What radios can you use without a license?

What Do You Need in a No FCC-License Walkie-Talkie/Radio?
  • The Family Radio Service (FRS channels)
  • The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
  • The Business Radio Service (BRS)
  • The Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)
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What walkie talkies can I use without a license?

MURS VHF Radios – Example: Motorola RMM Series Radios like the RMM2050 are great for outdoor use with no FCC license required. FCC LICENSE REQUIRED - these radios are pretty much all other radios, UHF and VHF, Analog or Digital.
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What are license free radios?

The FCC allows for businesses to utilize commercial two way radios that have power outputs up to 2W without requiring licensing. Many other factors can impact whether you're required to obtain a license agreement with the FCC and how much your agreement might cost.
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Do UHF radios require FCC license?

When it comes to UHF and VHF business radios, the FCC requires that all users obtain a license.
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What frequency can I transmit on without a license?

Almost all GMRS radios also support FRS frequencies, which can be used without a license. Channels 8-14 on a typical 22 channel consumer radio reserved exclusively for FRS. These channels can be used license-free, but are limited to a half watt of transmit power and will have limited range.
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A Baofeng radio you can use without a ham radio license, legally



Can an unlicensed person use a ham radio?

In reality, what these rules mean is that if you are not a licensed radio operator and you find a situation where human life is in danger and the only means of communication is ham radio, you can use that equipment to call for aid. There must be no other means of communication available.
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What happens if you use a ham radio without a license?

Federal law generally prohibits radio broadcasts without a license issued by the FCC. Anyone found operating a radio station without FCC authorization can be subject to a variety of enforcement actions, including seizure of equipment, fines and other civil and criminal penalties.
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Do I need a licence for a VHF radio?

Handheld VHF/DSC radios require a special Licence. This licence enables the operator to use any handheld marine VHF/DSC radio which is not permanently fitted to a vessel. The Licence number will be prefixed with the letter 'T' (Transportable) and will be subject to checks for correct details every ten years.
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Do you need a license for a Baofeng radio?

The baofengs are easy to program for FRS/GMRS frequencies. Also, it is perfectly legal to transmit on ham frequencies without a license in an emergency. I typically program in repeaters where I travel for this reason, but don't use them for basic communication.
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Do police use VHF or UHF?

Police radios operate in a 700/800 MHz UHF band. This gives them a considerable amount of range which is pretty good in urban areas. The P25 radio systems give an improved range for officers.
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Do FRS radios require a license?

FRS is licensed by rule. This means an individual license is not required to operate an FRS radio provided you comply with the rules. You may operate an FRS radio regardless of your age, and for personal or for business use if you are not a representative of a foreign government.
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Are two way radios legal?

The FCC Rules for radios you need to know are here. The two-way radio on the left has no FCC Identification number and is, therefore, illegal to operate or sell. The two-way radio on the right has an FCC ID number, which means it complies with Part 90 of the FCC regulations.
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What radio frequency can I use?

Most radios approved for LMR usage operate on either VHF (150-174 MHz), or UHF (421-512 MHz) frequencies. Once obtained, the license is good for 10 years. There are several different types of LMR licenses.
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Are walkie talkies legal?

If you are using a walkie-talkie labeled “FRS/GMRS” or one labeled “GMRS” then yes, you do need an FCC license. FRS, or Family Radio Service, channels, are free to use, but GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) operation does require a license.
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What channels can I use on my two way radio?

The FCC allows for GMRS radios to have significant power increases from FRS radios (which are limited to . 5W on channels 8-14, and 2W on channels 1-7 & 15-22). This power increase can be utilized fully on channels 15 – 22 where GMRS power is allowed up to 50W (for mobile units, handhelds limited to 5W).
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Can you operate a GMRS radio without a license?

An FCC license is required to operate GMRS system. Licenses are issued for a ten-year term and can be renewed between 90 days prior to the expiration date and up to the actual expiration date of the license. After a license expires, an individual must request a new GMRS license.
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Is it illegal to own a Baofeng UV-5R?

While it's true many of the Baofengs are wide open on any frequency in the 136–174Mhz and 400–520Mhz range, and it is illegal to import, market and sell these devices, it is not illegal to own or operate these devices if you are a licensed Amateur radio operator and you are operating only on amateur radio frequencies.
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Can anyone buy a ham radio?

Anyone can buy Ham radio equipment and listen to whatever signals they can receive. Those signals are floating through the air anyway, and it's harmless to listen in.
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Can anyone use a VHF radio?

There may be other people who want to use the channel. Remember that everything you say can be heard by anyone who has a VHF radio. If you're speaking to someone who is within a few miles from you, try the LOW POWER button on your radio. If you issue a MAYDAY call, put everyone in life jackets first.
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How much is a VHF radio licence?

VHF radio licences are free, you just need to go to www.ofcom.org.uk and select Marine VHF. You will also need an operator's licence for at least one person aboard, usually the skipper. This is administered by the RYA who can advise you where to take the relevant course and exam.
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Do you need a licence for a ship to shore radio?

All marine VHF, MF and HF radios require the user and the vessel to hold a relevant licence. The vessel's licence is like a car tax disc, but it is also the key to obtaining an MMSI number MMSI number, which will uniquely identify your vessel. You can obtain an application form for a ship's radio by clicking here.
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What is illegal radio use?

For example, Californians have their own state ban on listening to cellular radio telephones (Penal Code Section 632.5). Cordless phone listening is prohibited by Penal Code Section 632.6 which requires the interception be malicious and without the consent of all parties to the communication.
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Is ham radio traceable?

While enthusiasts are unlikely to trace you, another potential group that may attempt to locate a broadcast location is law enforcement. Under F.C.C. guidelines, it is possible to use HAM radios in an illegal manner, either through operating without a license or improper use of the radio.
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Can I use a ham radio as a walkie-talkie?

And the answer to that is: Yes, you can. Ham radios have various handheld models, popularly known as handy-talkies in the Ham radio community. These devices allow Ham radios to double as walkie-talkies and enable you to communicate with other Hams even when you are on the go.
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