Short answer: in the United States, most business two-way radios that transmit on licensed UHF/VHF frequencies require an FCC license, while license-free radios operating on shared frequencies (FRS, and license-by-rule GMRS with power limits) do not. PoC/LTE radios never need a frequency license because they ride on cellular networks. Here is what buyers and dealers should know before ordering.
Which radios need an FCC license?
If your radios use business-band VHF (151-159 MHz) or UHF (450-470 MHz) frequencies, transmit above FRS power limits, or operate repeaters, you need a frequency coordination and an FCC license. This covers the vast majority of professional fleets from brands like Motorola, Hytera and Kirisun used in security, construction and manufacturing. Each license covers one or more frequency pairs at one or more sites for a ten-year term.
The license process in practice
US business applicants file through a FCC-recognized frequency coordinator (for example with the Enterprise Wireless Alliance), which selects frequencies that will not interfere with existing users in your area. You then file the license application and pay the regulatory fee. Most business licenses are granted within days to a few weeks. Radios can be purchased and programmed in advance — we can pre-program your radios to your coordinated frequencies before shipping, at no charge, when you include them in the order notes.
License-free alternatives
Three families avoid licensing entirely: FRS radios (shared 462/467 MHz, fixed antennas, 2 W max), GMRS handhelds used license-by-rule at reduced power, and PoC/LTE radios that run on cellular networks. License-free options trade range and channel rights for zero paperwork — fine for retail floors, events and small sites, limiting for wide-area or high-power operations.
Buying wholesale: compliance notes for dealers
Dealers and resellers should keep three points in mind: sell radios that are FCC Part 90 certified for licensed business bands (check the certification ID on the label or listing), never program marine or aviation frequencies into land-mobile sets, and keep records of customer frequency requests. For export orders outside the US, licensing follows the destination country regulator — we ship worldwide and can advise which models are typically certified where you operate.
How much does an FCC business radio license cost?
The FCC regulatory fee for a business land-mobile license is a few hundred dollars for a ten-year term, plus any frequency coordination service fee. Costs are per license, not per radio, so larger fleets amortize it quickly.
Can I buy the radios before the license is granted?
Yes — you can purchase and take delivery at any time; you simply may not transmit on licensed frequencies until the license is active. Many fleets order first and file in parallel to save time.
Do PoC radios need any FCC approval?
PoC radios need no frequency license because they use cellular networks, but the devices themselves must be FCC certified for the US market — all models we ship to the US carry FCC certification.