with both GMRS and FRS have channels 1-22.