Ham radio can receive GMRS, and you can program it to transmit GMRS, but it is not legal to do so in the United States. Under the FCC jurisdiction in the USA, it is illegal for more radios to transmit GMRS frequencies. To use GMRS frequencies with any radio, you will need a certification.
Keep reading to learn more about the logistics of setting up a ham radio for GMRS frequencies, what the laws are around using ham radio for such frequencies, and what requirements you need to get a certification.
How to Use Ham Radio to Transmit on GMRS
Ham radios can receive GMRS with a wide enough receiver, and while there are ways of setting up a ham radio to transmit these frequencies, there are laws in place to restrict how operators use this function. Generally, the only thing you need to prepare for using GMRS after getting a certification has higher wattage to handle GMRS.
However, getting a certification and license to use your ham radio for GMRS restricts your use to only using that radio for GMRS frequencies, so you will need another radio if you want to use amateur channels still.
What are the Laws for Transmitting GMRS
In the United States, it is illegal for someone without a license and certification to use their ham radio for GMRS frequencies. Usually, this is because FCC regulations restrict GMRS to radios with power less than 0.5W and without a detachable antenna. Certification also ensures that the operator will use GMRS in a non-interfering way.
Part of the certification also dictates that you can’t TX on any other frequencies, so you can’t have multiple certifications for the same radio. Therefore, if you get a certification for GMRS, you can’t use FRS or MURS frequencies unless you have a secondary radio.
Suppose there is a complaint about you using GMRS without to license. In that case, the FCC will confiscate your equipment, and there could be other repercussions depending on your use of the frequencies, such as interfering with other operators’ signals or using your radio for malicious means.
Which Radios Need an FCC License?
The FCC divides consumer radios into two different services: FRS and GMRS. Any radio using FRS frequencies does require a license, whereas radios using GMRS frequencies use more power and features, which requires a license to operate.
Do You Have to Get a License Before Buying a Two-Way Radio?
You do not need to have a license before purchasing a two-way radio, as possessing a radio that can use GMRS frequencies is not the same as using those frequencies. There are plenty of radios on the market that can use GMRS, so owning one without a license is not illegal.
Do You Have to Report to the FCC that You Own a GMRS Radio?
You do not need to report that you own a radio capable of using GMRS frequencies to the FCC, nor does the company or distributor of the radio need to report the purchase on your behalf unless they are directly associated with the FCC.
However, if there is a complaint regarding you using GMRS frequencies without a license, the FCC can request your purchasing information from wherever you bought the radio.
How to Get a GMRS Certification
You can apply for a GMRS license online at the FCC Universal License System (ULS) website, where you will need to complete the FCC forms 159 and 605. The 159 form is regarding payment for the license, whereas the 605 forms specifically request permission to use the radio.
What You Need to Know About Form 159
The 159 form is so you can set up a payment with the FCC to get your license. However, if you already have an FCC account due to other licensing fees or automatic charges, then you may be able to get through this form quicker because you can use your existing payment method.
If you don’t already have an account, you will need to register one. With your account through the CORES payment system, you will be able to:
- Quickly make payments through the FCC online with a credit card or debit account.
- Submit hefty fees online without filling out paperwork.
- Save information relating to your costs in one location to reference later.
- Keep track of automatic payments and upcoming renewals.
To set up a CORES account, you will need:
- A web browser that is Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Chrome, Firefox 3.6 or higher has SSL and JavaScript enabled.
- An FCC username that you will use to manage all your CORES payments.
- An FCC registration number (FRN) will track your financial details and protect the privacy of filers. Ensure that you give your FRN permission to access your financial information associated with your FCC username.
For more specific details, you can read through the FCC government web page’s information.
How Much Does a GMRS License Cost?
Before you set up any of your payments methods, you might want to consider the cost of getting a GMRS license. As of the writing of this article, the FCC charges $70.00 for GMRS licenses, and the license is valid for ten years as long as you have no complaints or violations.
What You Need to Know About Form 605
The 605 forms apply specifically for permission to use GMRS frequencies on your ham radio. You must complete all filing of this form online and under the “Individual applicant” type. Depending on what you want to use your radio for, such as general amateur use or as a commercial operator, you will need to fill out multiple pages of the form.
What you need to complete these forms will depend on your purposes and the equipment you are using. You can find all the documents and the portal for filing the forms once complete at the FCC government webpage.
Using GMRS Outside of the United States
While there are laws that prohibit using GMRS without a license in the US, there are other countries where there are additional requirements.
- Canada: Canada does not require a GMRS license for hand-held GMRS radios up to 2W. These radios need to have fixed antennas and operate at 2W on some GMRS channels and 0.5W on FRS-only channels.
- The United Kingdom and Europe: GMRS radios are illegal in the UK and Europe without a license. There are walkie-talkies specific for the UK and Europe that you can use without a license, but any ordinary radio will require a license.
- Australia and New Zealand: GMRS radios are illegal in Australia and New Zealand without a license. You can get a license through the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
In most instances, GMRS frequencies require some kind of licensing to ensure you are researching what requirements are present in your country, and if you do not want to get a license, you get a radio for FRS frequencies instead.
Final Thoughts
While there is nothing from the equipment side to prevent you from transmitting GMRS frequencies on your ham radio, there are several laws around using these frequencies in the United States that you should be aware of. Ensure that you research the laws in your area and get the proper certifications and licenses before using GMRS frequencies.
