General Mobile Radio Service Licenses

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license covers you and your immediate family for 10 years. According to FCC regulations (47 CFR Part 95), a single GMRS license covers the holder and their immediate family members, regardless of age, allowing them to operate stations. Immediate family includes spouses, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Key Details on GMRS Family Coverage:
Definition Scope: The definition specifically includes extended relatives like aunts, uncles, and in-laws, but does not extend to friends or unrelated household members.
No Age Limit: Family members of any age can operate the radios under the licensee's authority.
Residency: The regulations focus on the familial relationship rather than residency.
Responsibility: The licensee is responsible for the proper operation of all stations by family members.
Emergency Exception: Anyone, regardless of relationship, may operate a GMRS station to communicate an emergency message.
The license does not cover friends, partners (unless married), or other relatives not listed above.

How to apply for a GMRS License

Applying for a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license is a straightforward online process through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There is no exam required,

1. Obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN)
If you already have a "Ham" (Amateur) radio license, you already have an FRN and can skip to Step 2.
Visit the FCC CORES System to register for a new account using a permanent email address.
Click on Register
A new page appears labelled Create New Account
Create a Username (a valid email address) and confirm it
Create a password and confirm it
Enter Additional Contact Information (Full name; a secondary email address; phone number)
Select a Security Question and give an answer.
Click on the Create Account button at the bottom.
Return to the FCC CORES System login page and login.
Once logged in, select "Register New FRN".
Choose "An Individual" as the registration type and provide your legal name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN) as required for identification.
Your 10-digit FRN will be issued almost immediately; write it down, as you will need it for the application and future renewals.

2. Apply for the GMRS License
Go to the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) Manager and log in using your FRN and the password you created.
Click the "Apply for a New License" link on the left-hand sidebar.
Select "ZA - General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)" from the dropdown menu (it is often at the very bottom of the list).
Follow the prompts to fill out your contact information and answer regulatory questions, such as those regarding felony convictions.
On the Summary page, review your application and click "Continue to Certify" to sign by typing your name.

3. Pay the Licensing Fee
The current application fee is $35.
After submitting your application, click "Continue For Payment Options".
Log back into the FCC CORES system if prompted and select "View/Make Payments" under the FRN Financial tab.
Payment can be made via credit/debit card, electronic debit from a bank account, or wire transfer.

4. Receive Your Call Sign
The FCC typically processes GMRS licenses within 24 to 72 hours, though it can sometimes take up to a week.
You will receive an official notification via email to your primary email address.
You can also manually download your license by logging into the ULS License Manager and selecting "Download Electronic Authorizations" using your FRN number.