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How To Apply For a GMRS License!!
Step 1. Register for an FRN (Federal Registration Number) Number! CLICK HERE
Step 2. Once You Have Your FRN Number! CLICK HERE
Step 3. Log in Using Your FRN and Password!
Step 4. After Logging in, Click on Apply For New License! (Top Left of the Screen)
Step 5. Select Service, Scroll to the Bottom and Select ZA – General Mobile Radio Service
Step 6. Click Continue and Finish the Required Steps!
Step 7. Make Sure to pay the $35 Fee!
Step 8. Sit Back and Wait….Usually 3 – 5 days depending on when you applied!!!
1. WHAT IS GMRS?
GMRS, the General Mobile Radio Service, is one of the popular radio services in the United States. It’s designed for short-distance two-way voice communication and authorized under FCC part 95E (47 C.F.R, Part 95 Subpart E). Most people that use GMRS not always but mostly it is used in groups off-roading hiking, Marathon and others.
GMRS uses 22 channels in UHF, shares a frequency band with FRS near 462 and 467 MHz. Most GMRS radios, if it’s a repeater capable GMRS radio, has eight or more channels set aside for repeaters.
2. WHAT IS THE GMRS FREQUENCY RANGE?
| Frequency | FRS Channel | FRS Power | FRS Bandwidth | GMRS Power | GMRS Bandwidth | Notes |
| 462.5625 MHz | 1 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 5 W | 20 kHz | (1)(4)(5) |
| 462.5875 MHz | 2 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 5 W | 20 kHz | (1)(4)(5) |
| 462.6125 MHz | 3 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 5 W | 20 kHz | (1)(4)(5) |
| 462.6375 MHz | 4 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 5 W | 20 kHz | (1)(4)(5) |
| 462.6625 MHz | 5 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 5 W | 20 kHz | (1)(4)(5) |
| 462.6875 MHz | 6 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 5 W | 20 kHz | (1)(4)(5) |
| 462.7125 MHz | 7 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 5 W | 20 kHz | (1)(4)(5) |
| 467.5625 MHz | 8 | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | (1)(4)(6) |
| 467.5875 MHz | 9 | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | (1)(4)(6) |
| 467.6125 MHz | 10 | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | (1)(4)(6) |
| 467.6375 MHz | 11 | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | (1)(4)(6) |
| 467.6625 MHz | 12 | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | (1)(4)(6) |
| 467.6875 MHz | 13 | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | (1)(4)(6) |
| 467.7125 MHz | 14 | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | 0.5 W | 12.5 kHz | (1)(4)(6) |
| 462.5500 MHz | 15 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5) |
| 462.5750 MHz | 16 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5) |
| 462.6000 MHz | 17 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5) |
| 462.6250 MHz | 18 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5) |
| 462.6500 MHz | 19 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5) |
| 462.6750 MHz | 20 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5)(7) |
| 462.7000 MHz | 21 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5) |
| 462.7250 MHz | 22 | 2 W | 12.5 kHz | 50 W | 20 kHz | (2)(5) |
| 467.5500 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
| 467.5750 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
| 467.6000 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
| 467.6250 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
| 467.6500 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
| 467.6750 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
| 467.7000 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
| 467.7250 MHz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 W | 20 kHz | (3)(5) |
3. DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL LICENSE FOR OPERATE GMRS RADIO?
YES. To transmit on GMRS channels in the U.S., you do need a license and call sign from FCC (but some GMRS compatible equipment is license-free in Canada). It’s not a ham license and there’s no test.
Basically you just need to pay $35 to FCC for the privilege of using these free airwaves for 10 years.
An individual can have a GMRS license, and it’s perfectly legal to conduct commercial activity on GMRS. You can actually use one license for your entire immediate family. But a company itself cannot have a GMRS license, at least not anymore.
4. DOES A HAM RADIO LICENSE ALLOW ME TO TRANSMIT ON GMRS FREQUENCIES?
A HAM license does not supersede a GMRS license, and a ham license does not authorize a person to transmit on GMRS frequencies.
According to FCC rules part 95.1705, a valid individual license is required to operate a GMRS station. So even if you’re a licensed Ham already, and you want to transmit on GMRS frequencies, you still NEED to apply for a GMRS license on FCC’s official website.
5. CAN I USE A HAM RADIO ON GMRS FREQUENCIES?
A ham radio, unless it’s FCC Part 95E approved, cannot transmit on GMRS frequencies. But if it’s Part 95E certified, it’s called GMRS radio instead of Ham radio. So, for instance, you can’t use UV-5R to transmit on GMRS frequencies (UV-5G would be a right choice).
6. WHAT ANTENNA DOES GMRS USE?
You can directly purchase a standardized GMRS antenna. GMRS radio typically uses a BNC Male or UHF Male connector, it should be pre-tuned and pre-cut. So you don’t have to do anything else but install it.
In addition to this, GMRS is in the UHF band, it means you can use any UHF antenna. But you will have to trim and tune that antenna specifically to the GMRS frequencies.
7 . WHAT IS A GMRS REPEATER?
Repeater is basically a radio that can receive and transmit at the same time. Usually, they have high power and huge antennas. What the repeater does is receive your signal and rebroadcast it over a wider area, and that basically extends your talking range.
Usually, the GMRS repeater is placed somewhere that can reach over a wide area, such as the top of a high mountain. For example, if you’re on one side of a mountain, and you’ve got somebody on another side, you can never talk to each other because of the natural obstacles. But if you get a repeater on top between you guys, you can talk to each other through that repeater.
Comparing with Ham repeater technically, GMRS repeater is just a repeater that is set up to use GMRS frequencies only. The configuration of GMRS repeaters is standardized, but in Ham radio, the configuration is more complicated, it can be what the operator wants it to be. Therefore, GMRS repeaters are much easier to use.
You have to get permission from the repeater owner before you can use the repeater. Most of the repeaters in the United States are privately owned, usually by GMRS radio clubs, but also someone just build a repeater on his roof for personal use.
The GMRS repeater is a limited resource, because it allows only one conversation at a time. So please don’t waste the resource if you’re close enough to talk with each other
8. Why GMRS Radio is Gaining Popularity
GMRS radio has become increasingly popular in various industries due to its versatility and wide range of applications. One of the primary reasons for its growing popularity is that it allows communication over longer distances than other radio services, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities or rural areas where communication can be challenging. GMRS radios also offer better audio quality, enabling users to communicate clearly even in noisy environments.
Another significant advantage of GMRS radios is their compatibility with repeater networks, specifically GMRS repeaters. These networks enhance coverage and extend the range of GMRS radios, making them more reliable for communication purposes. Additionally, GMRS radios provide privacy options such as privacy codes, ensuring secure communication among authorized users. With the ability to utilize GMRS repeaters, GMRS radios are becoming a preferred choice across different industries including construction, emergency services, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Besides their versatility and superior performance capabilities, GMRS radios are also easy to use and affordable compared to other communication devices. They require minimal setup time and can be used by anyone without extensive training or specialized knowledge.
In conclusion, the surge in popularity of GMRS radio can be attributed to its ability to deliver clear and reliable communication over long distances while providing privacy options for secure communication. It is an ideal choice for various industries due to its versatility, affordability, ease of use and compatibility with repeater networks.
9. Advantages of Using GMRS Radio
GMRS radios provide several advantages that make them a popular choice for communication. Firstly, they have higher power output, resulting in better signal strength and a longer range than other handhelds radio services. This allows users to communicate over larger distances, making GMRS radios ideal for outdoor activities or in rural areas with limited cell phone coverage. Secondly, GMRS radios offer more channels and frequencies, enabling clearer communication with reduced interference. Additionally, these radios support various features such as hands-free operation, weather alerts, and compatibility with accessories like headsets and external microphones. This enhances convenience and versatility for users. Lastly, GMRS radios are user-friendly and require minimal setup, making them accessible to individuals without extensive technical knowledge. Overall, the advantages of using GMRS radios make them a reliable and efficient communication tool for a wide range of applications.
10. What makes GMRS Different from other Radio Services?
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is a radio service that stands out from other similar services like FRS (Family Radio Service) and MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service). GMRS boasts higher power output, extended range capabilities, and access to repeater channels. A license from the FCC is mandatory for legal operation of GMRS, unlike FRS. Moreover, compared to MURS, GMRS offers more channels and frequencies, providing greater communication options, including the use of hand-held radios. With these distinct features, GMRS becomes an ideal choice for those who require longer-range communication. Additionally, GMRS can be used for various purposes such as outdoor recreational activities, business operations, or even emergency situations where reliable communication is essential.