Getting Started

How to Get Your GMRS & Amateur License

Getting your radio license may sound tricky, but it’s really just a few simple steps. This guide walks you through everything, from studying to getting your license from the FCC.

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)

• Purpose: Short-to-medium range family or group communication.

• Who Can Use It: One license covers the whole family.

• Requirements: Must be 18+, no test required.

• Cost: $35 for 10 years.

• Equipment: Handhelds and mobile radios, usually pre-programmed (limited to GMRS frequencies).

• Scope: Mostly local (a few miles to tens of miles, depending on terrain and repeaters).

• Learning Curve: Minimal, easy to get started, no technical exam.
  

Amateur (Ham) Radio

• Purpose: A hobby and service for worldwide communication, experimentation, and emergency response.

• Who Can Use It: Only the person licensed (family members need their own).

• Requirements: Must pass one or more tests (Technician, General, Extra).

• Cost: $15 exam + $35 FCC fee, valid for 10 years.

• Equipment: Wide range from handhelds to HF base stations, antennas, satellites, digital modes.

• Scope: Local, regional, worldwide, even space.

• Learning Curve: Higher, requires study and ongoing learning.
  

How They’re Similar

• FCC Regulated: Both licenses are issued by the FCC and tracked in the FCC database.

• FRN Required: Both require you to get an FCC Registration Number (FRN) first.

• 10-Year Validity: Both last 10 years before renewal.

• Call Signs: Both come with an FCC-issued call sign.

• Community Use: Both promote safe, responsible radio communication.

• Cost: Both currently cost $35 through the FCC.
  

How GMRS Can Lead Into Amateur Radio

Many people start with GMRS because:

• It’s simple to get (no test).

• It gives instant communication for family, camping, off-roading, or prepping.

• It builds confidence using radios and repeaters.

Once comfortable with GMRS, many operators want more range, more freedom, and more learning opportunities, that’s when Amateur Radio comes in.

• GMRS repeaters spark curiosity about how repeaters, antennas, and propagation work.

• Limited range on GMRS motivates trying HF (shortwave) bands in ham radio.

• Being part of a GMRS community often overlaps with local ham clubs, making the jump natural.

• Families may keep GMRS for simple group use, while individuals get ham licenses for personal exploration and emergency response.
  In short:

• GMRS = entry-level, simple, family-oriented.

• Amateur Radio = broader, technical, worldwide hobby and service.

• Many hams start with GMRS, then “level up” to ham radio when they want more range, more challenge, and more fun.
  

GMRS License

What is GMRS?

GMRS = General Mobile Radio Service. It uses handheld or mobile radios, kind of like walkie-talkies but more powerful. Perfect for families, campers, farmers, and off-roaders.

GMRS Rules

• Must be 18 or older

• No test required

• One license covers your whole family

• License lasts 10 years

• Cost is $35

How to Get a GMRS License

1. Study is optional (but good to learn basics).

2. Get your FRN (if you don’t already have one).

3. Log in to the FCC ULS with your FRN.

4. Apply for a ZA – General Mobile Radio Service license.

5. Pay the $35 fee.

6. Your license and call sign appear almost instantly!🎙 Amateur (Ham) Radio License

What is Amateur Radio?

Ham radio (also called Amateur Radio) is a hobby where people use radios to talk across town, across the country, and even around the world.

With ham radio you can:

• Talk to other people nearby or far away

• Learn about electronics, antennas, and space

• Help in emergencies when phones or internet don’t work

• Even contact astronauts on the ISS!
  

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) gives out licenses. The ARRL (American Radio Relay League) is a big national group that helps people learn and get started.

Ham License Levels

There are 3 main license levels in the U.S.:

1. Technician Class (Beginner)

   • 35 multiple-choice questions

   • Lets you use local repeaters, handheld radios, and some HF bands

2. General Class (Intermediate)

   • Must pass Technician first

   • Another 35 questions

   • Lets you talk around the world on more HF bands

3. Amateur Extra (Advanced)

   • Final step

   • 50 questions

   • Gives you full access to all amateur bands

Step 1: Study for the Exam

• Use the ARRL License Manual to learn the basics

• Take practice tests on HamStudy.org

• Download free apps for quick quizzes

• Many local clubs hold beginner classes

All real exam questions are public, so practice tests are very helpful.

Step 2: Get Your FCC FRN (Registration Number)

Before you can take your test or apply for GMRS, you need an FRN. This is your FCC account number.

How to Get an FRN:

1. Go to the FCC CORES Login.

2. Click Register.

3. Enter your name, address, and email.

4. Save your FRN—you’ll use it to take your ham test and to log in later.

Step 3: Take the Exam

1. Find a test session on the ARRL website or HamStudy.org.

2. Pay the exam fee (about $15).

3. Take the test with Volunteer Examiners (VEs).

4. If you pass, the exam team submits your results to the FCC.

5. The FCC emails you to pay the $35 fee.

Step 4: Get Your License

• After you pay, your license shows up in the FCC database (1–2 days).

• You’ll be given a call sign (like WX3S or K1ABC).

• You can download/print your license from the FCC’s ULS License Manager.
  

Quick Checklist

For Amateur Radio:

1. Study with ARRL books or online tools

2. Get your FRN

3. Take the test (Technician first)

4. Pay $35 to FCC

5. Get your license & call sign

For GMRS:

1. Get your FRN

2. Log in to FCC ULS

3. Apply for GMRS license

4. Pay $35

5. License covers your family

Final Word

• Ham Radio: Best for learning, making worldwide contacts, and joining clubs.

• GMRS: Best for simple family communication without a test.

• Many people get both for the most flexibility.