Why Bother With GMRS?

GMRS radios are great for families and neighborhoods because they allow better range than "walkie talkies", without requiring a test like amateur/ham radio. The FCC requires you to have a GMRS license to legally operate GMRS radios. It's bureaucratic, sure, but it keeps the airwaves from becoming total chaos (the bad kind). The good news: it costs $35, covers your entire immediate family for 10 years, and requires zero testing. You can knock this out in about 20 minutes if the FCC website cooperates.

What you get for $35: A call sign, 10 years of legal operation, and coverage for your spouse, kids, grandkids, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Basically everyone at Thanksgiving dinner can use your radios.

Am I Eligible?

You need to be 18 or older, not representing a foreign government, and applying for yourself and your family (not a business, though you can personally use GMRS radios for work). That's it. If you meet these requirements, you're good to go.

The Process (Two Main Steps)

We recommend doing this on a computer. The buttons are annoyingly small on mobile and you'll want to throw your phone.

STEP ONE: Get Your FRN Number

An FRN is your FCC Registration Number. Think of it as your account ID with the FCC.

Go to the CORES Registration System

Click "Register" (the middle box) and create an account. Use an email you'll have forever, not a work or school address you might lose access to.
Log in with your new credentials.
Select "Register FRN" from the central menu (third option down).
Follow the prompts to register as an individual. You'll need your social security number or tax ID at this step. Submit the form.
Your 10-digit FRN will appear at the top of the page after submission. Write it down or screenshot it.

STEP TWO: Apply for the GMRS License

Now you'll use your shiny new FRN to actually get the license.

Go to the FCC License Manager

Log in using your FRN and the password you created in CORES.
In the left sidebar, click "Apply for a new license."
Scroll all the way down the dropdown menu to "ZA - General Mobile Radio" and hit Continue.
Answer the questions and fill in your contact info. You'll land on a summary page. If it looks right, click "Continue to Certify."
Sign by entering your first name, middle initial, and last name. The "Title" field is optional and can be ignored.
After submitting, click the button to go back to CORES for payment.
Log into CORES again, then select "Manage Existing FRNs | FRN Financial | Bills and Fees."
Choose "FRN Financial" then "View/Make Payments" under the Action column.
Select "Make Payment" and follow the instructions. Pay the $35.
You're done. Walk away from the computer.

Expect your call sign within 1–2 business days via email. If you're impatient, you can check the status by logging back into the License Manager.

Once you get it, memorize it or keep it handy. You'll need to state it periodically when transmitting, for example:
"This is WXXX123." at the end of a conversation or at least every 15 minutes during a long one.

If You Get Stuck

The FCC website can be frustrating. If something breaks or you're confused, contact the FCC directly at 1-888-CALLFCC or check the FCC Licensing Help Center. The FCC Help Desk can also get you unstuck.

FCC Rules (The Stuff You Can't Do)

The full rulebook is in Title 47, Part 95, Subpart E of the Code of Federal Regulations. Here's the short version of what you absolutely cannot transmit on GMRS:

Anything illegal (federal, state, or local law)
False or deceptive messages
Coded messages or hidden meanings (basic "10-codes" like "10-4" are fine)
Music, sound effects, or entertainment content
Advertisements or sales pitches
Political campaign ads (though campaign logistics/coordination is okay)
International distress signals like "Mayday" unless you're actually in danger
Messages relayed via wireline control links
Messages to amateur radio stations, unauthorized stations, or foreign stations (except emergencies)
Continuous transmissions (unless it's a life-or-death emergency)
Public address system announcements

You must identify your station with your FCC call sign at the end of transmissions and at least every 15 minutes during longer conversations. If an FCC agent asks to inspect your station or records, you have to comply.

That's It

Once you have your call sign, you're legal to operate GMRS radios. Your family is covered. You can set up repeaters, use handheld radios, and build out neighborhood comms without worrying about the feds showing up. Keep your call sign accessible, follow the rules, and you're good to go.

If you need a radio, the Baofeng UV-5R Mini (affiliate link) is a good starter for under $30.

Better GMRS Handhelds

Tidradio TD-H3 - Purpose-built GMRS handheld with 5W output, NOAA weather alerts, USB-C charging. Nicer than a Baofeng for GMRS use. Cleaner transmit audio, better receiver.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

BTech GMRS-Pro - Premium GMRS handheld. Dual-watch, IP67 water resistant. Durable for field use.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

GMRS Mobile Radios

Radioddity DB20-G - 20W mobile GMRS radio. Hit repeaters from your vehicle, actually useful range. Much better than handhelds for vehicle-to-vehicle or base station use.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Midland MXT575 - 50W GMRS mobile with MicroMobile design. Maximum legal power, built-in antenna connector, NOAA weather. Serious comms for emergency preparedness.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Antennas & Accessories

Midland MXTA26 - 6dB gain antenna for GMRS mobile. Weather resistant, gets you 2-3x the range of a handheld. Essential for vehicle installs.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Nagoya UT-72G Magnetic Mount - Premium mag mount with better build quality. Thicker cable, stronger magnet, handles highway speeds without walking.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

GMRS Repeaters

Retevis RT97 - 10W GMRS repeater. Extend your network, link handhelds across miles. Set it up on high ground and suddenly your 5W handhelds talk 20+ miles. Game changer for community networks.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →