How to Register My Two-Way Radios

A license is required to operate a GMRS two-way radio.

There are three types of two-way radios. Two-way radios are categorized as Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), or combination FRS/GRS. The primary difference between types has to do with the maximum power and range of each radio. Based on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, the power output of FRS radios may not exceed 500 milliwatts, giving FRS radios a range of a mile or less. The power output of GMRS radios is between 1 to 5 watts. A license is required to operate a GMRS and FRS/GMRS radio. No license is needed to operate FRS radios.

Instructions

Filing for a GMRS License Online

1. Go to the "Universal Licensing System" Web page on the FCC website. If this is your first time using the FCC online Universal Licensing System, you mustto fill out the FRN registration form to receive a FRN registration number. You need this number to gain access to the Universal Licensing System. There will be a "Register" link provided on the Web page.

2. Log into the Universal Licensing System. Click on "Apply for a new license." To operate a GMRS or FRS/GMRS two-way radio, you must apply for a "General Mobile Radio (GMRS)" license. The two-letter radio service code used for General Mobile Radio Service licenses is "ZA."

3. Follow the prompts to fill out and submit your licensing application.

Filing for a GMRS License Using the Paper Form

1. Contact the FCC to obtain FCC Form 160 (which is designated as the "CORES Registration Form"), and FCC Form 605 (which is designated as a "Quick-Form Application for Authorization in the Ship, Aircraft, Amateur, Restricted and Commercial Operator, and General Mobile Radio Services). Print both of these forms from the FCC website by going to the FCC's "Form Page". You can also request that the form be mailed to you by calling the FCC's Forms Distribution Center at 1-800-418-3676.

2. Register with the FCC to obtain a FRN registration number. You can do this through the mail by filling out and submitting Form 160. You can also register online. You'll need this number to fully fill out your GMRS license application. If you register the form by mail, you'll need to wait for the FCC to respond with your FRN registration number before applying for the GMRS license.

3. Fill out and submit FCC Form 605 to apply for a GMRS license. The form is self explanatory. When asked to fill in the "Radio Service Code," fill in "ZA." "ZA" is the two letter radio service code used for General Mobile Radio Service licenses.

Tips & Warnings

• As of August 8, 2010, the fee for applying for a new GMRS license is $85. The FCC, however, is constantly updating its Fee schedule. Refer to the "Application Processing Fees" Web page on the FCC website to verify the current fee amount.

• You must be 18 years or older to apply for GMRS license.

References

• FCC: General Mobile Radio Service
• FCC: Family Radio Service

Resources

• FCC: Application Processing Fees
• FCC: Form Page
• FCC: Universal Licensing System
• FCC: Registration