GMRS license covers my family? And etiquette for family chat?

[HamsterDancer]

Just looking for a point of clarification, I recently got my GMRS liscence and call sign and it's my understanding that only one person in a group needs a license so when I go camping with my family I can give them all radios and they covered by my license? 

Also looking for some clarification on etiquette via using GMRS/FRS for family communication. I would assume we should stick to the low power channels, obviously avoid a channel someone else is using but if I find an empty channel I'm free to use it for basic chit chat with my family or is that frowned upon and it's polite to stick to short check ins only? Do they need to use my call sign when signing off or anything? 

Just trying to use the radios in a friendly matter and not be annoying. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

Bill WSJQ725

[SteveShannon]

9 minutes ago, HamsterDancer said:

Just looking for a point of clarification, I recently got my GMRS liscence and call sign and it's my understanding that only one person in a group needs a license so when I go camping with my family I can give them all radios and they covered by my license? 

Also looking for some clarification on etiquette via using GMRS/FRS for family communication. I would assume we should stick to the low power channels, obviously avoid a channel someone else is using but if I find an empty channel I'm free to use it for basic chit chat with my family or is that frowned upon and it's polite to stick to short check ins only? Do they need to use my call sign when signing off or anything? 

Just trying to use the radios in a friendly matter and not be annoying. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

Bill WSJQ725

You’re right about everything, although you don’t have to stick to the lower power channels if you need the higher power. Welcome!

[WRTC928]

3 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

You’re right about everything, although you don’t have to stick to the lower power channels if you need the higher power. Welcome!

Just to expand a little on what @SteveShannon said, it's considered good manners to use the lowest power that will accomplish the mission. If you only need 0.5 watt, use that, but you're not going to be raided by the FCC Police if you use 5 watts. Also, just because you're on one of the higher-power channels, you don't have to use the full power.

[OffRoaderX]

2 minutes ago, WRTC928 said:

it's considered good manners to use the lowest power that will accomplish the mission.

No REAL (meaning not H.A.M.s disguised as GMRS users) GMRS users think this or do this..or care.. Please do not drag your H.A.M.s radios dogma into GMRS

[WRTC928]

8 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

No REAL (meaning not H.A.M.s disguised as GMRS users) GMRS users think this or do this..or care.. Please do not drag your H.A.M.s radios dogma into GMRS

Using the lowest power that will do the job goes all the way back to my military and law enforcement careers a good 40 years before I got a ham license. 

[OffRoaderX]

17 minutes ago, WRTC928 said:

Using the lowest power that will do the job goes all the way back to my military and law enforcement careers a good 40 years before I got a ham license. 

Allow me to rephrase:  Please do not try to make GMRS something that it is not, nor is intended to be.

[hxpx]

11 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

Allow me to rephrase:  Please do not try to make GMRS something that it is not, nor is intended to be.

If God the FCC gave us 50 watt channels, I'm gonna use all 50 watts.

Edit: Theoretically. All I have are a bunch of 5W handhelds. But I would if I could!

[WRXL702]

So..... Is Anyone Going To Answer All Of Bill's (WSJQ725) Legit Questions ?

Or Does He Need To Start Another Forum To Get Complete Answers Aside From Quick Shot Answers ?

 
"Hot Dogs.... Armour Hot Dogs.... What Kinda Of Kids Eat Armour Hot Dogs."

[UncleYoda]

6 hours ago, HamsterDancer said:

 so when I go camping with my family I can give them all radios and they covered by my license?

You can give them GMRS approved (certified) radios.  (Not HAM radios.) 

6 hours ago, HamsterDancer said:

if I find an empty channel I'm free to use it for basic chit chat with my family

yes  (any of the pre-programmed channels)

Quote

Do they need to use my call sign when signing off or anything? 

They will need to identify with your call sign (at the end of each conversation, and every 15 mins if longer than that).  You can give each one an optional unit number or nickname to tell them apart but the official ID is still required.

[WRXL702]

7 minutes ago, UncleYoda said:

You can give them GMRS approved (certified) radios.  (Not HAM radios.) 

 

yes  (any of the pre-programmed channels)

They will need to identify with your call sign (at the end of each conversation, and every 15 mins if longer than that).  You can give each one an optional unit number or nickname to tell them apart but the official ID is still required.

Sir - That Is Awesome.....

My Cudo's For Not Being Partially Illiterate In Today's Society.....

You Rock........Good Stuff.......

[SteveShannon]

7 hours ago, HamsterDancer said:

Do they need to use my call sign when signing off or anything

Sorry I missed this, but UncleYoda gave you the right answer. Every person should ID every 15 minutes and at the end of the conversation. Because you are all using the same ID a unit number or name is frequently also used. 
But to be honest most people just use their names and most people don’t care too much. 

[SteveShannon]

1 hour ago, WRXL702 said:

So..... Is Anyone Going To Answer All Of Bill's (WSJQ725) Legit Questions ?

Or Does He Need To Start Another Forum To Get Complete Answers Aside From Quick Shot Answers ?

 
"Hot Dogs.... Armour Hot Dogs.... What Kinda Of Kids Eat Armour Hot Dogs."

I kind of wonder why you didn’t answer any of his questions …

[WRXL702]

Not That Is Too Funny....

You Admit Missing Something On A Post - And Now I'm Supposed To Have Picked Up The Slack & Respond To The Post That You & Others Missed.

Really......

 

[SteveShannon]

37 minutes ago, WRXL702 said:

Not That Is Too Funny....

You Admit Missing Something On A Post - And Now I'm Supposed To Have Picked Up The Slack & Respond To The Post That You & Others Missed.

Really......

 

So why didn’t you? 

[WRXL702]

3 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

So why didn’t you? 

Didn't Know It Was My Turn To Oversee & Correct Your Responses.

"Looks Like Someone Got Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed. Hope You Have A Better Day Tomorrow."

[SteveShannon]

2 hours ago, WRXL702 said:

Didn't Know It Was My Turn To Oversee & Correct Your Responses.

"Looks Like Someone Got Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed. Hope You Have A Better Day Tomorrow."

Anytime you have the answer or think that we have inadequately addressed the OP’s questions you should speak up. 
But if you only speak up to point fingers at others you don’t really contribute much and you do earn the reputation of someone who just wants to complain.

[WRUE951]

this thread kiind of reminds me of a story my grandpa once told me how he poked fun with his doctor.  He goes into a doctor visit and tells his doctor he thinks something is woring with him because his farts don't stink.. She turns around and tells him to 'rip one'  He rips a big one...  

[amaff]

3 hours ago, WRXL702 said:

Didn't Know It Was My Turn To Oversee & Correct Your Responses.

"Looks Like Someone Got Up On The Wrong Side Of The Bed. Hope You Have A Better Day Tomorrow."

You wouldn't happen to be in SoCal, would you? 

Oh wait, sorry, let me write it in a way  you'd understand:

You Wouldn't Happen To Be In SoCal, Would You?

[WRUU653]

Back to you Bill aka @HamsterDancer, you may also give the family FRS radios if you like and you can use these along with your GMRS radio. No need for call signs using FRS radios. Quite frankly unless you’re using a repeater no one would know either way, however your effort to do things correctly is admirable.. Cheers  

[HamsterDancer]

Lmao.... You guys are nuts. But there was some good info shotgun scattered into this discussion! Thank you, I feel I'm gonna like this place. And yea maybe I'm kinda a rule nerd sometimes but I'm kinda new to radios and just want to make sure my kids and me don't annoy people when we are talking around the camp. I am still trying to explain to them that they aren't cell phones and everyone can hear so they need to be very polite and not say personal stuff like "mom said bring the bag with the tampons" over the radio...

[WQAI363]

On 8/31/2025 at 10:48 AM, HamsterDancer said:

Just looking for a point of clarification, I recently got my GMRS liscence and call sign and it's my understanding that only one person in a group needs a license so when I go camping with my family I can give them all radios and they covered by my license? 

Also looking for some clarification on etiquette via using GMRS/FRS for family communication. I would assume we should stick to the low power channels, obviously avoid a channel someone else is using but if I find an empty channel I'm free to use it for basic chit chat with my family or is that frowned upon and it's polite to stick to short check ins only? Do they need to use my call sign when signing off or anything? 

Just trying to use the radios in a friendly matter and not be annoying. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

Bill WSJQ725

According to the FCC Part 95 (E) Your entire immediate family is covered under your license. However, since the license is in your name, you're solely responsible for what is transmitted over the air. It's a good to remind family members of what can and can't be transmitted over the radio. Each member should also be reminded to ID at least every 15 minutes during a lengthy conversation AKA a QSO.

If you really want to stay on the up and up with the FCC, you may want to a user's log, this way as the license hold are apart present with family members while they're using their radios. You can have a record if the FCC has a reason to contact you.

 

[WRTC928]

On 8/31/2025 at 6:12 PM, SteveShannon said:

So why didn’t you? 

He was busy making 200 mile contacts on his GMRS radio.

[GreggInFL]

8 minutes ago, WRTC928 said:

He was busy making 200 mile contacts on his GMRS radio.

HTs no less.

[Northcutt114]

On 9/3/2025 at 12:35 PM, HamsterDancer said:

I am still trying to explain to them that they aren't cell phones and everyone can hear so they need to be very polite and not say personal stuff like "mom said bring the bag with the tampons" over the radio...

I mean, if Mom needs the bags with the tampons in it, say that. That's what they are and that's what she needs. It's more the cursing and vulgarity that's going to get you in trouble...and even then, only if people are listening. Using simplex channels while you are out and about in a remote area? Chances are, you're the only one listening.

Welcome and good luck! You ever find your contact from Trenton? 

[WRXL702]

On 9/3/2025 at 12:35 PM, HamsterDancer said:

Lmao.... You guys are nuts. But there was some good info shotgun scattered into this discussion! Thank you, I feel I'm gonna like this place. And yea maybe I'm kinda a rule nerd sometimes but I'm kinda new to radios and just want to make sure my kids and me don't annoy people when we are talking around the camp. I am still trying to explain to them that they aren't cell phones and everyone can hear so they need to be very polite and not say personal stuff like "mom said bring the bag with the tampons" over the radio...

Glad to have helped.

Some folks need to be the 1st to respond with their posted comments, before they even have read the entire posted question in it's entirety.

I'm sure that this will generate additional from those folks who are on the defensive.

Really don't care.

Get over it.