What Is a GMRS License and How Can I Get One?

The Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies. In order to operate a GMRS radio, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requires you to obtain a GMRS license. This licensing requirement allows the FCC to better regulate the frequencies that two-way radios utilize. The process for getting a GMRS license can be a bit nuanced, so we’re here to help! 

Some Quick GMRS Licensing Details:

• No test required! Simply fill out the information, pay $35 and you’ll be covered for 10 years. This can all be done online! 
• A license covers you and any immediate family (spouse, kids, siblings, parents, etc.)
• You must be 18 year or older to apply for a GMRS license
• You can not be a representative of a foreign government
• GMRS licenses are only granted to individuals, a business can not apply for a GMRS license
• If you’ve been convicted of a felony in the past, you can still obtain a license but will be required to provide additional details regarding the charges
• Most importantly, remember to familiarize yourself with the rules the FCC has in place for GMRS radios

Step-by-Step Instructions for Obtaining a GMRS License Online:

You can obtain an FCC-issued GMRS license for your family online in a matter of minutes! Here are the steps:

1. Obtain a 10-digit FRN (FCC Registered Number) from the Commission Registration System (CORES) the FCC Help Desk can be helpful with any FRN related questions! 
2. If you don’t have a Username, click “Register”
3. Once you’ve obtained your FRN, you can apply for a GMRS License in the FCC’s License Manager
4. Once logged in, you will see an option at the top of the left-hand sidebar to “Apply for a new license" 
5. In the dropdown, scroll all the way to the bottom to “ZA - General Mobile Radio”
6. Simply click “Continue” to follow the rest of the application to obtain your license and pay the $35 fee!
7. Remember to keep track of your license number. Consider committing it to memory or printing it out to have it easily accessible.

If you have any questions about the license application or need assistance in the process, you can absolutely contact the FCC at 1-888-CALLFCC or submit a request for help through the FCC Licensing Help Center.

FCC Rules for GMRS:

All the rules and regulations set out by the FCC for operating a GMRS radio can be found in Title 47, Part 95, Subpart E of the Code of Federal Regulations. A few rules to briefly mention are:

• If an authorized FCC representative requests to inspect a GMRS station, the operator must make the station and any station records available for inspection.
• GMRS stations must not communicate:
• Messages in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State, or local law
• False or deceptive messages 
• Coded messages or messages with hidden meanings (“10 codes” are permissible)
• Music, whistling, sound effects or material to amuse or entertain; 
• Advertisements or offers for the sale of goods or services 
• Advertisements for a political candidate or political campaign (messages about the campaign business may be communicated) 
• International distress signals, such as the word “Mayday” (except when on a ship, aircraft or other vehicle in immediate danger to ask for help)
• Messages which are both conveyed by a wireline control link and transmitted by a GMRS station
• Messages (except emergency messages) to any station in the Amateur Radio Service, to any unauthorized station, or to any foreign station
• Continuous or uninterrupted transmissions, except for communications involving the immediate safety of life or property
• Messages for public address systems
• Each GMRS station must be identified by transmission of its FCC-assigned call sign at the end of transmissions and at periodic intervals during transmissions

We hope this helps you get your GMRS license and if there are any questions about the process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at support@rockytalkie.com.