General Licensing Information

If you are new to two way radios, you may have heard that you need a license in order to use them. This license, officially known as an FCC License, authorizes the use of radio frequencies and regulates the use of those frequencies across the United States. Since there is some confusion as to whether or not you need an FCC License in order to use two way radios, we have written this article to clarify when a license is required.

Consumer Radios

Walkie talkies that operate on “consumer frequencies” (also called FRS radios) do not require a license. These are hand held radios that are commonly used for non-business purposes, such as camping. An example of consumer radios are the Motorola Talkabouts. You are free to use consumer walkie talkies without a license.

License-Free Radios

Most business-tier and commercial-tier two way radios require an FCC License. If you are using these two way radios without a license you may receive a fine from the FCC. While most radios do require a license, there are a couple of exceptions: MURS and Digital. Two way radios that are programmed to MURS frequencies, such as the Motorola RMM2050, do not require a license. MURS frequencies are a set of five frequencies that the FCC has designated as license-free. Most digital two way radios do not require a license. Examples of license-free digital radios include the DLR Series and the Motorola DTR600.

Having an FCC License gives you private communication in your business and prevents other people from operating on your designated frequencies. If you aren’t sure whether or not your specific two way radio requires an FCC License or if you are interested in acquiring an FCC License or purchasing two way radios, please give us a call at 888-560-0758.