Do you need a GMRS license, and how do you get one?
Updated October 6, 2026
Short answer
Yes, you need an FCC license to transmit on GMRS. It requires no exam, lasts ten years and covers family members. You apply online through the FCC's license system and pay a fee.
Who is allowed to apply?
You must be at least 18 years old to get a GMRS license. There is no exam and one license covers your family members. It lasts ten years. FRS radios need no license in the US. That is the simpler route for anyone who wants to skip the paperwork.
How do you apply?
You apply for a GMRS license online through the FCC's license system and pay a fee. No exam is part of the process. The license covers family members. Once granted it lasts ten years.
What does the license let you do?
GMRS has 22 channels that share their numbers with FRS, plus 8 repeater input channels on 467 MHz. GMRS repeaters receive on 467 MHz and retransmit on 462 MHz. That extends the range between radios. Repeaters are optional.
Mobile, base and repeater stations may use up to 50 watts on channels 15 to 22. Channels 1 to 7 are limited to 5 watts ERP. Channels 8 to 14 are limited to 0.5 watt ERP.
Which radios on our shortlist need the license?
The Midland GXT67 PRO is a 5-watt handheld with 8 GMRS repeater channels and an IP67 rating. The BTECH GMRS-PRO is also a 5 W handheld with repeater support and Bluetooth app programming. The Midland MXT275 is a 15-watt mobile radio for a vehicle on 12V power. All three need the FCC license.
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is the license-free option on this list. It is an FRS radio at the 2-watt maximum with a claimed 3 to 5 days per charge.
From our shortlist
Single 5-watt GMRS handheld with IP67 sealing and noise cancelling on the microphone.
Five-watt GMRS handheld with off-grid texting and GPS location sharing plus NOAA alerts.
Fifteen-watt GMRS mobile radio for your vehicle with the controls built into the microphone.
License-free FRS radio built for the mountains with a climbing carabiner and days of battery.
Related questions
Can I use a ham radio on GMRS channels?
A ham radio may not be used to transmit on GMRS channels unless it is certified for GMRS under Part 95. Amateur (ham) radio needs an FCC amateur license. You get one by passing an exam. GMRS and ham are separate services with separate licenses.
Does one GMRS license cover my whole family?
Yes. One license covers your family members. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and there is no exam. The license lasts ten years. The Midland GXT67 PRO is sold as a single radio. A family set means buying more than one.
Do I need a license for FRS radios?
No. FRS radios need no license in the US. They are limited to 2 watts ERP on channels 1 to 7 and 15 to 22. On channels 8 to 14 the limit is 0.5 watts. The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio on our shortlist is FRS and needs no paperwork.
More questions
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