FCC Licensing for Two-Way Radios: What You Need to Know

If your business uses two-way radios, there is a good chance you need an FCC license. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the radio spectrum in the United States, and operating on licensed frequencies without proper authorization is a federal violation. Despite that, many businesses either do not realize they need a license or put it off because the process seems complicated.

It does not have to be. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about FCC licensing for two-way radios in clear, practical terms — no legal jargon, no guesswork.

Do You Need an FCC License?

The short answer: if you are using two-way radios for any business or commercial purpose on UHF or VHF frequencies, yes, you almost certainly need a license. Here is how to tell:

You DO need a license if:

• You use business-grade portable or mobile radios (like Kenwood or Motorola commercial models) on UHF or VHF frequencies
• Your radios are used for commercial operations — construction, property management, hospitality, security, transportation, schools, manufacturing, or any other business purpose
• You operate repeaters to extend radio range
• You use GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios, even for personal use

You do NOT need a license if:

• You are using FRS (Family Radio Service) radios only. These are the low-power walkie-talkies you can buy at retail stores for personal use. FRS radios are limited to 2 watts on designated channels and cannot use detachable antennas.
• You are using CB (Citizens Band) radios, which operate on a separate set of frequencies that do not require licensing.

Types of FCC Radio Licenses

For two-way radio users, there are two main license types to know about:

Part 90 — Business / Industrial License

This is the standard license for commercial two-way radio systems. Part 90 covers land mobile radio services used by businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and other organizations. It is what you need if your company uses Kenwood, Motorola, or other commercial-grade radios for day-to-day operations.

• Who it is for: Businesses, schools, hospitals, construction companies, property management firms, event coordinators, and similar organizations
• What it covers: Specific frequencies assigned to your organization in your geographic area
• Duration: 10 years, renewable
• Cost: FCC filing fee currently starts at $35 per application, plus frequency coordination fees (typically $200–$500 depending on the coordinator and complexity)
• Key requirement: You must go through a certified frequency coordinator before applying to the FCC

Part 95 — GMRS License

GMRS licenses are simpler and cover personal and family use of GMRS radios. They also work for small businesses that use GMRS-capable equipment.

• Who it is for: Individuals and families, plus some small businesses
• What it covers: All GMRS frequencies (no frequency coordination needed)
• Duration: 10 years
• Cost: $35 for the license (covers your entire immediate family)
• Key advantage: No frequency coordination required — the application is much simpler

How to Apply for an FCC Radio License

All FCC radio license applications are submitted through the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS), an online portal at wireless.fcc.gov. Before you start, here is what you will need:

• FCC Registration Number (FRN): A unique identifier the FCC assigns to anyone doing business with them. You can register for one on the FCC website at no cost.
• Business information: Legal name, address, contact details, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number
• Technical details about your radio system: Number of radios, frequencies requested, transmit power, antenna height, and your service area
• Frequency coordination letter: For Part 90 licenses, you need a letter from an FCC-certified frequency coordinator confirming the frequencies you are requesting will not interfere with existing users in your area

The Application Process Step by Step

Step 1: Register with the FCC and Get Your FRN

Go to the FCC's CORES (Commission Registration System) at apps.fcc.gov/cores and create an account. Once registered, you will receive your FRN. This is free and takes about 10 minutes. Every person or business that holds an FCC license needs an FRN.

Step 2: Determine Your Frequencies

Work with your radio dealer (that would be us) to determine which frequencies are appropriate for your needs. The right frequencies depend on your industry, location, terrain, and how many radios you plan to operate. UHF frequencies are common for urban environments and indoor use, while VHF frequencies work better over long distances in open areas.

Step 3: Get Frequency Coordination (Part 90 Only)

For a Part 90 business license, you must obtain a frequency coordination study and recommendation letter from an FCC-certified frequency coordinator. The coordinator reviews your requested frequencies against all existing licenses in your area to ensure there will be no interference. This step typically costs $200 to $500 and takes one to three weeks. Well-known coordinators include the Industrial Telecommunications Association (ITA) and various regional organizations.

Step 4: File Your Application on ULS

Log in to the FCC's ULS at wireless.fcc.gov/uls, select "Apply for a New License," and choose the appropriate radio service code. Fill in your business details, attach your frequency coordination letter (if applicable), and enter the technical parameters of your radio system.

Step 5: Pay the FCC Filing Fee

The FCC charges a filing fee that you pay online during the application process. For most business radio applications, the fee is $35. Payment is required before your application will be processed.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Processing times vary. GMRS licenses are often approved within a few days since they do not require frequency coordination. Part 90 business licenses typically take two to four weeks, sometimes longer depending on the complexity and current FCC workload. You can check your application status anytime on ULS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After nearly 30 years helping New Mexico businesses with their radio systems, we have seen these mistakes come up again and again:

1. Operating without a license. This is the biggest one. Some businesses assume that because they bought the radios legally, they can use them without a license. That is not the case. The license covers your right to transmit on specific frequencies, not the radio hardware itself. The FCC does conduct enforcement actions, and fines are steep.
2. Using the wrong frequencies. Your license authorizes specific frequencies. Programming your radios to transmit on frequencies you are not licensed for — even accidentally — is a violation. Always have your radios programmed by an authorized dealer who can verify your license and program the correct channels.
3. Forgetting to renew. FCC licenses are valid for 10 years, but they do not renew automatically. You can file for renewal within 90 days before the expiration date. If your license expires and you keep transmitting, you are operating illegally. Set a calendar reminder well in advance.
4. Not updating your license. If you move your business, change your legal name, or significantly modify your radio system (adding repeaters, changing frequencies, expanding your coverage area), you need to update your FCC license. Modifications are filed through ULS and usually involve a small fee.
5. Confusing FRS with business radios. We see this often — a company buys inexpensive FRS blister-pack radios and assumes they are covered for business use. While FRS radios technically do not require a license, they have severe range and power limitations that make them impractical for most commercial applications. If you need reliable business communication, you need commercial-grade equipment with proper licensing.

How MGS Communications Can Help

At MGS Communications, we have been helping Albuquerque and New Mexico businesses with two-way radio licensing since 1996. We handle Kenwood and Motorola commercial radio systems every day, and we understand the licensing process inside and out.

Here is how we can make the process easier for you:

• License guidance: We will help you determine exactly which type of license you need based on your equipment, your industry, and how you plan to use your radios.
• Frequency recommendations: Based on your location and terrain in New Mexico, we can recommend the best frequencies for reliable coverage and help you avoid congested channels.
• Frequency coordinator referrals: We work with reputable FCC-certified frequency coordinators and can connect you with the right one for your area and application type.
• Radio programming: Once your license is approved, we will program your Kenwood or Motorola radios to your licensed frequencies, set up channel plans, add privacy codes, and configure any advanced features you need.
• Ongoing support: Need to add radios to your fleet? Expand to new frequencies? Renew your license? We are here to help for the life of your radio system.

We do not charge for a consultation. Whether you are buying your first set of radios or you have been operating for years and are not sure about your licensing status, give us a call at (505) 888-2034 or contact us online. We will point you in the right direction — no pressure, no sales pitch.