Most GMRS radios show channels numbered 1 to 22, plus repeater channels. Behind those numbers are 30 frequencies the FCC sets aside for GMRS, each with its own rules about which radios can use it and how much power is allowed. Here is the full GMRS channel list with frequencies and power limits, taken from the FCC's rules (47 CFR 95.1763 and 95.1767), and what it means for picking a channel on the road.
How GMRS channels are organized
The FCC gives GMRS 30 channels: 16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels, in four groups.
- 462 MHz main channels (8). The high-power channels, usually numbered 15 to 22. Repeaters transmit on these.
- 462 MHz interstitial channels (7). Usually numbered 1 to 7. Limited to 5 W.
- 467 MHz interstitial channels (7). Usually numbered 8 to 14. Handhelds only, at 0.5 W.
- 467 MHz main channels (8). Repeater inputs, often labeled 15R to 22R. You transmit on these only through a repeater, or for brief tests.
The FCC rules list frequencies, not channel numbers. The 1 to 22 numbering is the common convention radio makers use, and it matches FRS. If you're coordinating a group with different brands, check the frequencies in each manual to be sure everyone is on the same one.
GMRS channel list: channels 1 to 22
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | FCC group | Who can transmit (GMRS) | GMRS power limit | FRS power limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 462.5625 | 462 MHz interstitial | Handheld, mobile, base | 5 W ERP | 2 W |
| 2 | 462.5875 | 462 MHz interstitial | Handheld, mobile, base | 5 W ERP | 2 W |
| 3 | 462.6125 | 462 MHz interstitial | Handheld, mobile, base | 5 W ERP | 2 W |
| 4 | 462.6375 | 462 MHz interstitial | Handheld, mobile, base | 5 W ERP | 2 W |
| 5 | 462.6625 | 462 MHz interstitial | Handheld, mobile, base | 5 W ERP | 2 W |
| 6 | 462.6875 | 462 MHz interstitial | Handheld, mobile, base | 5 W ERP | 2 W |
| 7 | 462.7125 | 462 MHz interstitial | Handheld, mobile, base | 5 W ERP | 2 W |
| 8 | 467.5625 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 0.5 W |
| 9 | 467.5875 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 0.5 W |
| 10 | 467.6125 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 0.5 W |
| 11 | 467.6375 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 0.5 W |
| 12 | 467.6625 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 0.5 W |
| 13 | 467.6875 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 0.5 W |
| 14 | 467.7125 | 467 MHz interstitial | Handheld only | 0.5 W ERP | 0.5 W |
| 15 | 462.5500 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
| 16 | 462.5750 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
| 17 | 462.6000 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
| 18 | 462.6250 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
| 19 | 462.6500 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
| 20 | 462.6750 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
| 21 | 462.7000 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
| 22 | 462.7250 | 462 MHz main | Handheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed | 50 W mobile, base, repeater; 15 W fixed | 2 W |
On the main channels, the FCC limit for mobile, base and repeater stations is 50 W of transmitter output power. On the interstitial channels, the limits are effective radiated power (ERP). FRS limits are from 47 CFR 95.567.
GMRS repeater channels
A repeater listens on a 467 MHz main channel and rebroadcasts on the matching 462 MHz main channel, 5 MHz lower. Your radio transmits on the input and listens on the output, so the repeater can carry your signal much farther.
| Repeater channel | Repeater output, you listen (MHz) | Repeater input, you transmit (MHz) |
|---|---|---|
| 15R | 462.5500 | 467.5500 |
| 16R | 462.5750 | 467.5750 |
| 17R | 462.6000 | 467.6000 |
| 18R | 462.6250 | 467.6250 |
| 19R | 462.6500 | 467.6500 |
| 20R | 462.6750 | 467.6750 |
| 21R | 462.7000 | 467.7000 |
| 22R | 462.7250 | 467.7250 |
Many repeaters also use a privacy tone, so you need the right tone to open them. Most GMRS repeaters are privately owned, so ask the owner before you use one.
Which GMRS channel should you use?
- For the most range: channels 15 to 22 and their repeater channels. These are the only GMRS channels where mobile and base radios can run up to 50 W, and where repeaters operate.
- Talking with FRS radios: channels 1 to 7 or 15 to 22. All 22 channels are shared with FRS, but FRS radios are limited to 2 W on these and 0.5 W on 8 to 14.
- Close range between handhelds: channels 8 to 14. Only handhelds can use them, at 0.5 W. Fine for backing in or across a campsite.
- Using a repeater: 15R to 22R, with the repeater's tone set.
For an RV caravan, agree on one main channel and a backup before you leave. If anyone in the group is on FRS, pick a channel both can use at full FRS power: 1 to 7 or 15 to 22. Our caravan radio guide covers channel plans and call-outs.
Privacy codes don't make a channel private
Privacy codes (CTCSS or DCS tones) only stop your radio from playing transmissions that don't carry the same code. Anyone else on the channel can still hear you. No one owns a GMRS channel, so listen before you talk, and if a channel is busy, move.
Do you need a license to use these channels?
- GMRS radio: yes, an FCC GMRS license. It's $35 for 10 years, with no exam, and it covers your immediate family. See our GMRS license guide.
- FRS radio: no license. FRS radios use the same 22 channels at lower power and can't use repeaters. See GMRS vs FRS.
We stock the Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS 2-pack and the license-free Midland T51VP3 X-Talker FRS 2-pack. See all our Midland radios.
FAQ
How many GMRS channels are there?
30: 16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels. Most radios show 22 simplex channels plus 8 repeater channels.
What are the GMRS repeater channels?
The 467 MHz main channels, 467.5500 to 467.7250 MHz, are repeater inputs. Repeaters rebroadcast on the matching 462 MHz main channel. Radios often label them 15R to 22R.
Which GMRS channels allow 50 watts?
The main channels: 15 to 22 and their repeater inputs, for mobile, base and repeater stations. Fixed stations are limited to 15 W.
What's the power limit on GMRS channels 8 to 14?
0.5 W ERP, and only handhelds may transmit on them.
Are GMRS and FRS channels the same?
The 22 FRS channels are the same frequencies as GMRS channels 1 to 22. GMRS adds higher power on some channels and the repeater channels.
Is there an emergency channel on GMRS?
The FCC doesn't set aside a GMRS emergency channel. Any channel can be used for emergency messages, and emergency messages have priority.