How to get your License

Steps to get your G.M.R.S License

In order to operate a GMRS radio, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requires you to obtain a GMRS license. Below are some steps that you can follow to get licensed!

How to Get Your GMRS License

Create an FCC Username
- Go to the FCC’s CORES registration system.
- Select Register to create an FCC Username using your email address and a password.
- You’ll use this account to conduct licensing business with the FCC.
Get Your FCC Registration Number (FRN)
- Once you’re logged into CORES, register for an FRN.
- Your FRN is a unique 10-digit number the FCC uses to identify you.
- Keep your FRN somewhere safe—you’ll use it for your GMRS application and other FCC licensing matters.
Go to the FCC Universal Licensing System
- Open the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS).
- Choose Online Filing and sign in using your FCC credentials/FRN.
Start a New License Application
- Select Apply for a New License.
- When asked which radio service you're applying for, select:
- ZA – General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS).
- Continue through the application and enter the requested personal information.
Answer the Application Questions
- Carefully review the FCC certification and eligibility questions.
- Make sure your name, address, email, and other information are correct before submitting.
- There is no GMRS test or examination. The FCC licenses GMRS to eligible individuals rather than requiring an operator exam.
Submit Your Application
- Review everything one final time.
- Submit your GMRS application.
- You should receive an application confirmation from the FCC.
Pay the FCC Fee
- The current FCC application fee for a new GMRS license is $35.
- Payment is handled electronically through the FCC/CORES payment system.
Wait for Your GMRS Call Sign
- Once the FCC processes and grants the application, you'll receive your unique GMRS call sign.
- You can also search the FCC ULS database to check the status of your license/application.
You're Ready to Get on the Air
- Once your license has been granted and you have your GMRS call sign, you can legally operate under the GMRS rules.
- Your GMRS license also generally covers qualifying immediate family members, subject to the FCC's GMRS rules.

Steps to get your Amateur License

In order to operate a GMRS radio, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) requires you to obtain a GMRS license. Below are some steps that you can follow to get licensed!

How to Get Your Ham Radio License

Create an FCC Account & Get an FRN
- Register with the FCC's CORES system.
- Obtain your FCC Registration Number (FRN).
- You must have an FRN before taking your exam.
- FCC CORES Registration
Start With the Technician License
- The Technician Class is the entry-level Amateur Radio license.
- It gives you full Amateur privileges on frequencies above 30 MHz, including popular VHF/UHF bands such as 2 meters and 70 centimeters.
- You also receive limited privileges on certain HF bands.
Study for the Technician Exam
- The test covers:
  - FCC rules and regulations
  - Operating procedures
  - Radio terminology
  - Basic electronics
  - Antennas and feed lines
  - RF propagation
  - Radio safety
- The entire question pool is publicly available, so you can study the actual pool from which your exam questions are selected.
- Since the Technician question pool changed July 1, 2026, make sure your study material is for the 2026–2030 Technician question pool.
Take Practice Tests
- Practice exams are one of the easiest ways to determine when you're ready.
- The ARRL provides free practice exams using questions from the current FCC exam pools.
- ARRL Ham Radio Practice Exams
Find an Exam Session
- Amateur Radio exams are administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs).
- You can take the exam in person or online remotely.
- Exam sessions are available through ARRL and other Volunteer Examiner Coordinators.
- Find a Ham Radio Exam
Take the Technician Exam
- 35 multiple-choice questions
- You need at least 26 correct to pass.
- No Morse code test is required.
- Some examining organizations charge an exam-session fee, so check with the VE team when registering.
Pay the FCC Application Fee
- After you pass, the examining organization submits your information to the FCC.
- For a new Amateur Radio license, the FCC currently charges a $35 application fee.
- You'll receive instructions for paying the FCC after your application enters its system.
Receive Your Ham Call Sign
- Once the FCC processes your application and grants the license, you'll receive your Amateur Radio call sign.
- Your license is valid for 10 years.
- Once the FCC has actually granted your license and issued your call sign, you're ready to get on the air.
Start Using Your Technician Privileges
- You can use local Amateur repeaters.
- Talk simplex radio-to-radio.
- Use VHF/UHF digital modes.
- Experiment with antennas and radio equipment.
- Use Amateur Radio satellites.
- Participate in local nets and emergency/community communications.
- You also have limited HF privileges.

Want More Privileges?

There are three U.S. Amateur Radio license classes:

Technician → General → Amateur Extra

Technician is where you start. General requires another 35-question exam and gives you extensive HF privileges for long-distance/worldwide communication. Amateur Extra requires a 50-question exam and provides all available U.S. Amateur Radio operating privileges