Why Do I Need a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) License?
The FCC requires a GMRS license as a way to regulate frequencies that are used by two-way radio devices. Before operating a GMRS radio, a consumer must have a valid license. Radios using the shared FRS/GMRS frequencies that are able to transmit above 2 Watts of power were reclassified as GMRS after FCC Changes that took place in September 2017.
We know the FCC website is a confusing place, so we hope this page helps to demystify the GMRS licensing process. Fair warning, this might be dry but it is important information!
Top GMRS License Takeaways
- Applicant must be 18 years old or older.
- Applicant can not a representative of a foreign government.
- GMRS licenses are only available to individuals (i.e., no new business GMRS licenses).
- Some GMRS licenses are grandfathered in, but that’s a different story for a different time and place.
- No test, just a payment of $35, and the license is good for 10 years.
- The license covers you and your immediate family (spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws). They do not need to live in the same household to be covered by your GMRS License.
- If you have been convicted of a felony in the past, you will need to disclose additional information as to the context of the charges, but this does not mean you will automatically be denied.
- And finally, you must follow the rules set forth by the FCC.
Wait! There are Rules? What Are The FCC Rules?
- If an authorized FCC representative requests to inspect a GMRS station (i.e., anything GMRS; handhelds, mobile units, base units, etc.) the operator must make the station and any station records available.
- No messages can be transmitted in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State, or local law.
- No false or deceptive messages can be transmitted.
- No coded messages with hidden meanings (“10 codes” are permissible – CB users, you know what we mean, but for those of you scratching your head check this link for a 10 Code List). If you can avoid 10 codes, please do so!
- No music, whistling, sound effects, or material to amuse or entertain.
- No ads or offers for the sale of goods or services.
- No ads for political candidates or political campaigns.
- No international distress signals (like Mayday) unless you are in immediate danger.
- No communication with stations in the Amateur Radio Service, any unauthorized station, or any foreign station.
- No continuous or uninterrupted transmissions unless communications have to do with the immediate safety of life or property.
- No messages for public address systems.
- You must identify using your FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at 15-minute intervals during transmissions.
That’s A Lot Of Rules, Why Do I Want GMRS Again?
Increased power, up to 50 watts, and the use of repeaters equal more range, compatibility with FRS radios, and low cost.
What’s the Difference Between GMRS and FRS Radios?
Unlike the FRS (Family Radio Service) band, which many people use with cheap, throw-away blister-pack radios with fixed antennas and very low power limits (0.5 Watts ~ 2 Watts), GMRS allows external antennas and up 5 watts of power for handheld “HT” or “Walkie-Talkie” radios, and up to 50 watts for mobile and base station radios. GMRS radios can also use “repeaters,” greatly increasing their potential operating range. All of this makes GMRS radio a better choice than FRS for serious recreational or emergency communications. In some cases, FRS radios will work just fine depending on your needs (i.e., small subdivisions with homes clustered close together) so base your choice of radios on your specific needs. A family might want some low-cost FRS radios for their children, with a higher power FRS/GMRS radio to reach a repeater, for instance.
Are FRS and GMRS radios compatible with CB?
FRS and GMRS radios use FM transmission in the UHF radio band. Because they operate at a much higher frequency than CB radios (approximately 462 megahertz, compared with 27 megahertz for CB), they can’t communicate with CB radios.
So, How Do I Apply For a GMRS License?
Step-by-step instructions for Getting Your GMRS License can be found here. Be patient and good luck!
#####
R3EMCOMM is a “not-for-profit,” all-volunteer community service organization. Members are not reimbursed for their membership or for services provided to the community. All of the community radio equipment we furnish is provided at or below our out-of-pocket cost, and our general support services are offered free of charge. Radio acquisition, programming, and training workshops are provided by our members free of charge. Unpaid volunteer assistance may be available if you or your neighbors need help installing their equipment at home. Donations to R3EMCOMM to sustain our efforts are gratefully accepted but are not required nor expected.
FRS, GMRS, Ham Radio, and/or the R3EMCOMM Radio Network are NOT a replacement for Emergency Services such as Police, Fire, the Sheriff’s Office, or 911. Programs like the R3EMCOMM Radio Network are intended as a backup communications solution when traditional means of communication are inoperable or when “all else fails.”