How To: GMRS - ZA FCC LICENSE

[MBroenkow]

There's been lots of talk here about making sure we're all licensed for the radios that we operate, but not a lot of specifics on how to go about that. Since a lot of us are interested in GMRS (our needs are beyond FRS but not to the point of HAM) I wanted to share what I learned while applying for my ZA license:


General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
https://www.fcc.gov/general/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs


Ok, it looks harder than it is, but you need to;
a) sign up with the FCC ULS system
b) then file for a ZA license
c) pay your fee, and in a day or two you'll have your license.

Basically the same thing as above:
https://www.prismli.com/prism-blog/gmrs-radio/36-how-to-get-your-gmrs-license

Getting started:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=about_getting_started

Sign up for ULS (registering as an individual with the FCC) and get FRN:
https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

Once you have your FRN (why is everything acronyms with these guys?), go back to the home page and select "Online Filing" Log in:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home

Then select Apply for New license (top left), select ZA GMRS in the drop down and follow the instructions.

It got a little confusing for me at the payment stage.

There are three different ways to proceed, but "Payer FRN" is what I was told to use. I tried several times to get past this point and I needed to call the FCC Help Line to figure it out. Thankfully, they got to me very quickly and it only took two separate calls to figure out that the FCC site doesn't seem to like the Chrome browser. Firefox ended up working for me .

Beyond this page is where you can specify how to pay. At least this part was totally straight forward and a breeze.

I hope this has been helpful for anyone who's interested in getting their FCC ZA license!

 

[MBroenkow]

One day after filing my application online I was emailed a link to download my license in PDF format.

That was fast.

 

[dstock]

Got mine a couple months back, I think I even got the license within the same day! Crazy for a gov't entity..LOL

 

[Steve]

Thanks for the easy step-by-step, @MBroenkow It was quick and easy. I just got back from picking up a Midlands MXT115 radio, too.

Thank you,
Steve

 

[NoDoze]

Oh man, thank you so much for posting this. Made it easier to navigate the FCC site and getting things done!

 

[Silverback_WK2]

Got mine tonight.
Ordered a Midland MXT400 kit, should be in tomorrow.

 

[martin_j001]

Applied for my license this evening, thanks for the how-to. Picked up a set of radios as well. MXT275 or 400 will happen someday maybe.

 

[martin_j001]

Also received my license/call sign the following day. Nice to have a quick turnaround like that!

 

[Charles_Alarie]

Just got mine same day I applied. Not bad.

 

[Prerunner1982]

Glad to see some people still do the right thing.

 

[Virginiawilderness]

Really useful post for a radio newb!

 

[Graeman]

I just finished installing my 115 and I am using the external antenna that I bought to use with my UV5R and it does not put out as good as the stock antenna that the Midland came with. Maybe, it needs to be tuned like a cb antenna. Has anyone else had issues with their radio not getting out? My wife was on the handheld and I was on the 115 and she came in loud and clear but said that I was garbled some times. Also noticed that I need to hold the mic further away than I do with the CB mic.

 

[Graeman]

Installed where the ash tray used to be.

 

[systemdelete]

Have a nice little folder going both in the glove box, and PDF copies on my ipad of radio licenses, yearly camping permits, and other required forms. . .

 

[Larry]

Thank you for the step by step post, I just applied.
Update, received my license the next day.

 

[Desert Runner]

The link and explanation you put forward, did make it much easier to navigate, I have it all in queue, and just have to pay. Registered, assigned number etc. I know these handhelds are sold a dime a dozen, and most people just use them without thought. It is different from HAM where it is assumed you will follow the regulations and get licensed. I think this is because box stores offer them in their sporting goods or electronics departments with out explaining the requirements.

 

[brien]

Some (or possibly all?) of the handhelds sold in the big box stores may just be FRS radios, which share the same frequency channels but do NOT require a license because they only transmit 2W maximum. I always carry extra FRS radios in my rig so that i can hand them out to anybody in the group who may not have a GMRS license yet.

 

[Prerunner1982]

Some (or possibly all?) of the handhelds sold in the big box stores may just be FRS radios, which share the same frequency channels but do NOT require a license because they only transmit 2W maximum. I always carry extra FRS radios in my rig so that i can hand them out to anybody in the group who may not have a GMRS license yet.

Now yes, but that is only a recent change due to the reason Desert Runner mentioned.

 

[brien]

Now yes, but that is only a recent change due to the reason Desert Runner mentioned.

Doh, yeah, oops i read his post too fast. I thought he was wondering why big box stores carried them without mentioning license

 

[noah.wass]

Thanks so much for this write up! I was under the impression that GMRS did not require a license to transmit. The fee for the license seems to be a little steep, but I'm glad to be doing the right thing. I'm going to need a GMRS radio now. :-)