How many folks here.....

[irvingdog]

Bothered to license their GMRS radios?

I do not work for the FCC, and doubt they monitor this site.

Be honest, or don't bother replying.

[MNmikew]

Seeing how the license costs more than the radios now, very few I would imagine. I'm guessing the license requirement will go the way of CB licenses eventually. So to answer your question, umm, er, well...

And by the way, the FCC monitors EVERYTHING! ;-)

[gspman]

I think the vast majority of people don't even know they are supposed to get a license for it. As for the ones that do know, I would venture to say that well over 90% don't obtain a license. It's funny. The manufacturers always put it in an inconspicuous place on the package and in small print too. And very rarely do you see "license required" in ads for these things. It's all about the almighty buck.

[fivebucks]

Isn't the license needed only when you use a GMRS channel? I believe you can legally use a FRS/GMRS radio without a license if you only are on a FRS channel. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. (if I owned a radio!)

[RoadRunner]

At first I thought "What are the chances of EVER getting checked or caught for not having an FCC license in NW MN" (probably somewhere between slim and none). In the end I figured the $15/yr the license cost was a non-issue and bought it. I know very few people who have them who have bothered getting the license, and I've taken my share of ribbing from my buddys over having bought it.

[Guest]

Yes, if you use the specified channels you do not need a license..what is it? channels 7-15?

[MNmikew]

Here's some info from the FCC site. The license is $80 for 5 years and covers all family members.

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws (47 CFR 95.179). Normally, as a GMRS system licensee, you and your family members would communicate among yourselves over the general area of your residence or during recreational group outings, such as camping or hiking.

The FCC grants five-year renewable licenses for GMRS Systems. The individual licensee is responsible for the proper operations of the licensed GMRS system at all times.

FRS/GMRS Dual Service Radios

Some manufacturers have received approval to market radios that are certified for use in both the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Other manufacturers have received approval of their radios under the GMRS rules, but market them as FRS/GMRS radios on the basis that:

Some channels are authorized to both services, or

A user of the radio may communicate with stations in the other service.

Radios marketed as "FRS/GMRS" or "dual-service radios" are available from many manufacturers and many retail or discount stores. The manual that comes with the radio, or the label placed on it by the manufacturer, should indicate the service the unit is certified for. If you cannot determine what service the unit may be used in, contact the manufacturer.

If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas. The current fee for a new GMRS license is $80.

Licensing

Before any station transmits on any channel authorized in the GMRS from any point within or over the territorial limits of any area where the FCC regulates radio services, the responsible party must obtain a license. The FCC usually grants GMRS system licenses for a five-year term. To apply for a GMRS system license, you may file online through the Universal Licensing System (ULS), or file FCC Form 605 manually. New filers can learn more about ULS in its getting started tutorials. See Fee Requirements for FCC Form 605 for current licensing fee information.

[minneman]

No. I have the 4 watt motorolas and do not plan on getting a lic. Ill take my chances.

How bout you IrvingDog?

[Fishn'Lady]

I bought the license, but at the time it was $75.00. Since I mostly use the upper channels for the distance, I did not want to take any chances.

[irvingdog]

My post got deleted once (don't know why. Mods, please explain) but I'll try again.

I've got a RINO 110 and a RINO 130. I've got alot of money into these things, so I figured "what the heck" and got them licensed.

Several years ago, I got clipped for not having a shelter tag on a brand new pull-over that I bought in late February. I figured "why not, I'm only going to fish it once this year, what are the chances".

Nearly 100 bucks later, I have a different perspective on things like that.