Does your 2-way radio require an FCC license to operate?  Not sure?  Well, you're not alone.

The recent popularity of these long range GMRS/FRS radios and the way they are marketed has left many hunters and sportsmen operating them illegally without a license.  I recently purchased a pair of Cobra LI 7200-2 WX VP GMRS/FRS Two-Way Radios and was not sure I needed a license until I read the "FCC licensing requirements" page in the back of the owners manual.  The advertising didn't say anything about it and neither did the packaging.  I read the owners manual cover to cover because I am going to write a review on these radios but normally I don't read the manuals that carefully and would probably not have known about the FCC license requirement.  If you are concerned that you may be operating your radios illegally you should take a look at your owners manual for licensing information.  If you don't have your manual here are some guidelines.

You need an FCC GMRS license if:

• Your radio is a GMRS radio (some are called GMRS/FRS)
• Your radio has 22 channels (channel 15-22 are dedicated to GMRS operation and require a license)
• Your radio broadcasts with more than 1/2 watt (any radio that claims a range of more than a few miles is probably over 1/2 watt)
• Your radio has a detachable antenna.

Note:  GMRS radios are intended for individual/family use not commercial use.

If you want additional information about GMRS and FRS radios, here is a link to the FCC GMRS HOME page.

If you find that you are operating illegally and want to correct the situation, the licensing process is easy and the cost is $85 for a five year license.  Just go to the Universal Licensing System on the FCC web site.  The first thing you need to do is register.  Next you need to log in using your FRN (FCC registration number) and the password you set up when you registered.   When you log in you will be on the License Manager page.  Click the link in the left column called "Apply for a New License".  You will then be asked to select a service from a drop down list.  Go to the bottom of the list and select "ZA - General Mobile Radio(GMRS)".  Answer the questions, fill in the information on the next few pages, reveiw the summary and submit your payment.  You will recieve a call sign and your ready to go.

The choice is yours but I think it is important that people are at least aware of the requirement.  If I had done my usual trick and tucked the owners manual in a drawer rather than reading it carefully I would have been enjoying my radios without knowing I was breaking the law.