What is GMRS?
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. In 2017, the FCC expanded GMRS to also allow short data messaging applications including text messaging and GPS location information.
Licensing
An FCC license is required to operate 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 FCC service rules for the GMRS are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95 Subpart E. You can find information about GMRS licensing in the rules.
Do I need a GMRS License?
YES! The FCC allows GMRS radios to have more power than CB and FRS radios, up to 50W versus the 4 watts allotted to CBs. The GMRS spectrum is broken up into 22 channels, which are shared with FRS, with 8 additional repeater channels (Ch23/15R- Ch30/22R) that are exclusive to GMRS and may only be used by licensed GMRS operators. GMRS frequencies range from 462.5625 to 467.7250
How do I get a GMRS License?
You must first register for an FRN (FCC Registration Number) as a Domestic Individual, letting you pay the FCC for the license. Once you receive your FRN, which typically happens moments after submitting the form, you are able to fill out the online application and purchase your GMRS license. Information directly from the FCC on how to do so below.
After your register for your FRN
1. ​Log in with FRN
2. ​On the left side of the page, click the 'Apply for a New License' link.
3. Choose “ZA – General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)” from the radio service drop down list.
4. Click 'Continue'
5. On the Summary page, review your application and click the 'Continue to Certify' button.
6. On the Certification page, sign your application by typing your name in the boxes provided and click the Submit button (the Title box is optional).
7. ULS will calculate the fees. Fees for online filing MUST be received within 10 calendar days of the filing.
8. Click the 'Continue For Payment Options' button to choose the method of payment.
If you have any further questions on a GMRS license or need additional information, please submit a help request online to the FCC Licensing Support Center or call (877) 480-3201.
FCC Licensing Support Center: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST, M – F
How do the Frequencies Work?
GMRS, short for General Mobile Radio Service, is a mobile UHF 2-way radio service in the U.S. that requires users to obtain a license. This frequency chart also applies to FRS, or Family Radio Service, as GMRS and FRS use the same frequencies and thus, can communicate with each other.
Channel | TX Frequency | RX Frequency | Band | Transmission Mode | FRS Max Watts | GMRS Max Watts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 462.5625 | 462.5625 | FRS/GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 5W |
2 | 462.5875 | 462.5875 | FRS/GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 5W |
3 | 462.6125 | 462.6125 | FRS/GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 5W |
4 | 462.6375 | 462.6375 | FRS/GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 5W |
5 | 462.6625 | 462.6625 | FRS/GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 5W |
6 | 462.6875 | 462.6875 | FRS/GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 5W |
7 | 462.7125 | 462.7125 | FRS/GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 5W |
8 | 467.5625 | 467.5625 | FRS | Simplex | .5W | .5W |
9 | 467.5875 | 467.5875 | FRS | Simplex | .5W | .5W |
10 | 467.6125 | 467.6125 | FRS | Simplex | .5W | .5W |
11 | 467.6375 | 467.6375 | FRS | Simplex | .5W | .5W |
12 | 467.6625 | 467.6625 | FRS | Simplex | .5W | .5W |
13 | 467.6875 | 467.6875 | FRS | Simplex | .5W | .5W |
14 | 467.7125 | 467.7125 | FRS | Simplex | .5W | .5W |
15 | 462.5500 | 462.5500 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
16 | 462.5750 | 462.5750 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
17 | 462.6000 | 462.6000 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
18 | 462.6250 | 462.6250 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
19 | 462.6500 | 462.6500 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
20 | 462.6750 | 462.6750 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
21 | 462.7000 | 462.7000 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
22 | 462.7250 | 462.7250 | GMRS | Simplex | 2W | 50W |
23 / 15RP | 467.5500 | 462.5500 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |
24 / 16RP | 467.5750 | 462.5750 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |
25 / 17RP | 467.6000 | 462.6000 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |
26 / 18RP | 467.6250 | 462.6250 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |
27 / 19RP | 467.6500 | 462.6500 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |
28 / 20RP | 467.6750 | 462.6750 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |
29 / 21RP | 467.7000 | 462.7000 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |
30 / 22RP | 467.7250 | 462.7250 | GMRS | Duplex | Prohibited | 50W |