If you want to get a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) permit, you must submit a GMRS license application form to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). I have discussed the process to get the GMRS license online.
However, you must be 18 years or older to apply. Also, you are required to obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN number) to log in to the FCC licensing system.
You don’t pay for the FRN number, but there is a fee you pay when applying for your GMRS license.
Once you have your GMRS license, you’ll be able to use GMRS frequencies and operate a GMRS radio with up to 50 watts of output power. You’ll also get permission to use repeaters to extend the range of your radio signal.
Step By Step Guide On GMRS License Application
The GMRS license application procedure is straightforward, and there are no tests involved as it is the case with Ham radio license. So there is no reason to get tensed.
Actually, the process takes only a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get GMRS license.
Step 1: Get Your FRN Number
The first step to getting your GMRS license is getting an FRN number. Go to FCC Registration System and navigate the registration page. Then click on “REGISTER” under “Register and Receive Your FRN”.
On the next part that opens, go ahead and select “Individual” and confirm whether your address is within the U.S., then click “CONTINUE”. Once you are through filling out the form, click on SUBMIT, and the system will assign you an FRN.
Step 2: Apply For Your GMRS License
Once you have your FRN number, the next step is applying for a GMRS license. Using your assigned FRN and password, log in to Universal Licensing System (ULS).
Once you are logged in, click on “Apply For A New License” in the upper left corner of your screen. From the drop-down menu that appears, select “ZA –General Mobile Radio” (GMRS) and click CONTINUE.
Step 3: Answer The Felony Questions
The next page asks you whether you have any history of felony. Fill out the GMRS license application form giving true and correct information, then hit CONTINUE.
What opens next is a summary of your application. If you would like to change any information on the form, you can do it by clicking the appropriate EDIT button.
Once you are comfortable with the info on this page, click on CONTINUE TO CERTIFY.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Form
After you have certified that all the information on the GMRS license application form is correct, the next step is to submit it. At this point, you will also fill in your name and title. Click NEXT to proceed to fee payment and confirmation of the application.
Clicking on CONTINUE FOR PAYMENT OPTIONS will take you to another page where you must use your FRN and password to log in. Here you will find a variety of payment methods. Choose the one that works best for you.
Once you fill in the payment information, select CONTINUE then, proceed and make the payment, and you are through!
Step 5: Get Your GMRS License
Once the application process is over, you may have to wait for about 24 hours to get your permit. Eventually, you will get an email notification once your license is ready.
However, to download a copy of your GMRS license, you need to log in to the FCC website and click DOWNLOAD from the “My License” page.
Recommended GMRS Radios To Start With
| SL. | Brand & Model | Radio Type | Number of Channels | Max Talking Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Midland GXT1050VP4 | Handheld GMRS | 50 | 36 Miles |  |
| 2 |  Midland MXT275 | GMRS Mobile | 8 | 50 Miles | |
| 3 |  Midland MXT575 | GMRS Base Station | 15 | 50 Miles | |
Frequently Asked Questions
i. How do I get a US GMRS license?
There are two ways you can use to apply for a GMRS license. Specifically, you can fill out FCC Form 605 or an online GMRS license application form.
However, before getting to that point, you need to be an adult U.S. citizen to obtain a permit in the United States. In addition, you need an FRN number for the process to go through.
Getting an FRN doesn’t cost anything, but you will have to pay a fee for the license. Once the FCC approves your application, you will get an email notification, and you can download and print your copy.
ii. What happens if I use GMRS without a license?
The law requires that everyone who uses the GMRS service should have an FCC license. If you have a radio device that can transmit signals above 2watts, then the rule is you have to get a permit.
The FCC takes unauthorized use of GMRS radios very seriously and actively enforces its licensing requirements to ensure the proper and safe use of these radio systems.
If you use GMRS radio without a license, you may be subject to enforcement action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
This can include fines, equipment confiscation, and other legal penalties. Actually, the license fee is almost negligible. The exact consequences depend on the severity and GMRS frequencies of the unauthorized use.
iii. How much does a GMRS license cost?
As mentioned above, you need to pay a fee to obtain a GMRS license. Fortunately, the commission has lowered the permit fee from $70 to $35. The license covers all the immediate family members of the licensee, and it’s renewable every 10 years.
iv. How long does it take to get GMRS license?
Generally, when submitting your GMRS license application form online, it takes about 2 working days to get the license. However, there could be variations, and there are times you can get your permit in 24hour.
However, if you make an application on a Friday or over the weekend, you will likely get your license on the following Tuesday morning.
v. How do I check the status of my GMRS license application?
After you are through with the application process, you will get a notification in your email once the license is ready. However, to check on the status of your application, you need to go to the ULS website.
Once you are in, click the application search button. Next, set the search type to general and continue. Choose whether to search by licensee number or by name and submit.
Final Take
In conclusion, it’s not difficult to get a GMRS license, but you will need to submit a GMRS license application form to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) properly.
The application will require you to prove that you are over 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Also, you need an FRN number to get GMRS license.
The process is relatively inexpensive and straightforward, and the benefits of having a GMRS license are many. With a GMRS license, you’ll have access to more channels and more power, meaning you can reach a wider audience and communicate effectively.
Hi, I am Jeff, a dedicated author in radiothoughts.com and sharing my own experience on the field of electronics and radio communication engineering. I am also checking facts for other published articles here.
I love to learn the latest technologies on radio communication and write here about that to help readers to be up-to-date. I have used a lot of radios, electronics, and communication devices. Now I can easily advice to beginners or learners regarding different radios.