If you’ve just gotten a GMRS two-way radio you’re all set to start using it. But before you can get started using it, there’s one important thing you need to know how to get a GMRS license.
Getting your GMRS license might seem a bit tricky because it involves dealing with a government agency. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you through the process.
To get your GMRS license, you’ll need to go through a few steps on the Federal Communications Commission’s website. I’ll show you the fast and easy way to do it in this blog post. So let’s dive into it!
Contents
Important Privacy Considerations for Getting Your GMRS License
Before we begin, I want you to know about something important:
When you get a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) license, it’s issued by a government organization called the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC for short. They put these licenses on their website, sorted by call sign, which means anyone can look them up.
If privacy is a big concern for you, here’s what you can do:
consider getting a mailbox at the post office or UPS Store instead of using your home address.
Why? Well, whatever address you give on your GMRS application will show up when someone searches your call sign. And since you’re required to use your call sign when you talk on GMRS, it means anyone nearby can find out where you live if you give out your home address.
So, just something to think about before you go ahead with your GMRS license application.
How Do You Get a GMRS License
Step 1: Getting Your FRN
First, go to the FCC Universal License website. Then, click on the register button.
You’ll need to choose a username and password and give some basic contact information. Also, set up a security question in case you forget your login details.
After you finish this step, the FCC will send you an email to verify your account. Check your email inbox and click on the verification link.
Once you click the link, it will take you back to the registration system. Click on “Register new FRN”.
Make sure to select that you are registering as an individual and that you live in the United States.
Choose the “core’s FRN” option and fill in your information.
Remember, anything with a red asterisk is required. Once you’re done, you’ll get a confirmation page with your FRN number. Write it down because you’ll need it for the next step.
Step 2: Applying For Your GMRS License
To get your GMRS license, go to the FCC’s Universal Licensing System page. Click on the “File Online” link.
You’ll need to enter your FRN number and the password you created earlier.
On the next page, click “Apply for a new license” .
Select “GMRS” from the dropdown menu. Answer a few questions and then enter your contact information. If you’re worried about privacy, you can use a P.O. Box.
Confirm that you’ve never been convicted of a felony, check all the entered information, and click continue.
Sign your name on the application and hit submit. Then, click Continue to payment options. Go back to the FRN login screen and log in again.
Click on the link that says “and bills and fees”, then click “ULS pay fees”. Choose the payer’s FRN and the license application you want to pay for. Continue to select your payment method. You can pay electronically online with your bank account or credit/debit card.
After entering your payment information, you’ll get a confirmation. Now, wait for your call sign to be issued. Keep checking the ULS system to see when it’s ready. Once it’s issued, you’ll see it on the system along with your name and the expiration date of the license.
That’s it! You’ve got your GMRS license. Now you can start using GMRS radio.