Get Licensed!

If you’re completely new to radio this is the page for you!

For years now the licensing process for GMRS and Amateur radio has been a mystical and complicated process. We’re here to make that process easy and step by step for you!

Picking the right radio service for you.

The first step in the whole process is picking the correct radio service that meets all your needs. There are really 3 options you have to pick from. Below we’ve listed our top asked capabilities for each.

	GMRS	Amateur (Ham)	Commercial Licensing
Simplex and Repeater Access	Yes	Yes	Yes (depending on licensing)
Family Communications	Yes (your license is good for your entire immediate family)	No (your license does not cover your family)	Yes (anyone you allow to use your frequency(s)
Long Distance (100 miles+)	No	Yes (With general license)	No
Secure Communications	No	No	Yes (with digital radios and appropriate licensing)
License Test	No	Yes	No
Licensing cost	$35 for 10 years	$35 for 10 years	$500+
Cost to entry (2 Portable Radios)	$50-$75	$50-$75	$400-$800 (w/encryption)

Now that you’ve picked a service!

Below we have some basic instructions for each service.

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GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) License

Step 1: Go to the FCC CORES system
Head to the FCC’s registration portal and create (or log into) your account with the Federal Communications Commission.
You’ll get an FRN (FCC Registration Number) — this is your FCC ID for everything radio-related.

Step 2: Apply for a GMRS license
Once logged in:
Choose Apply for a New License
Select ZA – General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
Fill out your basic info (name, address, contact)
No technical info, no frequencies to pick, no coordination.

Step 3: Pay the license fee
$35 total
Covers 10 years
One license covers you + your immediate family
Spouse
Kids
Parents
Grandparents
(Everyone uses your call sign.)

Step 4: Receive your GMRS call sign
Usually issued within minutes
Sometimes a few hours
Call sign format looks like: WXXX123
You’re legal as soon as it’s granted.

Step 5: Program and use your radios
Now you can:
Transmit on GMRS simplex channels
Use GMRS repeaters (with permission)
Run up to 50 watts on mobile/base radios (radio-dependent)
Use handhelds, mobiles, and repeaters that are Part 95E certified

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Amateur Radio – Technician License

Step 1: Create an FCC Account (FRN)
Before testing, you must have an FCC Registration Number (FRN).
Go to the Federal Communications Commission Universal Licensing System (ULS)
Select Register
Create an account using your legal name and contact information
You will receive an FRN
Save this — you will need it for the exam and license issuance

Step 2: Study for the Technician Exam
The Technician exam is based on a public question pool.
Exam Overview
35 multiple-choice questions
26 correct answers required to pass
No Morse code required
Topics include:
FCC rules & operating procedures
Basic electronics
Radio theory
Antennas & feed lines
Safety and RF exposure
Practical operating skills
Recommended Study Resources
ARRL Technician License Manual
HamStudy.org (free online practice tests)
YouTube Technician crash-course videos
Mobile apps: HamStudy, Amateur Radio Exam Prep
Tip: Many people pass with 1–2 weeks of casual studying

Step 3: Find a Testing Session (In-Person or Online)
Exams are administered by Volunteer Examiners (VEs).
Options
In-person exams (local radio clubs, community centers)
Remote/online exams (Zoom-based, webcam required)
How to Find an Exam
Search “Amateur Radio Technician Exam near me”
ARRL Exam Session Finder
Online VE groups (available nationwide)
What to Bring
Legal photo ID
FCC FRN
Exam fee (typically $15)
Pencil & paper (if in-person)

Step 4: Take and Pass the Exam
You’ll take the 35-question Technician test
Results are immediate
If you pass:
Your exam paperwork is submitted electronically
No additional action required from you at this step
Bonus: Many sessions allow you to attempt the General Class exam the same day at no extra cost

Step 5: Pay the FCC License Fee
After passing, the FCC will email you.
Log into your FCC ULS account
Pay the $35 FCC license fee
Payment is required before the license is issued
⏱ Typical processing time: 1–3 business days

Step 6: Receive Your Callsign & Start Transmitting
Once issued:
Your callsign appears in the FCC database
You are legally authorized to transmit immediately
Your license is valid for 10 years
No paper license is mailed — the FCC database listing is official

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Commercial Radio Services/Part 90

For Part 90 services contact us at Licensing@uhlescomm.com.

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Having trouble or have questions? Reach out to us at Licensing@uhlescomm.com