GMRS stands for General Mobile Radio Service.  It is a specific range of radio frequency channels in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) spectrum, specifically 462Mhz to 467Mhz.   An FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license is required to use GMRS, but unlike Amateur (Ham) Radio, a GMRS license from the FCC does not require a technical knowledge test.  Functional knowledge along those lines can be acquired as you go.  Many consider GMRS and Amateur Radio a good combination.   Not GMRS licensed yet?  You'll need a FRN (Federal Registration Number) and can get started here.

Over a period of many years, the license fee has declined from nearly $100 to the current $35 (good for ten years), fee which covers your entire family (Part 95.1705(c)(2)  Any individual who holds an individual license m ay allow his or her immediate family members to operate his or her GMRS station or stations. Immediate family members are the licensee's spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws).

With this license, you will be issued a callsign (ex WABC123) from the FCC that you must transmit for Identification, at time intervals specified in the rules, when using the system (Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and,  After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes.)  One unfortunate, but common, experience is that the FCC web site or the payment portal may be bogged down or delayed, in issuing your official license. If that happens during your application process, here is what we hope will be some helpful information.

Once you have successfully submitted your application (now an electronic version of Form 605), and paid the requisite fee, you can download, print out and sign Form 605 Schedule "F" which instantly authorizes your legal operation with a callsign of "WT" followed by your work or residence phone number ie WT1234567.  This was created years ago (at our request) when paper forms were still used and is still good for 90 days  (now more than enough time for on-line governmental processing).

FRS vs GMRS

FRS is the Family Radio Service, and it is another division of the radio spectrum offered by the FCC.  FRS and GMRS actually share some of the same channels (frequencies), but FRS does not require a license.  The "Bubble Pack" units you would find at Wal-Mart or other retailer are typically FRS radios.  GMRS radios can communicate with FRS radios on the common channels.

So why GMRS over FRS?

This is a reasonable question.  The two services are interoperable, to a degree, but your GMRS license, and your GMRS radio, is far more capable than any FRS radio.  FRS radios are limited to 1/2 watt or 2 watts, depending on the channel.  A great deal of FCC history is behind this situation, but that is a discussion for another day and venue.  FRS radios are not capable of long distance communication via repeaters.  GMRS radios, on the other hand, can range from 5 watts (handheld/"walkie talkie") to 50 watt mobile and repeater stations.  Additionally, most antennae can provide some "gain" or increase in performance resulting in the perceived multiplication of output power.  Repeater range distances can vary from as little as 5 miles in diameter to 150+ miles!  Most FRS commercial advertising has somewhat exaggerated range claims. Occasionally stating up to 38 miles!  In actual usage you might get a mile or so (if terrain conditions permit).  GMRS radios can actually communicate many miles, and in ideal conditions, achieve 60+ miles distance or more (from the repeater) with the aid of an elevated repeater, again depending upon your location and other conditions.

Displayed below is a Frequency Chart offered by BuyTwoWayRadios.com Get you own copy for Base or Mobile handy reference.

 

Relating to the channels/frequencies listed above there are a few restrictions that apply for those living in the northern U.S. near the Canadian border.  Often referred to as "Line A" the details are here.

Want to start transmitting RIGHT NOW? If one is really "chomping at the bit" to get started, operating on GMRS, there IS a way to accelerate the process a bit.

The FCC usually processes a completed application (with the required fee payment having been made), in just a few hours to a few days,  the applicant has the option to first submit FCC Form 605 (now done electronically) and then complete Schedule "F" which is locally retained.  The Temporary callsign will be "WT" followed by the business or residence phone number of the applicant. This procedure was instituted in the late 70s or early 80s, but has been largely forgotten as the speed of license-granting has greatly accelerated. However, it is still "on the books". 

Additional background information on the General Mobile Radio Service is available here.