RADIO LICENSE REQUIRED FOR HAM RADIO & GMRS
How to Get an FCC License
Which FCC license you need depends on what you plan to do (amateur radio, commercial broadcasting, maritime, aviation, GMRS, etc.). Here’s a clear step-by-step guide for the most common licenses and the general process.
Determine which FCC license you need
Amateur (ham) radio: Technician, General, Amateur Extra.
Commercial radio broadcasting (AM/FM/LPFM): station license and construction permit — typically handled by broadcasters or engineers.
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service): for family and business two-way radio use.
Technician licenses for maritime (Ship Radio Station), aviation (Aircraft Radio), or specialized services: check FCC/service-specific rules.
Commercial FCC licenses for business radio (Private Land Mobile Radio) and fixed wireless: handled through FCC databases and often by consultants.
Learn the rules and requirements
Amateur radio: study the required question pool for the exam level you’re pursuing (Technician: entry-level; General and Amateur Extra: higher privileges).
GMRS: background check and payment of a fee are required; no exam.
Commercial licenses: eligibility, technical requirements, and application windows vary by service. For broadcast stations, there are application filing windows and engineering requirements.
Study for the exam (if required)
Use study guides, online question banks, practice exams, flashcards, and local radio clubs. For ham radio:
Technician: basic electronics, operating rules, and safety.
General and Amateur Extra: more advanced electronics, antennas, and regulations.
For commercial/operator licenses (very rare for individuals), study material depends on the service.
Find a test session / Examiner (amateur radio)
Amateur exams are administered by Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) and local Volunteer Examiners (VEs). Search local clubs or national VEC listings for sessions. Walk-in or scheduled sessions are common.
Bring ID, any required forms, and exam fee.
Take the exam (if required)
Exams are multiple-choice. Passing scores and procedures vary by license class.
If you fail, you can retake after any required waiting period.
Apply for the license (post-exam or direct application)
Amateur radio:
After passing, your exam session will upload results to the FCC. You must have an FCC Registration Number (FRN). If you don’t have one, create an FRN on the FCC’s CORES system before or after testing.
The FCC issues a call sign and posts your license record online.
GMRS:
Create an FRN and file an application with required fee and personal information. The FCC issues a license that covers your family for 10 years.
Commercial and broadcast:
Many require filing forms via the FCC’s Licensing and Management System (LMS), ULS, or other service-specific portals, plus engineering exhibits and sometimes public notices. Consider an attorney or consultant for complicated filings.
Pay any required fees
Amateur radio exams often have a small VE session fee. The FCC does not charge for most amateur licenses, but they do charge for other services.
GMRS and many commercial licenses require FCC filing fees. Use your FRN to pay.
Receive and maintain your license
Once issued, your license will list call sign, expiration date, allowed frequencies/power, and any restrictions.
Many licenses require renewal every set number of years (amateur: 10 years; GMRS: 10 years; broadcast: varies). File renewal applications on time.
Keep your contact and FRN info current. Follow operating rules, identification, and recordkeeping requirements for your service.
Follow operating rules and best practices
Identify transmissions as required (call signs for ham, station identification for broadcast).
Observe power, frequency, and emission limits.
Keep logs if required (some services require logging of certain transmissions).
Respect interference rules and promptly resolve any interference complaints.
Where to get help
Local amateur radio clubs and Volunteer Examiners.
FCC resources: look up the specific service rules in the FCC’s rules (Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations).
Consultants or attorneys for commercial broadcasting or complex business radio systems.
Manufacturer or dealer support for equipment and installation guidance.
Quick checklist for ham radio (common path)
Study Technician question pool.
Get an FRN at the FCC CORES site.
Sign up for an exam with a local VEC/VE.
Take and pass the exam.
Wait for FCC to post license and call sign.
Start operating according to your privileges.
If you tell me which specific FCC license you want (ham/GMRS/broadcast/business radio/marine/aircraft), I’ll give a tailored checklist,
Here is a consolidated list of amateur (ham) radio frequency bands allocated in the United States (per FCC Part 97), grouped by band designation with their standard frequency ranges. Note that some allocations are primary for amateur use while others are secondary or shared; privileges and specific segments can vary by license class (Technician, General, Amateur Extra) and mode. Always consult the current FCC rules and band plans maintained by the ARRL or local clubs for precise segment privileges, sub-bands, and restrictions.
HF (High Frequency) bands
160 meters: 1.800 – 2.000 MHz
80 meters: 3.500 – 4.000 MHz
60 meters: channelized allocation (US channels authorized by FCC — see current FCC channel list; typical centers near 5.332 MHz, 5.348 MHz, 5.358 MHz, 5.373 MHz, 5.405 MHz — with power and mode limits)
40 meters: 7.000 – 7.300 MHz
30 meters: 10.100 – 10.150 MHz (CW, RTTY, data only; limited privileges)
20 meters: 14.000 – 14.350 MHz
17 meters: 18.068 – 18.168 MHz
15 meters: 21.000 – 21.450 MHz
12 meters: 24.890 – 24.990 MHz
10 meters: 28.000 – 29.700 MHz
VHF (Very High Frequency) bands
6 meters: 50.000 – 54.000 MHz
2 meters: 144.000 – 148.000 MHz
1.25 meters (220 MHz): 222.000 – 225.000 MHz
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands
70 centimeters (70 cm): 420.000 – 450.000 MHz
33 centimeters (900 MHz): 902.000 – 928.000 MHz (amateur secondary in some parts of the band; shared with other services)
23 centimeters (1.2 GHz): 1240.000 – 1300.000 MHz (note: portions may be shared or have restrictions)
13 centimeters (2.3 GHz): 2300.000 – 2310.000 MHz and 2390.000 – 2450.000 MHz (segments vary; shared)
9 centimeters (3.3 GHz): 3300.000 – 3500.000 MHz (segments and sharing vary)
5 centimeters (5 GHz): 5650.000 – 5925.000 MHz (segments and sharing vary; many parts shared with unlicensed services and radar)
3 centimeters (10 GHz): 10.000 – 10.500 GHz and 10.550 – 10.680 GHz (segments vary)
1.25 centimeters (24 GHz): 24.000 – 24.250 GHz (segments vary)
5 millimeters (47 GHz): 47.000 – 47.200 GHz
4 millimeters (76 GHz): 76.000 – 81.000 GHz
Millimeter and EHF allocations: various amateur segments extend above 80 GHz (e.g., 119 GHz, 134 GHz, 241 GHz, 248 GHz, 300 GHz) — consult the FCC and band plans for exact allocations and limits.
Notes and caveats
This list gives the commonly referenced amateur band edges in the U.S. but is not exhaustive of every little segment, shared allocation, or special temporary authorization. Some bands contain sub-bands reserved by mode (CW-only, digital, RTTY), by license class, for beacon use, or for narrowband versus wideband emissions.
60 meters in the U.S. is a channelized allocation with specific authorized center frequencies and power/mode restrictions (not a continuous band as in some other countries).
Above about 900 MHz, many allocations are secondary, shared, or have coordination requirements; equipment, antenna, and power limits often apply.
Band plans (voluntary, coordinated usage guidance) established by ARRL and local clubs help organize contest, voice, CW, and digital activity; they should be consulted for operating within customary sub-bands.
Always verify current allocations and any recent rule changes with the FCC and ARRL before operating.
If you want a printable table with exact band edges, license-class privileges, or a compact quick-reference chart showing CW/SSB/data sub-bands, tell me which format you prefer.
FCC licenses are required in the United States (including U.S. territories) for operation of radio transmitters and certain radio services where the Federal Communications Commission has authority to assign frequencies, regulate technical parameters, and manage spectrum use. Key situations and locations where an FCC license is required include:
Broadcast radio and television stations
AM, FM, and television broadcast stations must hold FCC licenses for assigned frequencies and facilities.
Two-way land mobile radio systems
Public safety, business, industrial, and emergency services using licensed VHF/UHF/800/700 MHz land mobile channels (e.g., police, fire, EMS, taxi fleets, utilities).
Cellular and commercial wireless services
Mobile network operators and many types of fixed wireless carriers that use licensed spectrum bands.
Microwave links and fixed point-to-point services
Licensed microwave backhaul and fixed wireless links that operate on regulated frequencies.
Satellite services
Earth stations, satellite uplinks/downlinks, and certain satellite operations require FCC authorization.
Amateur (ham) radio stations
Individual amateur radio operators must obtain an FCC license to transmit on amateur bands.
Citizens Band (CB) is generally license-free, but other personal and business radio services (e.g., General Mobile Radio Service — GMRS) may require FCC licenses.
Aviation and marine communications
Certain aeronautical and maritime radio stations and equipment registrations/licenses are required (e.g., ship station licenses, maritime mobile services in some cases).
Experimental and research transmitters
Operation of experimental radio stations or testing of unapproved radio equipment typically requires an experimental license or special temporary authorization.
Public safety and specialized systems
Trunked radio systems, private radio networks, paging systems, and similar two-way systems often require licensing.
Radiofrequency devices and services requiring certification or equipment authorization
While many devices require equipment authorization rather than an operator license, some devices and installations that intentionally radiate or use licensed spectrum may need both equipment certification and an FCC license for operation.
Notes:
No FCC license is needed for purely wired communications that do not use the radio spectrum.
Unlicensed services and bands (e.g., Wi‑Fi, many ISM band devices, Bluetooth, CB radio) can be used without an individual FCC operator license, but equipment must still meet FCC technical rules and labeling requirements.
Licensing details, application procedures, and fee requirements vary by service. For specifics about a particular service, frequency band, or geographic area (including U.S. territories), consult the FCC’s rules for that service.
If you tell me the type of radio service or device you’re asking about (amateur radio, GMRS, business radio, satellite earth station, etc.), I can give more specific licensing requirements and the steps to apply.
FCC Rules for Ham Radio
Overview The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates amateur radio in the United States. Ham operators must follow FCC rules to operate legally, avoid harmful interference, and maintain privileges. Key rules are found in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 97 — the Amateur Radio Service.
Licensing and Operator Classes
License required: You must hold an FCC-issued amateur radio license to transmit on amateur bands.
License classes (as of current FCC structure):
Technician: Entry-level; privileges mainly on VHF/UHF and limited HF portions.
General: Expanded HF privileges enabling long-distance (DX) communications.
Amateur Extra: Full privileges across all amateur bands and modes.
Examination: Candidates must pass written examinations that test regulations, operating practices, and technical knowledge. Element credit and license upgrades are possible by passing higher-element exams.
Vanity call signs: Operators may apply for specific call signs via FCC procedures; rules govern eligibility and renewal.
Identification (Call Signs)
Station identification: Transmit your assigned call sign at intervals not exceeding 10 minutes during a communication and at the end of a communication.
When transmitting with others or by remote control, the station control operator is responsible for identification.
Tactical identifiers: Use of tactical identifiers (e.g., team names) is permitted in addition to, but not in place of, the required call sign identification.
Control Types and Station Responsibility
Control operators: Every station must have a control operator responsible for the station’s transmissions and rule compliance.
Local, automatic, and remote control: Part 97 defines modes of control; operators must follow rules for each control type (e.g., autopatch, repeaters, remote stations).
Station licensee vs. control operator: The licensee is responsible for the station’s compliance even when others operate the station with permission.
Permitted Communications and Content
Amateur service communications: Communications must be non-commercial and primarily intended for self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigations.
Prohibited communications: Transmission of music (except for Morse code practice, incidental beeps, or control signals under limited circumstances), encrypted messages intended to obscure meaning, or communications for hire or commercial endorsements are generally prohibited.
Third-party communications: Permitted subject to restrictions; international third-party traffic requires authorization and may require agreements with other administrations.
Power Limits and Spectrum Use
Power limits: The FCC allows amateur stations to use power necessary to carry out communications, but generally limits maximum transmitter power to 1500 watts peak envelope power (PEP) on most bands unless otherwise restricted; operators must use the minimum power necessary to communicate.
Band plans and frequency allocation: Operators must follow the amateur allocations established by the FCC. Voluntary band plans, developed by amateur organizations, guide typical use within allocations (voice, CW, digital, etc.), but legal authority rests with FCC rules and the National Table of Frequency Allocations.
Out-of-band transmissions: Transmissions must remain within authorized amateur frequencies and sub-bands. Intentional operation outside authorized bands is a violation.
Emissions, Modes, and Station Identification
Allowed modes: CW (Morse code), voice (AM, FM, SSB), and digital modes are permitted within allocations. Some modes have procedural or bandwidth restrictions.
Bandwidth: Operators must avoid causing harmful interference; wider-than-necessary bandwidths are discouraged. Certain bands have specific bandwidth limits or mode restrictions.
Repeater and Control Operator Rules
Repeater operation: Repeaters must follow the same identification and operating rules; the repeater’s control operator is responsible for transmissions.
Linking and autopatches: Repeaters and linked systems must ensure compliance with identification, third-party traffic rules, and content restrictions.
Remote operation: Remote-control operations (including internet-linked stations) remain subject to Part 97 rules; the control operator is responsible for ensuring compliance.
Emergency Communications
Emergency communications: Amateur stations may provide emergency communications and are authorized to transmit communications (including third-party) necessary to protect life and property in emergency situations.
Priority: Emergency traffic takes precedence over routine amateur communications.
Station Equipment and Technical Standards
Equipment certification: Amateur equipment is generally not required to be type-accepted by the FCC, but must not cause harmful interference to other services and must comply with technical standards (e.g., spurious emissions limits).
Antenna structures: Antenna structures may require FAA and FCC registration if they exceed certain heights or are near airports; local zoning rules may also apply.
RF exposure: Operators must comply with FCC RF exposure (specific absorption rate) rules and evaluate and mitigate potential hazards from station antennas and transmitters.
Operator Conduct and Enforcement
Prohibited conduct: Unlawful or indecent communications, intentional interference, willful violation of FCC rules, and malicious interference (jamming)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules govern General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) use in the United States. Below is a clear, friendly summary of the key regulations you need to know to operate legally and responsibly.
Who needs a GMRS license
A GMRS license is required for any individual or family member who operates GMRS stations. The license covers the licensee and immediate family members living in the same household.
Licenses are granted to individuals (not businesses) and are valid for 10 years from the issue date.
How to get a license
Apply through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS).
Provide your name, address, and FCC Registration Number (FRN). If you don’t have an FRN, you must create one.
Pay the applicable FCC fee (fees can change; check current fee schedule before applying).
No exam is required.
Authorized equipment and frequencies
GMRS radios must be FCC-certified for GMRS use. This includes handheld mobile units, base stations, and repeaters approved for GMRS frequencies.
GMRS operates around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. Specific channel allocations and permitted power levels are defined by the FCC.
Some GMRS channels (particularly certain 462 MHz channels) permit repeater access; others are for simplex (direct) use.
Using non-certified or modified equipment that exceeds authorized power or spectral emissions is prohibited.
Power limits and antenna rules
Handheld units typically operate at lower power; base stations can use higher power. The FCC sets maximum transmitter power levels for different channels and equipment types.
Antenna structures must comply with FCC rules and local zoning/FAA requirements where applicable. Excessively tall or improperly sited antennas may require additional approval.
Repeater operation
Repeaters are allowed on designated GMRS repeater channels. Repeaters extend range and are often used by family groups and local clubs.
Licensees who operate repeaters must ensure equipment is authorized and that the repeater is operated according to FCC technical and operational rules.
Permitted communications and prohibited uses
GMRS is for short-distance two-way personal or family communications. Acceptable uses include coordinating family activities, emergency communications, off-road or outdoor recreation, and small business-like situations involving family members.
Using GMRS for commercial broadcast, music transmission, sale of goods or services, or third-party communications beyond family/household is generally prohibited.
Use of profanity, unlawful content, intentionally false distress signals, or transmissions that interfere with other licensed services is illegal.
Children and third parties
Family members living in the same household may operate under the licensee’s authorization. Non-household users cannot operate under your GMRS license.
Station identification
GMRS licensees must identify their station with their call sign. Identification is required at the end of each communication and at least every 15 minutes during extended contacts.
Call signs are assigned by the FCC and are used for official identification; use of other identifiers in addition to the FCC call sign is allowed during informal use but does not replace the FCC requirement.
Interference and technical compliance
Operators must not cause harmful interference to other users and must accept interference from existing services.
Equipment must comply with FCC technical standards for emissions, frequency stability, and power. Deliberate jamming or unauthorized frequency use is prohibited.
Emergencies
GMRS may be used in emergencies to protect life and property. Emergency communications are permitted without prior authorization when necessary, but the user should still identify the station and follow other reasonable operating practices.
Enforcement and penalties
The FCC enforces GMRS rules. Violations can result in warnings, fines, seizure of equipment, revocation of licenses, or criminal penalties for serious offenses.
Operating without a license or with illegal equipment is a common enforcement target.
Best practices
Get a license before operating — it’s simple and provides legal protection.
Use FCC-certified GMRS radios and avoid modifications.
Keep transmissions brief and on appropriate channels.
Use repeaters courteously: announce your call sign and respect local repeater etiquette.
Monitor before transmitting to avoid interfering with ongoing communications.
Resources
For official forms, fees, and the latest technical details, consult the FCC’s Universal Licensing System and the GMRS rules in Part 95 of the FCC rules. (Search for “Part 95 GMRS” on the FCC site.)
If you want, I can:
Summarize the specific GMRS channels and their permitted uses (simplex vs. repeater).
Walk through step-by-step how to apply for a license online.
Provide a short checklist for purchasing compliant GMRS equipment.