Getting a GMRS License

Overview

  • If you plan to transmit using a GMRS radio, you will need a GMRS license.
  • A GMRS license is not the same as an Amateur Radio (ham) license.
  • No test is required to get a GMRS license.
  • The license costs $35 and is valid for ten years. That’s less than a penny per day.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age to get a GMRS license.
  • The license covers every member of your family, including parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren.
  • When your license is approved, the FCC will issue you a personal GMRS call sign (e.g. “ABCD123”). You and your family members will use this call sign to identify yourselves when you are transmitting.

FCC Rules

  • You must state your call sign at the beginning of each transmission and every 15 minutes during a lengthy conversation.
  • You must avoid using obscene language. GMRS is a family-oriented band and you should always assume that children are listening.
  • You must not intentionally interfere with other people’s communications.
  • You are not permitted to broadcast music.
  • You must use a radio that has been approved by the FCC for use on the GMRS band. If your radio is labeled as a “GMRS radio”, then it is probably safe to assume that it has been approved.

Before You Spend Money…

  • Be sure to check the repeater coverage maps to ensure that a good signal is available in the areas where you plan to use the repeaters.

How to Get a GMRS License

Step 1 – Create an FCC Username Account

  1. Go to the FCC Registration/Login page (https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do) and click the REGISTER button.
  2. Enter your email address in the Username field. Choose a password and enter your personal contact information. Then click the Create Account button to submit the request.
  3. Wait for an email from the FCC containing a link to confirm your email address. Go ahead and click the link. The FCC will now create your Username Account. This typically takes only a few seconds.

Step 2 – Get an FCC Registration Number (FRN)

  1. Go to the FCC Registration/Login page (https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do) and log into your Username Account using your email address and password.
  2. Click the Register New FRN link.
  3. Check the box to register as an Individual. (GMRS licenses cannot be registered to an organization)
  4. Click the Continue button.
  5. Check the box to select a CORES FRN Registration.
  6. Click the Continue button.
  7. Enter the personal contact information to be associated with your FRN.
  8. Click the Submit button.
  9. Wait for an email from the FCC containing your FRN. The FCC website says that this typically takes about 15 minutes.

Step 3 – Apply for a GMRS License

  1. Go to the FCC License Manager page (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp) and sign in.
  2. Click the Apply for a New License link at the upper left corner of the License Manager window.
  3. Select ZA – General Mobile Radio (GMRS) from the drop-down list.
  4. Click to Continue button.
  5. Answer No to the questions related to Request Type and Fee Status.
  6. Click the Continue button.
  7. Enter the personal contact info to be associated with your GMRS license.
  8. Click the Continue button.
  9. Indicate whether you have ever been convicted of a felony.
  10. Click the Continue button.
  11. Review your GMRS license parameters. Edit and make changes if necessary.
  12. Click the CONTINUE TO CERTIFY button.
  13. Select a payment method by clicking the appropriate Continue button.
  14. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
  15. Wait for an email from the FCC containing your GMRS call sign. This typically takes from two to five days.