There are two steps to getting a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) license. Well,actually three- the first step is checking to see if you need a license! I’m not going to describe what GMRS is (information can be found here and here). I will say that if you are an outdoorsy type or someone who likes to go offroading, hunt, fish, hike, or anything else that might have you in a location where you need to have communications handy (cell service is not always guaranteed) or if you need to easily talk to a nearby group of people, then the answer is yes, you do need to use GMRS.
To get a GMRS license, you need to first get an FRN number, then apply for the license itself.
Get an FRN
An FRN (FCC Registration Number) is just a number that the FCC uses to identify you. It is very easy and free.
Steps to get FRN
Step One. Click here to go to https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
Click on the yellow REGISTER button.
Step Three. Enter your name, address, etc. and choose a password.
Click on the SUBMIT button.
I hope this goes without having to be said, but be sure to choose a secure password that you will remember.
Step Four. Write down your assigned FRN.
Congratulations, you now have an FCC-assigned FRN.
Get GMRS License
Now that you have an FRN and password, you will need to login to the
Steps to get GMRS License
Step One. Click here to go to https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
Enter your FRN and password, then click SUBMIT.
Step Two. From the License Manager main page, click on ‘Apply for a New License’. It is the top link on the menu on the left.
Step Three. From the drop down list, choose the last item: ZA- General Mobile Radio (GMRS)
Click CONTINUE
Step Four. Answer the questions. For nearly everyone, the answer to every question will be ‘No’.
Click CONTINUE
Step Five. Enter your full legal name and address.
Click CONTINUE
Step Six. Answer whether you have a felony conviction.
Click CONTINUE
Step Seven. Review the information and verify the accuracy. Edit as necessary.
Click CONTINUE TO CERTIFY
Step Eight. Electronically sign the application.
Click SUBMIT APPLICATION
Step Nine. Pay your $35 fee (not shown) and wait.
Within 1-5 days you should get an email containing your GMRS license information.
You can also login to the FCC License Manager at any time and click on ‘My Applications’ to check the status.
