START HERE
Before starting
The FCC says an applicant for a new GMRS license must be at least 18 years old and not be a representative of a foreign government. The license is issued to an individual. It may also cover eligible immediate family members under the FCC rules.
Have your legal name, email, United States mailing address, telephone number, the taxpayer-identification information requested by the FCC, and a payment method ready. Use your legal name exactly as you want it shown on the license.
Privacy: Do not send a Social Security number or other private identification information to VCKS, a radio seller, or anyone helping you. Enter it only on an official FCC website.
THE FCC LANGUAGE
Four terms worth knowing
- FCC
- Federal Communications Commission—the federal agency that issues the license.
- GMRS
- General Mobile Radio Service—the radio service you are applying for.
- CORES / FRN
- CORES is the FCC registration and payment system. Your FRN is the 10-digit FCC Registration Number issued to you.
- ULS / ZA
- ULS is the Universal Licensing System used to file and manage the license. GMRS uses service code ZA.
It is normal to move between CORES and ULS. They are different FCC systems that work together.
THE APPLICATION
Apply in ten steps
Create an FCC username
Open FCC CORES, select the option to register or create a username account, then complete the email-verification process.
Register for an FRN
After signing into CORES, choose Register New FRN. Select the individual or personal option, not a business registration. Save your 10-digit FRN. Do not create another FRN if you already have one from an FCC license or filing.
Open ULS License Manager
Open the FCC ULS License Manager and sign in with your FRN and FCC password.
Start a new license application
In License Manager, choose Apply for a New License. If the menu wording changes, use the live FCC directions for applying for a new ULS license.
Select GMRS
Choose ZA — General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Confirm you did not select Amateur Radio, FRS, or a commercial service.
Complete the application
Answer the name, address, contact, eligibility, and certification questions truthfully. A normal individual GMRS application does not ask for radio programming, antenna details, or repeater-site information.
Review, certify, and submit
Verify your name, mailing address, email, service selection, and ZA code. Certify the application and submit it. Save the FCC application file number; it is different from your FRN.
Complete payment
After submission, ULS calculates the fee and normally offers a button to continue into CORES for payment. Follow that path and complete the $35 payment. If you need to return later, use the FCC CORES Payment System and choose ULS fees. Save the receipt.
Submitting the application without completing payment does not finish the application. The FCC states online-filed application fees must be received within 10 calendar days.
Allow time for processing
A newly filed application may not appear until the next business day. Processing can take additional business days, especially around weekends and federal holidays. Do not file a duplicate application just because the first one is still pending.
Check status and save the license
In ULS, open My Applications. Check using the FRN, application file number, or your legal name. When the status is Granted, ULS will show the assigned GMRS call sign. Download the electronic authorization and keep it with your radio records.
PENDING VS. GRANTED
Do not transmit under the new license until ULS shows “Granted.”
Pending means processing is still underway. Granted means the license has been approved and a GMRS call sign has been assigned. Returned or Dismissed means the FCC needs something addressed.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Quick answers
I created an FCC account but cannot find my license.
Creating a username or FRN does not submit a GMRS application. Return to ULS License Manager and file the ZA GMRS application.
I submitted it, but it still says pending.
Confirm the payment completed, then allow several business days. Check ULS rather than relying only on email.
I cannot find GMRS in the service list.
Look for General Mobile Radio Service or service code ZA.
I already have an FRN.
Use the existing FRN unless the FCC specifically tells you otherwise.
OFFICIAL HELP
FCC Licensing Support Center
For help with FCC registration, ULS, or payment, use the FCC Licensing Support Center or call 877-480-3201. FCC support hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
For current fee information, see the FCC personal-service application fee schedule. VCKS can help with radio equipment and programming after the license is granted, but the application and payment must be completed by the applicant through the FCC.