In May 2017 the FCC ruled on Part 95 reform. Starting today, September 28, 2017 the new rules are now in effect. There were many changes, but here's the big one. Consumer FRS/GMRS two way radios 2 watts or less are now considered FRS radios and are license free!
Technically speaking, the radios are now licensed by rule, which means that you are no longer required to apply for a GMRS license from the FCC to use these lower powered models with 22 channels, even on those previously considered the 8 GMRS frequencies. The simple act of purchasing the radios gives you a license to use them on all 22 channels.
Since most of the models, particularly those sold in retail 2-packs or "bubble packs" do not include actual power ratings or wattage on the packaging or the product marketing spec sheets, only one question remains. Which FRS/GMRS radios are within the 2 watt power limit and are now considered FRS?
The truth is, most of the FRS/GMRS combo radios currently on the market are under 2 watts and follow the new rules as FRS only radios. In addition to the wattage requirement, any models that are capable of operating on GMRS repeater frequencies are considered GMRS radios and require a GMRS license to operate. Only two handheld models currently available are repeater capable and fall squarely in the category of GMRS.
Rather than creating a long list of radios that do fall under the Family Radio Service (FRS), perhaps the easiest thing to do is list the models that don't, and are now considered GMRS only. It's a shorter list.
GMRS Handheld Two Way Radios
| Make | Model | Power (Watts) |
Repeater Capable |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra | CXR925 |  |
2.8W | No |
| Cobra | MR-HH450 DUAL |  |
2.24W (GMRS) 6.2W (Marine) |
No |
| Midland | GXT1000VP4 |  |
3.07W (high power) | No |
| Midland | GXT1050VP4 |  |
3.07W (high power) | No |
| Midland | T290VP4 |  |
2.85W (high power) | No |
| Midland | T295VP4 |  |
2.85W (high power) | No |
| Motorola | MR355R |  |
1.32W | Yes |
| Olympia | R500 |  |
.973W | Yes |
| Wouxun | KG-805G |  |
5W | Yes |
We will continue to update this list as models are introduced. Bookmark this page or subscribe to our blog for the latest information.
I saw in a blog where a ham operator explained this and I wanted to be clear as to what FCC licensed Radios to be used for GMRS. I have a Package of 2-gmrs/FRS radios that I purchased from Walmart's for Camping and Traveling. I do have my Licenses.
To find the actual tested power rating of a radio, go to FCC ID Search and enter the FCC ID of the radio in the search form.
As already stated in the article above, whether or not you need a license depends on the wattage of the radio you are using. The Midland GXT1000VP4 is on the list as a GMRS radio, so you will need a GMRS license to use it in the US on channels 1-7 and 15-22.
Some channels are shared FRS/GMRS. Let's say CH40, and it's not in the range of 1-7 or 15-22. Is it still GMRS and needs license?
I thought I bought a package of 2 radios and I don't need any license to operate.
pdf's only show LOW MED HIGH no wattage amounts.
THANKS
Olympia R100
Motorola T200
COBRA CXR725
UNIDEN GMR 3050-2C