Get Your GMRS License

How to Get a GMRS License: Step-by-Step Guide

A General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license is issued directly by the FCC to an eligible individual.

• Cost: $35 application fee paid to the FCC

• Term: Valid for 10 years

• Exam Required: None (no test needed)

• Coverage: One license covers the licensee and their qualifying immediate family members

What You Need Before You Begin

An individual is eligible for a GMRS license if they are at least 18 years old and not a representative of a foreign government. The license is issued to a specific person, not to a business, club, or commercial entity.

Make sure you have the following ready before starting:

• An active email address you can access to receive FCC security verification codes (two-factor authentication).

• Your legal full name and current mailing address.

• A credit card or bank payment method to pay the $35 FCC filing fee.

• Your existing 10-digit FCC Registration Number (FRN), if you have previously registered with the FCC.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create or Access Your FCC Username

Go to the FCC CORES Portal: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do

• If you do not have an account, click Register under "Need a Username?" to set up an FCC account.

• Verify your account through the confirmation email sent by the FCC and configure your two-factor authentication.

• Log in with your registered username and password.

Step 2: Register or Associate Your FRN

An FCC Registration Number (FRN) is a unique 10-digit identifier required for all FCC filings.

• If you are new: Inside CORES, choose Register New FRN to create an individual FRN.

• If you already have an FRN: Select Associate Username to FRN so your existing number links to your login. Do not generate unnecessary duplicate FRNs.

Step 3: Open the FCC ULS License Manager

Go to the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) License Manager: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

• Sign in using your 10-digit FRN and account password.

• On the left-hand navigation menu of the My Licenses screen, click Apply for a New License.

Step 4: Select Radio Service Code "ZA"

• In the drop-down menu under "Select the Radio Service for the license you wish to apply for", scroll down and select:
  ZA – General Mobile Radio Service

• Click Continue.

• Work through the standard applicant questionnaire:
  ⚬ Select your applicant type as Individual.
  ⚬ Confirm your legal name, physical address, and contact information.
  ⚬ Complete the basic qualification/felony eligibility questions and sign the certification electronically.

Step 5: Submit the Application and Pay the Fee

• Review your application summary screen to verify that all personal information is accurate.

• Click Submit Application.

• After submission, proceed immediately to the FCC payment screen.

• Pay the $35 application fee using a credit card or electronic funds transfer.

• Save or print your confirmation page and write down your FCC File Number for tracking.

⚬ Note: If you run into a session timeout or redirection glitch during checkout, log directly into FCC CORES at https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do, view "Manage Existing FRNs / Financial Operations", and pay the pending fee balance under your FRN.

Step 6: Retrieve Your Call Sign

• The FCC typically processes and grants GMRS applications within 1 to 3 business days (often overnight on weekdays).

• Your FRN is strictly an administrative account number—it is not your call sign.

• Once approved, look up your official call sign using the FCC ULS License Search: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp

• You can also log back into the ULS License Manager to download the official PDF copy of your electronic authorization for your records.

Operating Checklist Once Licensed

• Download & Save: Keep an electronic copy or printed copy of your official FCC license authorization.

• Identify on the Air: State your assigned FCC call sign at the end of a transmission or exchange, and at least once every 15 minutes during continuous conversation.

• Family Privileges: Your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws may operate under your call sign.

• Use Compliant Radios: Use FCC Part 95E certified GMRS equipment and observe power limits (0.5W, 5W, or 50W depending on the channel).

• Repeater Etiquette: If utilizing local duplex repeaters, confirm operating rules and obtain permission or membership access if required by the repeater trustee.