GMRS

Introduction

Many amateur radio operators started using GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) before they became hams.  It’s easy to get started in GMRS as it doesn’t require any testing.  Simply pay the $35 license fee and you’ll have a GMRS license good for 10 years!

Below you’ll find information on how you too can get your GMRS license.  If you’re already an amateur radio operator, it’s even easier as you already have your FRN number and simply have to put in a request for the ZA – General Mobile Radio Service license and pay the fee.

What is GMRS?

GMRS stands for General Mobile Radio Service. It is a licensed radio service that operates on channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. Here are some key points about GMRS:

  • GMRS requires a license.  That one license covers the licensee and their immediate family
  • It uses the UHF 462/467MHz band for quality voice communications.
  • Is a more powerful service for individuals than FRS.
    • Handheld radios can be up to 5 watts but must transmit in analog.
    • Repeaters are allowed with some limitations.
  • You must be 18 years or older to apply for the license, but anyone within your family (regardless of age) can use the radios.
  • Equipment must be certified for GMRS use.
  • You can only transmit on frequencies designated for GMRS

So, how do you get a GMRS license?

Step 1: Obtain an FRN number

Start by obtaining a 10-digit FRN (FCC Registered Number) from the Commission Registration System (CORES). We recommend completing this process on a computer (the buttons are quite small using a mobile device).

  1. Click “Register” (middle of the three boxes) and set up your account
    • We recommend using an email account that you’ll have access to permanently (ie: not a school or work email address that you might lose access at some point).
  2. Once you’ve created your account, log in using the email address (username) and password you just set up.
  3. Select “Register FRN” from the central box (third option from top)
  4. Follow the steps to confirm yourself as an individual, complete the FRN registration form, then press submit.
    • Note: you will need to input your social security number or a tax identification number at this step
    • You will receive your 10 digit FRN number after submitting at the top of the landing page.

Step 2: Apply for your GMRS license

Once you’ve obtained your FRN, you can apply for a GMRS License in the FCC’s License Manager.

    • You will need your FRN number and the password created for the CORES website to login.
  2. Once logged in, you will see an option at the top of the left-hand sidebar to “Apply for a new license”
  3. In the dropdown, scroll all the way to the bottom to “ZA – General Mobile Radio”, then click “Continue”
  4. Follow the rest of the application. There will be questions to answer with dropdown menus and a page for you to enter your contact information. You will then arrive at the Summary page. Click “Continue to Certify” if everything looks correct.
  5. Next you will be asked to sign by entering your first name, middle initial, and last name. The “Title” field is optional.
  6. Once you have successfully submitted your application, click the button to Continue to CORES website for payment completion.
  7. Log back into CORES using the email address & password from step 4 then select the second option from the menu titled “Manage Existing FRNs | FRN Financial | Bills and Fees “
  8. Then select the second option “FRN Financial” then “View/Make Payments” under the Action column.
  9. Finally, select “Make Payment” and follow the instructions.
  10. Once payment has been made, you’re finished with the process!

So, after you get your GMRS license, what frequencies can you operate on?

The list of the GMRS frequencies available for use now that you have your license are:

GMRS Simplex Channels and Frequencies
Channel Frequency Max Power Bandwidth
1 462.5625 5W 25kHz*
2 462.5875 5W 25kHz*
3 462.6125 5W 25kHz*
4 462.6375 5W 25kHz*
5 462.6625 5W 25kHz*
6 462.6875 5W 25kHz*
7 462.7125 5W 25kHz*
8 467.5625 0.5W 12.5kHz
9 467.5875 0.5W 12.5kHz
10 467.6125 0.5W 12.5kHz
11 467.6375 0.5W 12.5kHz
12 467.6625 0.5W 12.5kHz
13 467.6875 0.5W 12.5kHz
14 467.7125 0.5W 12.5kHz
15 462.5500 50W 25kHz*
16 462.5750 50W 25kHz*
17 462.6000 50W 25kHz*
18 462.6250 50W 25kHz*
19 462.6500 50W 25kHz*
20 462.6750 50W 25kHz*
21 462.7000 50W 25kHz*
22 462.7250 50W 25kHz*
GMRS Repeater Channels and Frequencies
Channel RX Frequency TX Frequency Max Power Bandwidth
RPT15 462.5500 467.5500 50W 25kHz*
RPT16 462.5750 467.5750 50W 25kHz*
RPT17 462.6000 467.6000 50W 25kHz*
RPT18 462.6250 467.6250 50W 25kHz*
RPT19 462.6500 467.6500 50W 25kHz*
RPT20 462.6750 467.6750 50W 25kHz*
PRT21 462.7000 467.7000 50W 25kHz*
RPT22 462.7250 467.7250 50W 25kHz*

*Note: 20kHz Authorized Bandwidth.

Ok, so that list of frequencies is nice, but where locally can I get on a repeater and chat with others near me in the Hillsborough or Polk County areas?

Well, some nearby repeaters you will find some activity on are:

Polk CERT repeater (located in Bartow) on 462.725 (tone 141.3)
Lakeland repeater (located in downtown Lakeland) on 462.675 (tone 141.3)
Tampa on 462.575 (tone 141.3)
Tampa on 462.600 (tone 131.8)
Sebring on 462.675 (tone 100.0)

Is there a place I can find other repeaters near me?

Yes, there is.  Click here to visit the https://mygmrs.com Web site to find other GMRS repeaters and resources.

Are you interested in assisting with emergency communications, or perhaps learning more about CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams)?

If you’re interested in assisting those in your community when disaster strikes, you should tune into a net that is now being held on the POLK CERT GMRS repeater (462.725).

Starting Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 7PM our inaugural GMRS net. You say why is this important.  Several folks that are active hams today,came from and are still active in that operating mode. We also have community teams in many of our neighborhoods utilizing GMRS during drills and emergency. We have a station in the EOC that will be manned by dual license operators. So it’s good practice to have our GMRS operators proficient in formal notifications into the EOC. If you are dual lic, please join us on this March 5 net and welcome those folks. More information to come.  462.725/+ CTCSS 141.3  (a valid GMRS license is required)

Oh, this is fine and dandy, but I need a radio?

Well , now that you have your GMRS license and know where you can talk, you need a radio!  If you’re just getting started, a low cost yet still powerful radio would be the Baofeng UV-5G Plus.  You can find a link to this radio by clicking here .

This radio has some upgraded features such as USB-C charging (the same as your cell phone), as well as a 2500 mAh battery, scanning capabilities, NOAA weather radio reception, 5 watts output, a larger 1.5″ color display, and seamless frequency copy.

Here is a photo of the Baofeng UV-5G Plus.