FCC rules: Part 95 and Part 97

GMRS follows Part 95 and amateur radio follows Part 97. Here is what each says in plain words, side by side.

GMRS: Part 95

Who the rules cover: GMRS is regulated under FCC Part 95, Subpart E. Anyone who transmits on GMRS frequencies with a GMRS radio needs a license.
Who can hold a license: An individual who is 18 or older. There is no exam.
License term: Ten years, then it can be renewed with the FCC.
Family coverage: One license covers the licensee and their immediate family, such as a spouse, children, parents, siblings and in-laws. Each person uses their own radio under the same call sign.
Call sign: Say your call sign at least every 15 minutes during a conversation and when you finish.
Power: Up to 50 watts on the main channels 15 to 22 and on repeaters. Channels 1 to 7 are limited to 5 watts and channels 8 to 14 to 0.5 watts.
Channels: Frequencies around 462 and 467 MHz. Repeaters listen on the 467 MHz channels and talk on the 462 MHz ones.
No secret codes: Messages may not be scrambled or encrypted so others cannot understand them.
Clean air: No profanity, no music, no broadcasting and no false distress calls.
Emergencies: Anyone may use GMRS for an emergency, and all stations should give way to real distress traffic.

Who the rules cover: Amateur radio is regulated under FCC Part 97. Each operator needs a license in their own name. It is not shared with family.
License classes: Technician, General and Amateur Extra. Higher classes get more band privileges.
Exams: Volunteer examiners give the tests. A license lasts ten years and can be renewed.
Call sign: Identify at least every 10 minutes during a conversation and at the end.
Power: Use only the minimum power needed. The top limit for most operators is 1,500 watts.
No secret codes: Messages may not be sent in codes meant to hide their meaning.
No pay and no business: Amateur radio may not be used for business, or for any message in which you are paid or have a financial interest in the message.
No broadcasting: No music and no one-way programs. Amateurs may relay bulletins to other amateurs.
Clean air: No indecent, obscene or profane language.
Public service: Amateurs are encouraged to help in emergencies, and many join local emergency teams.

Topic	GMRS	Ham radio
License needed	Yes	Yes
Exam	No	Yes
Who is covered	You and your immediate family	Only you
Minimum age	18	None
Call sign ID	Every 15 minutes and at the end	Every 10 minutes and at the end
Typical top power	50 W	Up to 1,500 W
Business use	Not what the service is for. Read Part 95 first.	Not allowed
Encryption	Not allowed	Not allowed
Where you operate	462 and 467 MHz	Many bands, HF to microwave

This page is a plain summary for learning, not legal advice. The FCC can change the rules, so check the official text before you rely on any detail.