GMRS

GMRS Radio FAQ

GMRS Radio (During Disasters)

Stay connected when phones go down

During a hurricane or other disaster, cell towers and internet service can fail. Flagler County Emergency Management monitors General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) so licensed residents can still reach us and each other.

Repeater: 462.675 (141.3)  |  Program your radio: Tx 467.675 (141.3), Rx 462.675

  • No examJust an online application
  • $35One-time FCC fee
  • 10 yearsLicense term
  • Whole familyCovers your immediate family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GMRS?

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a two-way radio service for short-range communication. It works without cell phone signal or the internet, which makes it a reliable backup when other communication systems are down.

  • No exam required. Unlike amateur (ham) radio, you only need to apply and pay the fee.
  • $35 for 10 years. One license, renewable when it expires.
  • Covers your immediate family. Your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws can all operate under your license.
  • Range. Handheld radios typically reach a few miles. Using a repeater, like the County's, can extend that range significantly.
  • Who can apply. Anyone 18 or older who is not a representative of a foreign government.

Learn more from the FCC: General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS).

How do I get a GMRS license?

Getting an FCC GMRS license takes a few steps, but there is no exam, it costs $35, lasts for 10 years, and covers your entire immediate family.

Step 1: Create an FCC Username & Get an FRN

  1. Go to the FCC CORES User Login Portal.
  2. Click Register under the "Need a Username?" section to create an account.
  3. Confirm your account using the verification email sent by the FCC.
  4. Log back into CORES, select Register New FRN, and choose An Individual.
  5. Complete the form and submit. Write down the 10-digit FRN shown on the confirmation page.

Step 2: Apply for Your GMRS License

  1. Go to the FCC ULS License Manager.
  2. Log in using your 10-digit FRN and the password you created in Step 1.
  3. On the yellow sidebar (left side), click Apply for a New License.
  4. In the "Select the radio service" dropdown, choose ZA - General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), then click Continue.
  5. Answer the questions (leave them as "No" unless they apply to you) and fill out your contact information.
  6. On the summary page, verify your information, click Continue to Certify, type your name to sign electronically, and click Submit Application.

Step 3: Pay the $35 Fee

  1. After completing Step 2, click Continue to CORES to complete payment.
  2. Log in again with the CORES username and password from Step 1.
  3. Choose your payment method (credit/debit card or electronic check) and pay the $35 fee.

Within about a week of payment, you should receive an email from the FCC with your official Call Sign. Once you have your Call Sign, you are authorized to use an approved GMRS radio to communicate!

What is an approved GMRS radio?

This section is coming soon.

I'm licensed and have a GMRS radio. How do I use it?

This section is coming soon.

Questions?

Contact Flagler County Emergency Management at (386) 313-4200 or eoc@flaglercounty.gov.

Back to top