A GMRS License costs just $35, is good for ten years, and it covers you and your immediate family (spouse, kids, grandkids, siblings, step-children, step-parents, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws). The family members do not need to live in the same household to be covered by your GMRS License.
Steps to Filing an Application for a new GMRS Station license in the Universal Licensing System (ULS):
- Go to https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do to register for your FCC Registration Number (FRN).
- You will be prompted to register and verify a username account prior to obtaining your FRN.
- Go to https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp, enter your FCC Registration Number and password, and click Submit.
- On the left side of the page, click the Apply for a New License link.
- Choose “ZA – General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)” from the radio service drop-down list and click Continue.
- Continue to navigate through the application. Choose "No" for all answers and click Continue.
- You now fill out the License Name and Address page. If you have a PO Box, just put in the number. Do not write “PO Box”. Note that the name used should be the same name used when you filed for the FRN. (Example: If
“Robert” for the FRN, don’t write “Bob” here.) Then click Continue.
Comment from one of our radio users: It should be noted which information becomes a matter
of public record and which does not. I believe it is the license fields not the FRN fields; but in
any case, there is a certain wisdom to using a PO Box if you have one so as not to disclose
your residence if you are concerned with your privacy (or identity theft). (In so much as
electronic trolls can identify the value of a house from property tax records given an address as
a proxy for affluence and desirability as an ID theft target.)
An email address is not required. You can still find your license on the FCC website if you elect
to omit an email address. The email address is not shown in your record on the ULS website. - On the Basic Qualification Information page, click the pull-down menu to answer the question, and click Continue.
- On the Summary page, review your application and click the Continue to Certify button to continue.
- 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.)
- The form will calculate your fees. Fees for online filing MUST be received within 10 calendar days of the filing.
- Click the Continue For Payment Options button to choose the method of payment.
Further information can be found at fcc.gov/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs.
The GMRS license rules are found in Part 95, Subpart A of the Code of Federal Regulations. The rules are available at ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title47/47tab_02.tpl.
After your application has been granted (24 to 48 hours), you may also download an official copy of your license by following these steps:
- Go to https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp and log in with your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password.
- Click the “Download Electronic Authorizations” link on the navigation bar on the left side of the License Manager home page.
- In the My Authorizations box at the bottom of the page, select the call sign(s) you wish to download.
- Add the call signs to the Authorizations to Download box by clicking the Add button.
- Click the Download button in the lower right-hand corner of the page.
The download will be automatically converted to a PDF file, and you can choose to Open (to print) or Save (to save to a desired folder).
If you have any further questions on a GMRS license or need additional information, please submit a help request online to fcc.gov/wireless/available-support-services or call (877) 480-3201.
FCC Licensing Support Center
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST, M – F
NOTE: We're hearing that new license applications are now taking weeks to process. Until you get your new GMRS license, you can download and fill out THIS FORM and use it as a temporary license permit: dropbox.com/s/34jgg6plupeub4q/Temporary%20GMRS%20License%20Application%20Form.pdf
NOTE: Neighborhood Radio Watch Programs ARE NOT a replacement for Emergency Services such as Police, Fire, the Sheriff's Office or 911. These programs are intended solely as a backup communications solution When All Else Fails.
The El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club is a "not-for-profit," all-volunteer Community Service organization. Members are not reimbursed for their Membership or for services provided to the Community. All of the Community Radio equipment we furnish is provided at or below our out-of-pocket costs, and our general support services are offered free of charge. Radio acquisition, programming, and training workshops provided by our Club Members are free of charge. If people need help installing their equipment at home, unpaid Volunteer assistance may be available. Donations to the Club to sustain our efforts are gratefully accepted but are not required nor expected.
