Two way radios communicate with each other by using using radio waves, which are regulated in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC decides what types of devices are allowed to use various frequency ranges, and they have the power to charge users of these devices a registration fee. A registration fee is required for many types of two way radios.
Keep in mind, we are not the FCC. We are only providing this information as a benefit to our customers. If you have detailed questions concerning licensing, we suggest that you contact the FCC directly. An FCC license is not required before purchasing radios from us, and we do not provide information to the FCC about our customers.
Below, I list several popular types of two way radios and provide important details such as how to register and the cost of registering. This information is only applicable to customers using two way radios within the United States. Customers from outside the United States should check with their governments for information on any two way radio regulations that may apply.
FRS Radios
The FCC does not require a license if you are using FRS.
The Family Radio Service (FRS) was intended to be used by family, friends, and associates to communicate within a neighborhood or while on outings. Radios used for FRS cannot transmit at more than one half watt of power and they must have non-detachable antennas. Because of these rules, the range of FRS radios is typically limited to a half mile or less.
It is now actually rare to see a radio that only operates on the FRS. Most consumer radios now support both FRS and GMRS. If you purchase a FRS/GMRS dual service radio you can use it for FRS only (and avoid the license requirement) by staying within the FCC's rules for FRS. Basically, just be sure that you are only using channels 1-14 and have the radio in low power mode. In low power mode the radio will automatically limit it's power to one half watt of power.
GMRS Radios
According to the FCC, the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service created for short-distance communications for an adult individual and his/her immediate family members.
A GMRS license is good for five years, and is renewable. One license covers the individual named on the application and their immediate family members. The FCC defines "immediate family members" as a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws.
A GMRS license is currently $80, and the easiest way to get one is to apply online through the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS). The ULS Radio Service Code for GMRS is "ZA". If you would prefer not to file online, you can file FCC Form 605 manually.
Business Radios
The business two way radios that we offer operate in the 150-174 Mhz (VHF) and 450-470 Mhz (UHF) frequency ranges. These frequencies fall under the FCC's part 90 regulations for Industrial / Business communications.
The licensing cost for business frequencies is usually much less than the cost of a business licensing consumer (GMRS) frequencies, but the license process is much more involved. Before applying for a license, the business must contact a Frequency Coordinator to be assigned frequencies that are not already used in their area. After receiving your frequencies, you can complete the license application using the Universal Licensing System (ULS). Getting started tutorials for ULS are available through the FCC's web site.
The cost for a license varies based on the frequency, but for the frequency ranges that our radios support the cost is $155. A license is usually issued for 10 years, and is renewable.
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Hello I just bought a set of gxt1000's made by midland. Their instructions were very confusing and didn't match up with their online FAQ list. The unit has 50 channels with a lot of extras. I keep searching online to find out if I need a license to use some of the other channels. 1-22 have low power but the others have high power and can reach a mile away in my home while the other half is in her car. Basically I just want to know if I need a license for use for personal & hunting use? Thank You James
James, There are only 22 frequencies allocated by the FCC for FRS/GMRS radios They consist of 7 FRS, 8 GMRS and 7 shared FRS/GMRS frequencies. All FRS/GMRS radios have the same frequencies assigned to the same standard 22 channels. The "extra channels" on the Midland GXT1000 are not assigned different or new frequencies. The channels are programmed to the same GMRS frequencies as the other channels but with pre-assigned privacy codes.
The FRS channels are limited to 1/2 watt and will always be low power. The GMRS frequencies can be set to low or high power. The "extra channels" are just marketing hype.
As far as licensing is concerned, you do not need an FCC license to operate the radio on FRS only frequencies at or below 1/2 watt. However, the FCC requires a GMRS license if you are using the radio on GMRS frequencies.
For more information on FRS/GMRS radios and GMRS licensing requirements, listen to The Two Way Radio Show Episode 1 - An Introduction To Consumer Radios and Episode 6 - GMRS Radio Licensing. Episode 1 has a review of the Midland GXT1000. Both of these podcasts discuss your questions in depth.