To quote the FCC, “The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios and repeater systems. In 2017, the FCC expanded GMRS to also allow short data messaging applications including text messaging and GPS location information.”
One of the most appealing things about GMRS is that even though you need a license to use it, you don’t need to have any special training, or take a test to get the license. You just apply on the FCC website, and pay your $35 fee, which covers all the members of your immediate family for 10 years. The radios are inexpensive, and readily available at box stores or online.
Another benefit of GMRS radios is that they share the same frequencies (and channels) as the FRS (Family Radio Service) radios. So whether you have an FRS radio or a GMRS radio, channels 1 – 22 are the same and you can talk to one another. Four important differences between FRS and GMRS radios are that 1) FRS radios are low power (2 Watts or less) while GMRS radios can use higher power (up to 50 Watts on some channels), 2) FRS radios do not require a license, but GMRS radios do, 3) GMRS radios can use repeaters, and 4) GMRS radios can have a removable antenna which gives you a lot more flexibility and the ability to install better antennas on your radio, or even use it as a mobile or base station radio with the right antenna.
Another great thing about modern radios, is that some radios can also be used for a lot of different radio services like Ham (Amateur) Radio, FRS (Family Radio Service), GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System), and CAP (Civil Air Patrol) frequencies. Manufacturers like Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, Baofeng, TYT, TIDRADIO and many other brands make radios that can be used for any or all of these radio services. While it may not be legal to transmit on those frequencies, you will have the ability to listen to them, and you will have that option if you ever need it in an a true emergency.
“Legal” GMRS Radios
GMRS radios must be FCC type accepted under 47 CFR Part 95E to be operated legally. However, if you use an “amateur radio” to talk on FRS, GMRS, or MURS frequencies, you really shouldn’t have any issues. I have never seen or heard of anyone asking to see your radio to inspect if it is “part 95 accepted”. Just make sure that you use those frequencies responsibly, and courteously, and that if you do use it for Ham or GMRS that you have a license for those services.
To learn how to get your license, see our articles titled How to get your GMRS License, How to get your Amateur Radio (Ham) Technician License, or our FCC Amateur Radio License Exam Study Guide to find out more.
Also, check out our article titled Handheld Transceiver (HT) Radio Comparisons to see what radios are popular, and have the capability to use all these frequencies.