FCC GMRS Licence with a non-US address

[mranthony]

I am doing some travel in the USA in August/September very much out of cell coverage in the desert and trails and would like to use GMRS, likely three Wouxun KG-S88G. I am very happy to follow all the applicable rules and therefore I am not bringing any of my European 2-ways over. I will instead purchase units domestically in the US. I do prefer GMRS over FRS for the increased power and channel availability too.

While I can create an FCC account with my European address, I cannot seem to apply for a GMRS licence with a non-US address. Before I contact the FCC to ask, has anyone had any experience with obtaining a GMRS licence when you are not living in the US? I am a respectful radio operator and would like to adhere to US rules and properly obtain a GMRS licence - however it does seem that this limited to those with a US address.

Any experience from others on this? Thanks!

 

[nd5y]

You need a US mailing address for GMRS and amateur licenses. Probably all others too but I'm not aware of any exceptions.

 

[mmckenna]

No experience with the foreign address thing.

I do prefer GMRS over FRS for the increased power and channel availability too.

Rules were changed a while back, same number of channels between FRS and GMRS for simplex use. The small power difference between FRS and GMRS would likely not be noticed. An easy solution would be to purchase FRS radios locally when you arrive, use them for the duration of your trip, then hand them off to someone when you leave.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I have same problem in reverse. Would like to have some radios for a future trip to Iceland and need to get compliant ones somehow. I wonder if Iceland has a big electronics store?

 

[mranthony]

Yes it does appear that the FCC is not overly concerned about non-US residents being licensed!

Reminds me of a couple of times I have been rejected from getting into bars because I am not carrying a US drivers license (I am in my 40s!). They would not accept an official EU drivers license, and insisted only on Passport. Passports are for entering countries, not bars

Anyway, I disgress - good to know the channel rule change @mmckenna - I was not aware of that. I will figure out a way around this.. Thanks all.

 

[FKimble]

Do you know anyone in the US? If so contact them and see if they will receive it for you at their address and either hold it til you arrive or forward it to you.

Frank

 

[mranthony]

@FKimble Yes this is going to be my next step, register it in my name to a friend's US address.