GMRS License Checklist

Answer six questions. You’ll get your eligibility under 47 CFR 95.1705, who your license covers, and the FCC steps to apply or renew. It runs in your browser; nothing is stored.

GMRS license checklist

1. Eligibility (47 CFR 95.1705, 95.305)

2. Who will use your radios?

Your checklist

Not eligible for a new license yet. 95.1705(a)(1): only an individual at least 18 years old can get a new GMRS license. A licensed parent or other immediate family member can let you operate their station (95.1705(c)(2)).

Not eligible. 95.305(c): foreign governments and their representatives are not authorized to operate Personal Radio Service stations.

You are covered. Your existing license (10-year term, 95.1705(e)) already covers your stations. Keep your call sign handy for station identification (95.1751).

Renew now. The FCC says GMRS licenses can be renewed from 90 days before expiration up to the expiration date, in ULS. Renewal fee: $35.

Expired: the FCC says that after a license expires you must apply for a new GMRS license. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Get an FCC username and FRN in CORES (apps.fcc.gov/cores). An FRN is a 10-digit number assigned to individuals and businesses that do business with the FCC.

Step 2: Log in to ULS License Manager with your FRN, choose “Apply for a New License” and select ZA – General Mobile Radio (GMRS).

Step 3: Certify and submit, then pay the $35 application fee (FCC fee code PRAM) in CORES under Bills and Fees.

Step 4: Watch for your call sign in ULS. The license term is 10 years (95.1705(e)).

You already have an FRN, so you can skip step 1. Log in to ULS with it.

Not sure? If you have ever held an FCC license, look up your call sign in ULS License Search. Your FRN is shown on the result.

Family: one license covers immediate family members you allow to operate: spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws (95.1705(c)(2)). You stay responsible for proper operation (95.1705(b)), including minors (95.1743).

Friends and co-workers are not covered by your license. Each needs their own GMRS license, except that anyone may use your station to send an emergency message (95.1705(c)(3)). They can still use your repeater if you allow it (95.1705(d)(2)).

Repeater: no separate license is needed. Repeaters transmit on the 462 MHz main channels and listen on the 467 MHz main channels (95.1763), with up to 50 W output (95.1767(a)). Linking repeaters over the internet to carry communications is prohibited (95.1733(a)(8), 95.1749).

Sources: FCC rules 47 CFR Part 95 Subpart E (eCFR, checked Oct 12, 2026) and the FCC GMRS page and personal-service fee table. General information, not legal advice.

Where the answers come from

  • Eligibility: individuals at least 18 years old who aren’t foreign government representatives (95.1705(a), 95.305).
  • Who may operate: you, immediate family members you allow, and anyone sending an emergency message (95.1705(c)).
  • Term and renewal: 10 years (95.1705(e)). The FCC GMRS page describes renewing in ULS from 90 days before expiration.
  • Fee: $35 for a new license or renewal (FCC fee table).
  • Repeaters: no separate license; the owner decides who may use it (95.1705(d)).

For the full walkthrough, see How to Get a GMRS License. This checklist is general information, not legal advice.

Printed from https://gmrsplanner.com/gmrs-license-checklist/ · GMRS Planner (gmrsplanner.com). Sources are listed on the page.