Rules note: You need an FCC license to transmit on GMRS (47 CFR 95.1705). Use only FCC-certified GMRS radios, and stay within the power and channel limits for your station type. This is general information, not legal advice. The eCFR text of Part 95 Subpart E is the authority.
GMRS and FRS radios look alike, and they share every FRS channel. The differences come down to licensing, power, antennas and repeater access, and they’re all written into Part 95. Here’s how the two services compare, rule by rule.
On this page
At a glance
| FRS | GMRS | |
|---|---|---|
| License | None (95.305) | Required, $35 for 10 years (95.1705, FCC fees) |
| Channels | 22 (95.563) | 30: 16 main + 14 interstitial (95.1763) |
| Max power | 2 W ERP on ch 1–7 and 15–22; 0.5 W on 8–14 (95.567) | Up to 50 W output on main channels for mobile, repeater and base (95.1767) |
| Antenna | Non-removable, gain no more than a half-wave dipole (95.587) | Detachable antennas allowed on many radios, e.g. mobiles. GMRS handhelds that send digital data must have a non-removable antenna (95.1787) |
| Repeaters | No: FRS has no 467 MHz main channels | Yes, via the 467 MHz main input channels (95.1763(c)) |
| Talk to each other | Yes: GMRS stations may talk with FRS units (95.1731) | Yes |
Shared channels
“All of the FRS channels are also allotted to the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) on a shared basis” (95.563). The common 1–22 channel numbers come from the FRS table:
- Channels 1–7: 462.5625–462.7125 MHz.
- Channels 8–14: 467.5625–467.7125 MHz.
- Channels 15–22: 462.5500–462.7250 MHz.
GMRS adds eight 467 MHz main channels (467.5500–467.7250 MHz). These are repeater inputs.
Power: the biggest difference
FRS radios are capped by design at 2.0 W ERP on channels 1–7 and 15–22 and 0.5 W on channels 8–14 (95.567).
GMRS power depends on the channel and the station type (95.1767):
- Main channels (462/467 main): up to 50 W transmitter output for mobile, repeater and base stations; 15 W for fixed stations.
- 462 MHz interstitial (1–7): 5 W ERP.
- 467 MHz interstitial (8–14): 0.5 W ERP, handhelds only.
More power helps, but it doesn’t beat the horizon. UHF range depends mostly on antenna height and terrain. See GMRS range explained.
Antennas
FRS radios must have a non-removable antenna with gain no greater than a half-wave dipole (95.587). GMRS mobile and base radios commonly use external antennas. For example, Midland’s MXT575 ships with a magnetic-mount antenna (Midland). An antenna mounted higher, outside the vehicle, usually matters more than extra watts.
Repeaters
A repeater listens on a 467 MHz main channel and retransmits on the paired 462 MHz main channel, often from a hill or tower. Only GMRS has the 467 MHz main channels, so only licensed GMRS users can transmit through repeaters (95.1763(c)). See GMRS repeaters explained.
Combination radios are gone
Since September 30, 2019, no one may make, import or sell radios that can operate under both the GMRS and FRS rules (95.1791). The FCC also stopped certifying handhelds under both services from December 27, 2017 (95.1761(d)). A radio you buy today is certified as either FRS or GMRS. The box or manual should say which, and GMRS radios state that a license is required.
Data and text messages
Both services allow short data messages. GMRS handhelds may send location information, location requests, or a brief text message to a specific unit (95.1731(d)).
Built-in limits for GMRS handhelds that send data (95.1787):
- Each data transmission is one second or less.
- No more than one transmission every 30 seconds, except automatic replies to location requests.
- No data on the 467 MHz main channels.
- A non-removable antenna.
FRS units have matching limits (95.587). Data on GMRS is limited to the 462 MHz main and interstitial channels and the 467 MHz interstitial channels (95.1773(c)).
Rules that apply to both
Both services share the general Part 95 prohibitions (95.333). You may not:
- Use the radio for unlawful activity, or transmit messages for hire.
- Intentionally interfere with another station.
- Transmit obscene, profane or indecent language, or false or deceptive messages.
Channels in both services are shared, not assigned to anyone, and operators must cooperate to avoid interference (95.359). GMRS adds its own list of prohibited uses. See GMRS rules: permitted and prohibited uses.
Which should you choose?
- FRS: short-range family use, kids, campsites and theme parks. No paperwork.
- GMRS: longer distances, vehicles, rural property, external antennas, or repeater access. Budget $35 and a few minutes in ULS. See how to get a GMRS license.
Both services can talk to each other on the shared channels, so a family can mix FRS handhelds with a licensed GMRS mobile.
FAQ
Can I use an FRS radio on a repeater?
No. FRS radios can’t transmit on the 467 MHz main repeater input channels.
Do GMRS handhelds need a license even at low power?
Yes. Any GMRS station needs a license (95.1705).
Are “22-channel” handhelds FRS or GMRS?
They could be either. Check the certification and the manual.