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How to Get a GMRS License in 2026: $35, No Exam, 10 Years
Updated and fact-checked for 2026
Get your GMRS license in six straightforward steps.
A GMRS license is issued by the FCC to an eligible individual. There is no examination, the current application fee is $35, and the authorization normally lasts ten years.
Before you begin
A new GMRS license is available to an individual who is at least 18 years old and is not a representative of a foreign government. The license belongs to the individual—not to a company, club, or general workforce.
Have these ready
- An email address you can access for FCC two-factor authentication
- Your legal name and current mailing address
- A payment method for the FCC application fee
- Your existing FCC Registration Number, if you already have one
If you already hold an FCC license
If you already have an Amateur Radio or other FCC authorization, you will generally use the FCC Username and FRN already associated with you. GMRS is still a separate authorization with its own call sign.
How to apply for a GMRS license
The FCC interface occasionally changes wording, but the filing path remains: create or access your FCC account, obtain an FRN, open ULS, select GMRS, submit, and pay.
Create or access your FCC Username
Open FCC CORES. Register an FCC Username if you do not have one, then complete the required email verification and two-factor authentication.
Obtain or associate your FRN
An FRN is the FCC’s ten-digit registration number for you. New users can register an individual FRN in CORES. If you already have an FRN, associate it with your FCC Username instead of creating unnecessary duplicates.
Open ULS License Manager
Sign in to the FCC Universal Licensing System using your FRN and the credentials associated with it. From License Manager, choose Apply for a New License.
Select “ZA – General Mobile Radio Service”
Choose the GMRS radio service code ZA. Complete the application as an eligible individual and carefully verify your legal name, address, eligibility answers, and certifications.
Submit the application and pay the FCC fee
After submitting, follow the FCC payment instructions. The current personal-license application fee is $35. Save the confirmation and application file number for your records.
Wait for the grant and retrieve your call sign
Your FRN is not your GMRS call sign. After the application is granted, the GMRS call sign and license record appear in ULS. Download or save the official electronic authorization from License Manager.
Who can operate under your license?
The licensee may allow qualifying immediate family members to operate GMRS stations under the individual license. The licensee remains responsible for proper operation.
After the license is granted
Save your records
- Record your GMRS call sign
- Download the electronic authorization
- Save the expiration date and renew before it expires
- Keep your FCC email and mailing address current
Operate legally
- Use FCC-certified GMRS equipment as required
- Follow channel-specific power and equipment rules
- Identify transmissions with the assigned call sign
- Obtain permission before using a privately controlled repeater
GMRS licensing questions
Does a GMRS license require an exam?
No. GMRS requires an FCC individual license and fee, but it does not require the operator examination used for Amateur Radio licensing.
Is my FRN the same as my GMRS call sign?
No. The FRN identifies you in FCC systems. Your GMRS call sign is assigned after the GMRS application is granted and appears on the license record in ULS.
Will the FCC mail my license?
Plan to retrieve the official electronic authorization through ULS License Manager. FCC systems may also deliver electronic authorization information using the email associated with the application. Do not wait for postal mail before checking ULS.
Can my children use radios under my GMRS license?
A person must be at least 18 to obtain a new individual license, but qualifying immediate family members—including children and grandchildren—may operate under the adult licensee’s authority and responsibility.
Does my Amateur Radio license also authorize GMRS?
No. Amateur Radio and GMRS are separate services and authorizations. You can normally use the same existing FCC Username and FRN when applying for the separate GMRS license.
Can one GMRS license cover my employees?
Not as a general company license. New GMRS licenses are issued to eligible individuals and cover the qualifying family members defined by the FCC. Businesses should compare compliant FRS or MURS radios for simple license-free teams, or PLMR for organization-managed channels and systems.
How long does a GMRS license last?
A GMRS individual license normally has a ten-year term from the grant or renewal date. Keep your FCC contact information current and renew before the expiration shown in ULS.
Licensed? Now choose the right GMRS setup.
Compare realistic direct and repeater coverage in the BTECH Range Lab, or browse current handheld, mobile, base, and repeater-capable GMRS equipment.
Last fact-checked August 14, 2026. Sources: FCC GMRS rules, FCC application-fee schedule, FCC CORES, and the FCC Universal Licensing System. This guide is educational and is not legal advice; FCC instructions and fees control.
Comments (13)
10 years license orocedures
I would like to get my call sign and licence for gmrs radio. How do I go about it and can anyone help me? I would appreciate it. Thank you
Hi John Thomas,
Go to the Baofeng Tech web page and follow the easy instructions. Here’s the internet link; https://baofengtech.com/step-by-step-getting-a-gmrs-license/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtpgO2KA83-rZacfeuAJsnjECjUvCfypp97JxJcYTLn18QRVpp9ZRchoCpOwQAvD_BwE
Edward L.
what if i have my license already and I lost my call sign since then? it has been over 5 years since i last used it.
Trying to complete the registration for an FRN number every attempt I’ve made to enter a password has failed can you show me an example for what a password should look like thank you
Have you tried to use the same password you use to login to the FCC website? The email/password can be the same as your PW to the FRN
How to get a licence for the baofeng uv9r pro
If I already have a ham radio license do I still need to sign up for the FRN?
Ham and GMRS are two separate licenses. No test is required for GMRS and the $35 license is good for your whole family for 10 years
Great directions! Got it all done but saw nothing about a call sign. When does that happen? Got the FRN and applied for GRMS and paid fee.
I went through the entire process for the GMRS license and paid the $35 online and everything said it was a success. My question is, do they mail you your license with your call letters or can you print it out online? Many Thanks
Getting my GMRS license for the first time
I had my GMRS license for over 20 years now, and glad I have it. I also have my Amateur Radio License and I have used both over the years with various public service events, such as Multiple Sclerosis Bike Rides in Southern New Jersey. I would recommend to anyone that’s looking communications for Back Up or time of crisis GMRS is the way to go. CB is also a great option, but having a GMRS offer you and family to use repeaters. So, that $35.00 investment is worth it.