| A GMRS radio is a portable device that is used for | | | | needs. These days, a GMRS radio is no longer used to |
| short-distance communication in the United States. The | | | | chat with your neighbors or others in your community. |
| letters GMRS are an Acronym that stands for | | | | The radio is used almost exclusively by family |
| General Mobile Radio Service. The service was first | | | | members who own their own businesses and want to |
| introduced in the 1960s and was called Class A | | | | communicate with each other throughout the day on a |
| Citizens Radio. As technology improved, fewer and | | | | free service. That is why only the family members of |
| fewer people utilized the service. Finally, the service | | | | the licensee are allowed to use the service for |
| changed its name to GMRS at which time the FCC | | | | personal business. |
| required that all people who use the system obtain a | | | | Do you really need a license? |
| license. | | | | Yes, you really do. The FCC monitors the GMRS |
| In this article, we will be discussing exactly why the | | | | spectrum pretty closely and if you are caught |
| FCC requires people who communicate on a GMRS | | | | communicating over the service without a valid license, |
| radio to file for a license. We are also going to briefly | | | | you will be fined. |
| take you through the process and tell you what you | | | | How do you go about applying for a license? |
| need to do to obtain a GMRS license. | | | | Applying for a GMRS license is easier than ever. You |
| Why do you need a license? | | | | can either file online at the Universal Licensing System |
| Probably the most valid reason the FCC gives for | | | | (ULS), or file an FCC Form 605 that can be |
| needing a license to operate a GMRS is so that only | | | | downloaded and printed from the website. If you are a |
| people who really need them will apply. This allows | | | | new filer, you can learn all about the process on the |
| those who use the radios to communicate on them | | | | ULS website. |
| whenever they like without being interrupted. Licensing | | | | What to expect? |
| also established public records of the people using the | | | | The application form will not only ask you what you will |
| radio and the stations they communicate on, so others | | | | be using the radio for but also which members will be |
| who use the spectrum can speak on different station | | | | utilizing the service. Your license entitles everyone in |
| if they are in the same area. The records are also | | | | your immediate family access to the service. You can |
| used to identify a malfunctioning radio that is causing | | | | expect to pay a standard licensing fee of about |
| interference on other channels. | | | | eighty-five dollars. This license is valid for five years at |
| Licensing is also a way to make sure the GMRS | | | | which time it must be renewed. The standard waiting |
| applicant has chosen the right radio service for his | | | | time for the issuance of a license is 4-8 weeks. |