Filing with the FCC can be done electronically. Paper applications can also be filed, but they take considerably longer to process. See the links at the bottom of this page for more information. If you have problems see the help section at the bottom of the page.
To file, you must have the following available:
A computer with an Internet connection
A COMPATIBLE BROWSER. Your best bet for browser compatibility with the FCC web site is to use the Netscape Navigator (or Netscape Communicator) 128-bit encryption browser. I have recieved reports that some versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer work, but it appears you must have the java virtual machine option installed. Some versions of browsers seem to work fine, while some others don't. I do know that Netscape Versions 4.7x do work. Please note the 40 bit encryption version of browsers are NOT supported for all functions.
One you have met the above criteria, here is how to file:
Log on to the FCC's web wireless communications bureau site at:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ Once at the Universal Licensing main page, you have several options. If you have not registered your FRN (FCC Registration Number) in CORES, you must do this first. If you have already registered your FRN, Skip to step 12.
Select REGISTER CORES/CALL SIGN from the menu at the top of the page.
Select REGISTER NOW, then click CONTINUE
Select INDIVIDUAL in the next form, then click CONTINUE
You will be presented with a form to fill out. Fill in the name and SSN, you should leave "Doing Business As" blank. Click Continue.
Your contact information should be the same as your address information in most cases. Walk through the next forms and complete them as required.
You will be presented with a password entry form and reminder phrase.MAKE SURE YOU TAKE NOTE OF YOUR PASSWORD, you will probably need it in the future.
Return to the FCC's Universal Licensing System page at:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ Select ONLINE FILING from the menu at the top of the screen
Fill in your FRN and Password, then click CONTINUE
Select NEW from the pulldown menu, then click CONTINUE
Leave AUCTION ID blank, pull down the RADIO SERVICE list, and find ZA - General Mobile Radio Service. It should be the last item on the list. Click NEXT when done.
In the next form, several fields are already filled out. Of the ones you can change, make sure Item 3 is set to "N", and leave Item 6 blank. Unless there is reason for you not to, for Items 7, 8 , 22, and 23 select "NO" Then click "NEXT PAGE"
Select "INDIVIDUAL" from the pull down list at the top. Verify and correct any incorrect information in other fields, then click "NEXT PAGE" .
Read the certification statements, and print the page if you wish. If you agree to the certification statements then fill in your name under Party Authorized to Sign for Applicant. No title is needed. BE AWARE THAT BY FILLING IN YOUR NAME ON THIS PAGE, YOU ARE SUBMITTING THE ELECTRONIC EQUIVALENT OF A LEGAL SIGNATURE.
Once you are done reading and filling, and agree to the statements, click "SUBMIT"
Make note of your file number, or print the following page.
Now it's time to pay. GMRS licenses require a $70 fee. There are several options for payment. Credit card is BY FAR the easiest and fastest. If you wish to send a check or other mailable form of payment, write down the address on the page, then click on the FORM 159 button. Fill your name in the Certification statement and print the form 159 following the instructions on the page. MAILED PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 10 DAYS OF YOUR FILING OR YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE DISMISSED AND YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-FILE.
If you wish to pay online by credit card, Click the Form 159 button, fill in the certification statement with your name, then click PAY ONLINE NOW.
Select "YES PAY BY CREDIT CARD".
Select card type, then fill in your credit card's number and expiration date. Then click "SUBMIT DATA"
Once the transaction is complete, write down or print your remittance ID Number and Authorization number.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You should recieve your license in the mail within a week or two. If you did not use credit card payment, it may take longer to process your application.
HELP RESOURCES
CORES Help Desk 1-877-480-3201
For lost/forgotten CORES passwords: 1-202-414-1250 If you have already registered your TIN and/or hold a GMRS license, you probably already have a FRN assigned. To find your FRN, either log in to the ULS using your TIN and password (leave SGIN blank - a box will pop up giving you your FRN and asking you to use it for future transactions), or search for your FRN at:
https://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cores/CoresHome.html? Now that you have completed you license application, here are some links to help you find out more about the your license and the General Mobile Radio System:
FCC License Search Site Look here within 2-3 days of you filing to find out if the FCC has processed your application and issued a callsign. Enter your last name, followed by a comma, then your first name, then pull down the "Radio Service" list and select General Mobile Radio from the list (it's near the bottom of the list). Then click "OK". Another page should come up with a link to the "ULS Database". Click this link, and you should be able to find your name on the list.
Search the GMRS Database to find other licensed GMRS users in your area, and maybe someone who has a repeater.
Personal Radio Steering Group an advocacy organization for personal GMRS and other radio services. A copy of GMRS rules and some interpretations can be found at this site.
All kinds of GMRS information and a helpful bulletin board
