A GMRS License is inexpensive ($35) and easy to get!
• A GMRS License obtained through the FCC is necessary to operate a GMRS Radio.
• GMRS licenses are valid for 10 years and cover your immediate family regardless of age.
• Rugged Radios makes obtaining a license easy - just follow the simple steps below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GMRS?
General Mobile Radio Service, or GMRS radios, are the solution for recreational communications. GMRS is highly popular, easy to use, and walkie-talkie compatible - allowing you to talk to any GMRS and FRS handheld radio on the market. GMRS radios operate on specific UHF1 frequencies around 462 MHz and 467 MHz that are set aside by the FCC for general public use. UHF excels in transmitting through wooded environments, around town, or in any sitation where there are obstructions when compared to other frequency ranges like VHF2. Because of this, GMRS is popular for overland, Jeep, camping, outdoor/adventure, and general recreational uses.
GMRS = General Mobile Radio Service
1 UHF = Ultra High Frequency
2 VHF = Very High Frequency
Why do I need my GMRS License?
A valid FCC license is necessary to legally operate a GMRS radio. Thankfully, there are no tests required to obtain a GMRS license, they are valid for 10 years, and they cover your immediate family—regardless of age! As an added bonus, your GMRS license now costs ONLY $35 as of April 19, 2022 — 50% less than the previous $70 fee!
What can my Rugged GMRS radio talk to?
In addition to Rugged Radios GMRS Handhelds and GMRS Mobile Radios, your Rugged GMRS radios will be able to talk to radios from Midland, Motorola, Uniden, Cobra, BCA, and other GMRS/FRS radios. When you walk into a department store and purchase a walkie talkie, you likely just purchased a GMRS or FRS radio.
Licensing Requirements
- License Required:A GMRS license is mandatory for operating a GMRS system and costs $35 for a 10-year term.
- Eligibility:Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and not be a representative of a foreign government.
- Family Coverage:The license extends to the licensee's immediate family members, including their spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
- No Exams:There are no tests or exams required to obtain a GMRS license.
- Application:Apply online through the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Licensing System (ULS) by registering for a Federal Registration Number (FRN).
Key Operating Rules
- Permissible Content:Transmissions must not include music, whistling, sound effects, ads for goods or services, political candidate ads, or false/deceptive messages.
- Call Sign Identification:You must transmit your FCC-assigned call sign at the end of a transmission or periodically during a series lasting over 15 minutes.
- No International Distress Signals:Do not use international distress signals like "Mayday" unless in an immediate emergency.
- No Unauthorized Communication:Do not communicate with stations in the Amateur Radio Service, any unauthorized station, or any foreign station.
- No Continuous Transmissions:Avoid continuous or uninterrupted transmissions unless they relate to the immediate safety of life or property.
Equipment & Interference
- Licensed Equipment: You must use equipment that is approved for the GMRS service.
- Repeater Rules: Linking multiple repeaters to extend range is prohibited.
- Frequency Deviation: Adhere to strict rules for frequency deviation to prevent interference on GMRS channels.
GMRS vs. FRS
- Family Radio Service (FRS):This service is licensed-by-rule, meaning a license isn't needed for FRS-only devices, which are designed for short-range, low-power communications.
- Shared Channels:GMRS and FRS share some frequencies, but GMRS requires a license to operate on these shared channels.
GMRS Tone Codes and Frequencies
GMRS tone codes help keep your radio channel clear by blocking out chatter from other users, so you only hear people on your same tone. GMRS frequencies, which run between 462 and 467 MHz, give you clear and dependable communication for off-roading, camping, and outdoor adventures.
Follow the steps below to get your GMRS License today!
STEP 1: FCC REGISTRATION NUMBER (FRN)
I DO NOT HAVE AN FRN
- Go to the FCC website: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
- Click "Register"
- Answer two "Yes/No" questions
- Fill out the FRN Registration Form
I ALREADY HAVE AN FRN & I KNOW IT
- Go to the FCC website: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
- Click "Update"
- Log in ith your FRN and password
- Confirm that all of your information is up-to-date
I ALREADY HAVE AN FRN, BUT I FORGOT IT
- Go to the FCC website: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
- Click "Search"
- Select your preferred search criteria (FRN, business name, last name, or EIN) from the drop down list
- Fill in the criteria and press "search" — Advanced Search is available as a great tool to refine your search if needed
- Once you have your FRN, follow the directions above!
CONGRATULATIONS — STEP 1, DONE!
Write down the FRN at the top of your screen and be sure to print/save the page for your records — you'll want to know your FRN!
STEP 2: GMRS LICENSE
HAVE YOUR FRN FROM STEP 1 HANDY!
- Go to the FCC website: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
- Log in with your FRN and password
- Click "Apply for a New License" in the left hand column
- Select "ZA - General Mobile Radio (GMRS)" from the drop down list — it's all the way at the bottom!
- Answer three "Yes/No" questions
- Fill out your Licensee name and address
- Answer one "Yes/No" question
- Confirm your information and press "Continue to Certify"
- Sign your certification and press "Submit Application"
- Continue for payment options
NOW JUST $35 AS OF APRIL 19, 2022 — 50% LESS THAN THE PREVIOUS $70 FEE!
- Log into your FCC account with your FRN and password
- Press "Make Payment" and choose from the given payment options: pay from bank account, pay by credit or debit card, pay by wire transfer, or pay by check/money order
- Let Rugged cover the cost of your license! Use code GMRS35 at checkout. Promotion applies to eligible items only. Excludes pre-discounted bundles (2 Pack - Rugged GMR2 PLUS).
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have completed your application and your payment is being processed. Once your GMRS license is granted (typically within 1-5 days), the FCC will send you an email and you'll be ready to chat with your friends on your GMRS radios! Hooray!
16 comments
Deseo sacar la lic. FRN gracias .
Good information on the GMRS Model Radio and Codes information. well done
Gracias por tan exente explicacion…
I obtained my GMRS license quite a bit back and had latched onto various different radio brands on the market. MURS, FRS then GMRS HT’s. I evaluated quite a few and had been getting some negative feedback on the RR brand. I retired from Law Enforcement in 2012 and being that I need to see things first hands before I believe most things, I had to give RR brand a fair shake. Happened to be a sale y’all sent me a flyer on and I grabbed two of the white label GMR2 Plus’ HT. The radios got here to the southern Salinas Valley pretty darn quick. I know y’all are just a stone throw away but I was impressed with that. Right out of the package I knew what I had heard was wrong. These HT’s were solid, easy to use, light weight and of very decent quality. I cranked on the power button, squeezed the PTT and I was on the air in a matter of seconds. Speaker was just right for an old guy with hearing loss. I kind of cheated a bit with the next part, as it dealt with custom programming my handset with the frequencies and “special codes” to access repeaters that I wanted. Man oh man, it was a breeze. I did have to get a programming cable (k2 plug) and the programming software from an outside source to do it though. That would be my only complaint is that maybe y’all could find it in your hearts to include said CPS in the deal. Regardless, I accidentally used a CH340 chip cable I had laying around from the other radios I have and the son of a gun worked like a champ. I don’t have to use the cable I had purchased. I kept it anyway as you never know. I am extremely happy with the purchase knowing this is going to last for a long time. I highly recommend Rugged Radios GMR2 Plus if you’re in need of this type of HT. I’ll be visiting the Arroyo Grande store physically pretty soon. I’m bringing some extra dead Presidents in green back format. Thank you folks!
Got the recommendation from TrailRecon and its good to see Heady D uses your products as well. Website instructions helped navigate the process. Thanks for the help. Ordered my handheld today. It will be a great place for me to get started for my off roading and overlanding. Something bigger and mounted to come in the future.
The FCC site was confusing but your instructions made it easy to register for my license. My Rugged GMRS FRS 2-way radios keep communications flowing on the trail, at the camp, or on the evacuation route for hurricanes.
Deseo Optener mi licencia MERS
Deseo tener mi licencia
Saludos yo me había registrado antes y pague la cuota y hasta la fecha no me han enviado numero de licencia. Mi FRN # 0035173673.
The FCC website for licensing is very complicated to navigate but the instruction provided on this website simplified the process. I purchased my radio through RPGraphix and waiting on installation. Looking forward to using my new GMR45 GMRS Band Mobile Radio.