What is the General Mobile Radio Service?

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a personal radio service available to an individual. It is a two-way voice communication service to facilitate the activities of the individual's immediate family members. Expect a communications range of one to five miles with portable units and up to twenty-five miles with mobile and base station units.

Do I need a license to operate a GMRS radio?

Yes. Before any station transmits on any GMRS authorized channel, the responsible party must obtain a license for a GMRS system. Application for a GMRS system license is made on FCC Form 574. A booklet entitled Instructions for Completion of FCC Form 574 is helpful in preparing the application. There is a filing fee and you may contact the Consumer Assistance Branch at 1-800-322-1117 or refer to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Fee Filing Guide for information.

Which GMRS channels may I use?

There are twenty-three GMRS channels. None of the GMRS channels are assigned for the exclusive use of any system. License applicants and licensees must cooperate in the selection and use of the channels in order to make the most effective use of them and to reduce the possibility of interference with other users.

Any mobile station, small base station or portable radio in a GMRS system with no more than 5 watts can transmit voice communications on the following GMRS frequencies: 462.5625, 462.5875, 462.6125, 462.6375, 462.6625, 462.6875 and 462.7125 MHz.
These frequencies are also shared with the Family Radio Service (FRS) channels.

Any base station, mobile relay station, fixed station or mobile station can operate on the following GMRS frequencies:
462.550, 462.575, 462.600, 462.625, 462.650, 462.675, 462.700 and 462.725 MHz.

Any mobile station, control station or fixed station in a duplex system can operate on the following GMRS frequencies:
467.550, 467.575, 467.600, 467.625, 467.650, 467.675, 467.700 and 467.725 MHz.