Is a license needed with this radio ??
515234
A license is required to operate this radio within the HAM bands or on commercial frequencies, but if you are just going to listen, AND LISTEN ONLY no license is needed.
345127
I'm licensed by nys, I use it for work as a medic for a private company. But you will need a ham ticket if you are going to use it for personal use. This radio does transmit over public safety freqs.
1177300
If you're looking for a radio you can use without a license, then no, it is not a good radio for that purpose. This radio is not Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (FRS/GMRS, etc.) certified. If you use it as received from the factory, you'll be transmitting on commercial and public safety channels, so could get in a lot of trouble very quickly (with fines exceeding $10,000). If reprogrammed for ham radio 70cm band and you're licensed, then yes, it can be used legally. If reprogrammed for FRS, then you'll be illegal due to power levels and the removable antenna. If reprogrammed for GMRS AND you have a license, then you'll be on shaky ground, but the chance of getting caught is small. If you're looking for a good "family" radio and don't want to get a license, then stay with FRS radios and stay off the GMRS channels (Channels 15-22 on Motorola radios). The short answer is that is that it is NOT a good solution for a low cost, LEGAL, easy to use radio for unlicensed family use. There are no frequencies you can program this radio to for use without a license and remain legal.
1091835
I am not an expert on FCC regulations. However, since these radios are sold to the public and their range is limited, it is my opinion that you can pick any of the available channels and use them. I would imagine that the low transmission power on these radios would preclude them from requiring a license on any frequency.
251876
It is illegal to transmit with this radio without an amateur radio technical class license. However, what many people don't understand is "there is no benefit to this radio over a hybrid GMRS/FRS handy" for an unlicensed radio operator. Moreover you shouldn't be fooled by the "high power" models of these radios. The only thing the high power versions are good for, is keeping your hands warm!
699324
Yes you need a license. You'd be least likely to get in trouble if you program them for the FRS frequencies. If you use them on the amateur radio or public safety frequencies, you're almost guaranteed to get in trouble.
2150992
If you download free software and have the correct programing cable, you can "unlock" the radio to work up to about 150mh. GMRS requires a license in most cases, but that is up to you. FRS does not require a license, unless the laws have been recently changed. This is a good radio, well worth the money.
146149
I hope you are kidding! No you don't need a license. It's not street legal, it's only for recreation.
1974709
Seller weasel-wording -- you don't need a license to *buy* it -- but the moment you touch the transmit button, license is required.
1215525
Can you please not call this a talky? You do know this requires a ham license?
1286046
Same question, same answer. If you're looking for a radio you can use without a license, then no, it is not a good radio for that purpose. This radio is not Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (FRS/GMRS, etc.) certified. If you use it as received from the factory, you'll be transmitting on commercial and public safety channels, so could get in a lot of trouble very quickly (with fines exceeding $10,000). If reprogrammed for ham radio 70cm band and you're licensed, then yes, it can be used legally. If reprogrammed for FRS, then you'll be illegal due to power levels and the removable antenna. If reprogrammed for GMRS AND you have a license, then you'll be on shaky ground, but the chance of getting caught is small. If you're looking for a good "family" radio and don't want to get a license, then stay with FRS radios and stay off the GMRS channels (Channels 15-22 on Motorola radios). The short answer is that is that it is NOT a good solution for a low cost, LEGAL, easy to use radio for unlicensed family use.
296922
You need a license to operate on the ham bands, and a license to operate on commercial bands.
287801
NO, it's not a short wave radio. It's marine and no license is required. We purchased ours as an upgrade. With a new GPS that hooks up to the radio, you can set up the emergency response giving your boat name, location and time. This information is activated by a flip of a switch on the radio and is broadcast to the Coast Guard. You do have to register your set-up with the Coast Guard but there is no charge. Hope this helps.
140656
You will need a license if programming frequencies on VHF or UHF in business bands or any HAM frequencies including repeaters. You can use the radio if authorized in public safety frequencies, example if you work for any licensed department and you have been authorized to use or given a radio number under the department's license. You don't need license if programming FRS frequencies or open channels available for public use, example Marine frequencies for boat users.
499547
Just buy FRS radios and you're good to go. Look for better quality radios and get spare batteries. Choose a radio where it's easy to change batteries and has an easy charging scheme. BTW you only need a Ham license when operating on Ham frequencies. This radio will operate on more than Ham frequencies. It is not illegal to possess this radio without any type license.
2123281
The answer is generally yes. You do not need a license if all you are going to do is listen. You do not need a license to use it on VHF Marine Channels from you pleasure craft. It might help if you would add to your question what you were wanting to do with it. If you are thinking the 2 meter Amateur Radio Band and try operating without a License that would be very dangerous. Hams are self enforcing and have the skills to locate you. Other than just a few minor exceptions you need a license to transmit. Clint Stockton, AG0K
251877
Yes they can be, if you only operate on FRS or MURS frequencies. Those frequencies are open to everyone, no license required.