FCC rules and regulations

The rules for GMRS and ham radio in plain language, with links to the official FCC text.

Overview

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) sets the rules for radio in the United States. GMRS falls under Part 95 and amateur (ham) radio under Part 97. This page is a friendly summary, not legal advice. When you need the exact wording, use the official links below.

More detail: rules and regulations, the complete GMRS guide and ham radio prep.

GMRS rules (Part 95)

Rule part: FCC Part 95, the Personal Radio Services rules (GMRS is in Subpart E).
License: Required before you transmit. No test. One license covers you and your immediate family. The license lasts 10 years.
Who can apply: Adults 18 and older who are not barred by the FCC.
Fee: The FCC fee has been $35 for the 10-year term. Confirm the current amount on the FCC site before you apply.
Power: Up to 50 watts on the main GMRS channels (15 to 22 and repeater outputs). Lower limits apply on channels 1 to 7 and 8 to 14.
Station ID: Give your call sign at least every 15 minutes while transmitting and at the end of a conversation.
Radios: Use radios certified by the FCC for GMRS. Do not modify them to change certified limits.
Voice and data: Voice is the main use. Secret codes and encryption to hide the meaning of a message are not allowed.
Business use: GMRS is for personal and family use. It is not for business communications.
Repeaters: Repeater outputs are 462.550 to 462.725 MHz with inputs 5 MHz higher. Repeater owners need their own license and must follow the station ID rules.

Ham radio rules (Part 97)

Rule part: FCC Part 97, the Amateur Radio Service rules.
License: Required. You pass a test given by volunteer examiners. Classes are Technician, General and Amateur Extra, each with more privileges.
Term: Licenses last 10 years and can be renewed.
Power: Use the minimum power needed to communicate. The legal maximum is 1,500 watts PEP, and lower limits apply on some bands.
Station ID: Give your call sign at least every 10 minutes and at the end of a contact.
Bands: Common VHF and UHF ham bands include 2 meters (144 to 148 MHz) and 70 centimeters (420 to 450 MHz).
No business: Ham radio may not be used for business or for pay. It is for the hobby, self-training and emergencies.
No music or broadcasting: No music, no broadcasting and no profanity.
Codes and encryption: No encryption to hide the meaning of messages. Plain language is expected.
Emergencies: Hams may use any means to help in a real emergency. Emergency traffic gets priority.

GMRS and ham side by side

	GMRS	Ham
License test	None	Yes, by volunteer examiners
Who is covered	You and your immediate family	Only the licensed person
Station ID	Every 15 minutes	Every 10 minutes
Business use	Not allowed	Not allowed
Radios	Must be certified for GMRS	Wide choice, including home-built
Typical bands	462 and 467 MHz UHF	Many bands from HF to microwave

Official FCC links

Rules change. This summary is for general information only, so always check the current FCC text before you rely on it.