Obtaining Your GMRS License

Do I Need an FCC License?

If you wish to operate your radio only using the FRS and/or MURS frequencies, you do not need an FCC license. If you plan to operate your radio using GMRS and/or HAM frequencies, you do indeed need the appropriate FCC license.

How do I apply for my General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) License?

They say there is no test required to get a GMRS license. This is not necessarily true. Navigating the clumsy and confusing FCC website is a test of your patience to say the least.

There are two separate actions involved in getting your GMRS license:

1. Registering with the FCC
2. Applying for a new license

Both of the above actions are performed here: The FCC Universal Licensing System

By registering with the FCC, you will obtain a FCC Username (your email address) and an FRN (FCC Registration Number). This ten digit number is required when applying for any FCC license, so we start here.

To register with the FCC, click on the above link, look under Filing and select New User Registration. On the next screen, click the REGISTER button under “Need a Username?” and fill out the Create New Account form. After clicking the Create Account button you will be assigned your FRN. At this point you are officially registered with the FCC.

To apply for your GMRS license, return to The FCC Universal Licensing System and again, look under Filing, but this time select File Online. It will ask you to login using your FRN and Password.

Once logged in, you will be in the FCC License Manager. At the top of the menu on the left, select “Apply for a New License”. This will guide you through six steps:

1. Radio Service (type of license)
2. Applicant Questions
3. Licensee Information
4. Basic Qualification
5. Summary
6. Certification

Instructions

Step 1: Choose ZA – General Mobile Radio (GMRS) from the Radio Service dropdown box and click the CONTINUE button

Step 2: Answer the three Applicant Questions and click the CONTINUE button

Step 3: Fill out the Licensee Name and Address form then click the CONTINUE button

Step 4: Answer the Basic Qualification Information question and click the CONTINUE button

Step 5: Review the application Summary and click the CONTINUE TO CERTIFY button

Step 6: Read the fine print, sign the form and click the SUBMIT APPLICATION button

You will then be guided through the payment process and your application will be officially submitted to the FCC for processing. Within a few days you will receive your GMRS callsign via email, at which time you will be eligible to operate your radio on any of the GMRS frequencies and local GMRS repeaters.