Getting a GMRS license isn’t as tough as you may think. There is no test or studying, and everyone in your family can use the same license! Below are instructions on how to get you and your family on the GMRS radio waves! We will show you what we can in order to help navigate the most important parts. Keep an eye on this page and we will update as we can.

A GMRS license costs $35.00, lasts 10 years, and covers you and your entire family. Have a payment method ready before starting these steps.

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Keep these instructions open in a separate window and pay close attention to the steps – you’ll have a GMRS license in no time!

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Click here to go to the FCC website and create an account

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Here you will fill out your name, password and information to create a new account….

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Once done, you’ll get a confirmation page. Check your email and confirm you’ve set everything up correctly.

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Once you get your email and verify, this screen will pop up. Next link is GO TO CORES to get your FRN Number (Federal Registration Number) that you’ll need to do business with the FCC and apply for your license.

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This is where the link in the FCC email takes you, which is the CORES Page. This is where you will begin to register the new FRN. Click Register New FRN. If you get lost, click here to get back to CORES.

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On the next page, click the radio button An Individual and Yes for contact address. You must be within the US or its territories to get a GMRS license. Click continue

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On the next page, choose CORES FRN Registration

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This will bring you to the FRN Registration Page. Fill in the document with your personal information as it asks.

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When done and everything is correct, you will receive an FRN number. REMEMBER THIS! PRINT IT OUT!!

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Next, click Universal Licensing System and then ULS License Manager

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It will bring you to this page where you will log in with your new FRN and password you set up earlier.

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When you log in, you will get to a page that looks like this. Select Apply For A New License on the left hand side menu.

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There will be a service drop-down menu. Pick ZA-General Mobile Radio (GMRS). It will be all the way at the end. Click continue….

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The next page will ask a couple of questions. Click “NO” for all 3 of these questions unless you know you have an exemption. Most don’t.

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Next page, fill out your name and address as asked. Press continue…

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Next page, certify whether or not you have a criminal background. I would HOPE it was no since most felons are banned from a GMRS license. If it is yes, follow the attachment instructions that you’re asked for. Click continue…

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NOW you’re at the summary/ certification page. Make sure your information is correct and that you’re ready to submit the application. Click Continue To Certify

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Once you land at this page, read the rules! You’ll have to electronically sign to submit at the bottom of the page. It will then take you to the FCC payment area where you’ll pay your $35.00 fee for a 10 year license.

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Next page is the final confirmation. You can also print the application here if you want to send it or for your records. Make sure all your information is correct then select CONTINUE FOR PAYMENT OPTIONS

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Click Make Payment on this page…

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Select the payment method you’d like to use for your $35.00 payment. There will be several options.

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Once you’ve paid, you should get a confirmation. Keep this too. AND THAT’S IT! You’ve applied for your license!

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Once you submit your license application and pay the fee, the FCC will have your license automatically generated within 1-3 days. In order to check on it, you can log back into your FRN on the Universal Licensing System and check for it. Click on “download your official electronic authorizations now” link and it will display your official FCC license for printing. Print it out and welcome to GMRS!!! Don’t forget to sign up for FREE membership at arkradio.net!

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Now that you have your GMRS license, it’s time to join the greatest GMRS community in the state of Arkansas – at absolutely no cost!

New to GMRS? You’re in the right place!

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Introduction

If you have ever used a “walkie-talkie” before, then you’ve either already used, or came very close to using GMRS. Most any “walkie-talkie” that you have ever used or seen was likely an FRS / GMRS combination handheld radio. These radios are the “walkie-talkies” sold in stores and kept in the households of many. They usually have 22 channels that the user can choose from. Out of these 22 channels, 1-14 are the FRS channels, and 15-22 are the GMRS channels. If you pay very close attention to the user manual or packaging provided with these radios, you will find a disclaimer stating that a GMRS license is required to use channels 15-22.

FRS and GMRS… what’s the difference?

Family Radio Service (FRS) is what you have most likely had experience with – it is is an unlicensed radio service, meaning anybody can use FRS radios without needing to obtain a license. This is the most common and well known radio service, but it has it’s limitations. FRS is limited to only 500 milliwatts (1/2 of a watt) of transmit power, and can only be used on small handheld radios with non-detachable antennas. FRS is great for very short range radio communications (1 mile or less) between group members on hiking trips, bike rides, and more.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is like FRS on steroids – it allows up to 50 watts of transmit power (100x more powerful than FRS), bigger & better radios, larger interchangeable antennas, and more! However, like driving a car, it is a licensed service so you must get a license before you can use it. Depending on how you use it, GMRS can allow you to communicate from hundreds of miles away!

All it takes is $35 and a few minutes online to get a GMRS license for your entire family to use!

GMRS is a great addition to any family or groups’ daily, emergency, or back up communications needs!

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What can GMRS do for me?

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) offers an extensive range of communication solutions tailored for individuals and families who prioritize effective and reliable connectivity. Here’s how GMRS can be beneficial to you:

• Legality and Accessibility: Applying for a GMRS license is straightforward. Any adult who is not a representative of a foreign government can apply. This accessibility, combined with the broad coverage of the license, makes GMRS a valuable asset for family communication plans.
• Extended Family Licensing: Once you obtain a GMRS license, it is not just for your personal use but extends to your entire family. This includes not only your immediate family members but also grandparents, in-laws, and siblings. The inclusive nature of the license makes it an economical and practical choice for family-wide communication.
• Enhanced Communication Range with Repeaters: GMRS’s ability to integrate with repeater systems dramatically increases the communication range. This is especially useful in varied geographical settings, from the dense environments of big cities to the expansive spaces of rural areas. By boosting the signal of low-power portable and mobile radios, repeaters ensure that your messages reach further, providing better coverage and reliability.
• Support for Emergency and Routine Communication: Whether it’s a routine check-in with family members or an urgent communication during emergencies, GMRS stands out as a robust tool. Its capability to support not only voice communications but also text messaging and GPS location sharing makes it invaluable in ensuring safety and coordination among family members.
• Utility Across Locations: GMRS radios can be operated with or without a repeater. This adaptability makes it suitable for a variety of everyday situations—from communicating across a large store or event venue to staying connected across a town using a repeater. Whether you’re coordinating a family outing or ensuring safety in a crowd, GMRS provides a dependable way to keep in touch.

By leveraging GMRS, you’re investing in a communication system that not only enhances your day-to-day connectivity but also ensures your family’s safety and coordination in various circumstances.

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Who Can Use GMRS?

You may apply for a GMRS license if you are 18 years or older and not a representative of a foreign government. If you receive a license, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and units within the licensed system.

If one family member obtains a GMRS license, then ALL of his/her family members may also use that GMRS license. This includes parents, brothers, sisters and in-laws! It is the perfect tool for families to keep in touch with one another.

Radios can be used with or without a repeater. For small area communications such as a family event, portable and mobile radios might work just fine. If you’re looking for coverage across the whole town, you might need to make use of a repeater.