FCC Licensing Information for FRS and GMRS Frequency Bands
FRS -Family Radio Service
GMRS - General Mobile Radio Service
MURS - Multi-Use Radio Service
FCC Contact Information
You can download the application forms directly from the FCC website at: www.fcc.gov. You can also request them through the FCC forms hotline at 1-800-418-FORM. For questions concerning the license application, contact the FCC at 1-888-225-5322.
Why you need an Federal Communications Committee (FCC) license?
The FCC requires that users, who communicate with certain radios which operate on designated radio frequencies, be licensed. GMRS and BRS bands require FCC Licencing. The FCC can levy fines if radios are not properly licensed.
Licensing Responsibility
It is up to you, the end-user ,to ensure that he/she is licensed properly.
FRS - Family Radio Service License Information
Family Radio Service (FRS) is one of the Citizens Band Radio Services. It is used by family, friends and associates to communicate within a neighborhood and while on group outings and has a communications range of less than one mile. You can not make a telephone call with an FRS unit.
FRS license documents are neither needed nor issued. You are provided authority to operate a FRS unit in places where the FCC regulates radio communications as long as you use only an unmodified FCC certified FRS unit. An FCC certified FRS unit has an identifying label placed on it by the manufacturer. There is no age or citizenship requirement.
You may operate your FRS unit within the territorial limits of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, and the Caribbean and Pacific Insular areas ("U.S."). You may also operate your FRS unit on or over any other area of the world, except within the territorial limits of areas where radio- communications are regulated by another agency of the U.S. or within the territorial limits of any foreign government.
- Learn about radios marketed as Family Radio Service(FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) or FRS/GMRS or dual-service radios.
- On the internet type in the following address:
- http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/
- Scroll down to Family Radio Service General Mobile Radio, to see if you need a license or not.
GMRS - General Mobile Radio Service License Information:
If you plan to own and operate a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) as an individual you must apply for the FCC license. Before you can apply for a license you must register with the FCC and be assigned an FCC Registration Number (FRN).
Go to the FCC Home Page at http://www.fcc.gov and scroll down the left hand side of the page to where it says FCC Registration Number (FRN) and click on that link. Then complete the requested registration information.
The FCC will then assign an FRN to you..
You are now ready to apply for your License. Go to the list of subjects and under "E-Filing" this topic: Universal Licensing System
- Log In using your new (FRN) number
- Click on SEARCH for Applications
- Scroll down to GMRS in the Service Specific column
- Complete the application process on line. In order to select the correct type of license scroll down to General Mobile Radio (GMRS) (ZA).
- Pay for your new license by credit card. Your new license and call sign will be available electronically in a few minutes.
MURS Frequncies
The FCC established MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) consisting of 5 VHF frequencies. MURS frequencies are limited to 2-Watts of transmitting power and do not require a FCC license. MURS can be used for both personal and business.
The MURS Frequencies are:
151.820 MHz
151.880 MHz
151.940 MHz
154.570 MHz (Also part of the Business Band)
154.600 MHz (Also part of the Business Band)
