Obtaining A GMRS License

“An FCC license is required to operate within the GMRS system. Licenses are issued for a ten-year term and can be renewed between 90 days prior to the expiration date and up to the actual expiration date of the license. After a license expires, an individual must request a new GMRS license.”

“You may apply for a GMRS license if you are 18 years or older and not a representative of a foreign government. If you receive a license, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and units within the licensed system.”

The current license fee is $35. This fee covers the 10 year license period and all immediate family members. Whenever the FCC issues a GMRS license, a call sign will be granted which is how you will identify on the air. FCC regulations require ID’ing by saying your call sign every 15 minutes. 

Applying for a license is done online using the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS). The ULS website is not the most intuitive and can be challenging, but it’s the only way to apply for the license and pay the $35 fee. 

To apply for a GMRS license, click here to access the FCC Universal Licensing System.

1. Register as a new user of the CORES system to obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN). 

2. Once you obtain your FRN, you may apply for a GMRS license by clicking the File Online link on the main page of the ULS. 

3. Once logged in, look on the left side of the screen and click “Apply for a New License”. Using the drop down box, you will see all available radio services. Scroll the whole way to the bottom until you find ZA - General Mobile Radio Service. Make the selection and follow the directions. 

FCC Regulations | 47 CFR Part 95 Subpart E - GMRS