Do I need a radio license?

I am often asked about FCC licensing. The most common question is, "I just bought some radios and I am not sure if I need a license.". The first hint should come from the manual included with your radios. Most that do have some sort of a disclaimer, "Warning operation of this radio requires an FCC license". The requirement of a license really is tied to the specific frequencies and operating power. General rule of thumb, if it puts out more than 2 watts of power it probably requires a license. Lets take a look at some common radios and what rule sections govern their use:


GMRS Licensing

One common radio, the Motorola Talkabout MR350R, uses both Family Radio Service (FRS) frequencies (which we'll talk about later) that do not require a license and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies that do. You can see a channel guide at landmobile.com. This radio (pictured to the right) boasts a 30 plus mile operating area. But of course that's not on the unlicensed FRS channels. The GMRS channels are higher power which means you'll need a license. You can apply for a GMRS license if you are 18 years or older and not a representative of a foreign government. If you receive a license, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and units within the licensed system. You can find information about GMRS licenses at fcc.gov or you can contact a licensing consultant like landmobile.com. The ULS radio service code and description for GMRS is ZA – General Mobile Radio Service. The FCC service rules for the GMRS are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95. 


FRS Unlicensed Band

The Family Radio Service (FRS) is in the 462 - 467 MHz spectrum range. The most common use for FRS spectrum is short-distance, two-way communications using small, portable hand-held devices that function similar to walkie-talkies. Another common radio (pictured to the left) is the Icom 4088A does not require a license.  Since its limited to 2 watts power its not going to have as big an operating range. Usually about a mile.

More about the FRS Radio Service:
The Family Radio Service (FRS) dates back to 1996 when the FCC authorized the use of 14 channels within the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) for use by FRS.   

Licensing:
The Family Radio Service (FRS) is licensed by rule. This means an individual license is not required to operate an FRS device. You can operate an FRS device regardless of your age and for personal or business use so long as you are not a representative of a foreign government.

The FCC service rules for the Family Radio Service (FRS) are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95.

Channels:
There are 14 FRS channels and each channel is 12.5 kHz.

• 462.5625
• 462.5875
• 462.6125
• 462.6375
• 462.6625
• 462.6875
• 462.7125
• 467.5625
• 467.5875
• 467.6125
• 467.6375
• 467.6625
• 467.6875
• 467.7125

Business License (Part 90)

Radios like the CP200 (pictured left) have business frequencies programmed into them (Rule section 90.35) that do require an FCC license. You have to be careful about operating these without a radio license. In essence they operate in the business bands. Interfere with someone and you are asking for trouble. The FCC's enforcement bureau takes unlicensed operation very seriously and the fines can be many thousands of dollars a day. If you are a business you will need to contact an FCC Certified Frequency Coordinator. The folks at http://www.landmobile.com (Forest Industries Telecommunications) have been around since 1947. They can file the paperwork and clear the channels your radio uses.