Before operating a GMRS radio, you will need to receive a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The GMRS licensing process is significantly simpler than what it takes to operate a ham radio, which requires the operator to pass an exam to receive the most basic operating license - and two more exams for higher licensing levels.

The main requirements for obtaining a GMRS license are that the licensee be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen. More specific authorization requirements can be found in 47 CFR § 95.305.

Here are the main steps you will need to follow to get a GMRS license:

Step 1: Create an account with the FCC. Here is the new user registration page.

Step 2: Sign up for an FCC registration number (FRN) through CORES (Commission Registration System). Here is the CORES login page. You should be directed to this next step when you go to verify your new FCC account through your email.

Step 3: Apply for a new license through the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) by filling out FCC Form 605. There will be a $35 license fee. Note that Form 605 is used for a number of other applications, so be sure to follow the instructions specific to GMRS licensing.

A ham license only applies to one individual, while a GMRS radio license actually covers all immediate family members. The licensee is responsible for proper use of the radio, but their license covers their "spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws" per 47 CFR § 95.1705. Other people may only use the GMRS radio in an emergency situation.

While the licensee must be at least 18 years old, family members of the licensee may be under 18 and still use the GMRS radio - making a GMRS license a convenient option for families with young children.

The fact that GMRS radios require licensing adds a level of security to your communications. Anyone can access CB frequencies, for example, but GMRS frequencies are only accessible by licensed users who are approved by the FCC. The higher frequencies of GMRS are also theoretically less likely to be intercepted than low-frequency CB channels.

GMRS radios are very simple to operate, as they don’t require programming. Ease of use makes these radios ideal for children or adults who don’t want the inconvenience of a more complicated device. Unless you intend to modify your device with additional radio equipment (such as an antenna), your handheld GMRS radio will likely be ready to go out of the box.

Just remember there is still radio etiquette that applies to GMRS users. For example, you must identify yourself using your call sign after any message, and every 15 minutes for lengthy transmissions. You can find a list of permissible uses and non-permissible uses of GMRS radios in 47 CFR § 95.

Most GMRS radio models are portable, and they're also typically wearable. This advanced walkie-talkie is a convenient choice for activities where your hands are occupied, and some GMRS radio models even include jacks for head-mounted mics and earpieces.

GMRS radios have access to eight repeater channels, significantly maximizing the potential transmission range of your radio. Repeaters are radios that are set up to receive and retransmit everything they hear. This capability is not available for FRS radios but is an important feature for GMRS radios, whose range would otherwise be limited by line of sight.

For example, if two groups of hikers are located on opposite sides of a mountain, you can place a repeater on the mountaintop to allow radio communication from one side to the other.

GMRS and FRS radios share the same 22 channels in the 462 to 467 frequency range (70cm band). This means you can use your GMRS radio to communicate with users of both devices. Shared channels are particularly helpful in group settings where not everyone has the same type of radio.

The FCC stipulates a specific channel bandwidth for FRS and GMRS. The bandwidth is constrained by the modulation which is FM deviation (GMRS = +/- 5.0 kHz, FRS = +/- 2.5 kHz) plus the uncertainties of the filtering of the transmitter and receiver. Additionally receivers and transmitters may drift over time or temperature so the bandwidth is further constrained to prevent interference to the adjacent channel. Channel spacing is 25 kHz for GMRS and so a 20 kHz bandwidth fits into that channel with protection on each side. FRS channels are spaced within a 12.5 kHz space directly between two GMRS channels. FRS radios generally utilize an 11 kHz transmitter bandwidth and a power lower than GMRS so the interference to an adjacent GMRS channel is minimized.

Even though FRS and GMRS channels are the same, GMRS radios provide much better sound quality than an FRS radio, the lowest-powered amateur radio on the market. And while GMRS radios don't get the range advantage of an AM radio - such as a traditional CB radio - using FM over shorter distances accomplishes a much better sound.

Many GMRS radios also come with a feature called “privacy codes“. Privacy codes do not keep your messages from being heard by other users, but they allow you to tune out unwanted messages from users outside of your group.

You can customize your GMRS radio with a variety of antenna options, especially when using bigger models than the handheld walkie-talkie. Put a large antenna on a repeater radio for maximum reception, or mount GMRS radios in off-road or street-legal vehicles connected to larger antennas. In recent years, GMRS radios have even been allowed to tie into cell phones via apps for location services and text messages.