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Field reference
Emergency radio frequencies
The US channels for the radios people actually carry, FRS and GMRS walkie-talkies, MURS, CB and ham: which need a license, how much power each allows, and where to call first.
Which radio, and do you need a license?
Five radio services cover most handheld and vehicle radios in the United States. Three need no license at all. These are US rules, set by the FCC; other countries use different channels.
| Service | Band | License | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRS | UHF, 462–467 MHz | None | 2 W (0.5 W on 8–14) | Family and group walkie-talkies |
| GMRS | UHF, 462–467 MHz | FCC license, no exam | Up to 50 W, and repeaters | Longer range on the same channels as FRS |
| MURS | VHF, 151–154 MHz | None | 2 W, external antennas allowed | Farther than FRS, especially in woods |
| CB | HF, 27 MHz | None | 4 W AM, 12 W PEP SSB | Roads and vehicles; channel 9 for emergencies |
| Ham (amateur) | Many, HF to UHF | FCC license with an exam | Depends on band and license class | The longest range, and repeaters nationwide |
Where to call for help first
No channel is guaranteed to have someone listening, so call on the one most likely to be watched for your radio, then try others.
CB channel 9
27.065 MHz
The FCC reserves it for emergencies and traveler assistance, and nothing else.
No license
GMRS and FRS channel 20
462.675 MHz
Some groups suggest it as a travel and calling channel with a 141.3 Hz tone. A custom, not a rule.
FRS radios need no license; GMRS needs one
2 meter ham calling
146.520 MHz
The national simplex calling frequency. Make contact, then move to another frequency.
Ham license
FRS (Family Radio Service)
No license needed
FRS is designed for short-range personal and family communication. All channels use FM mode. Range is typically 0.5-2 miles depending on terrain. FRS radios can be used without a license. Maximum power: 2 watts on channels 1-7 and 15-22, 0.5 watts on channels 8-14.
| Channel | Frequency | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel 1 | 462.5625 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 2 | 462.5875 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 3 | 462.6125 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 4 | 462.6375 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 5 | 462.6625 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 6 | 462.6875 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 7 | 462.7125 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 8 | 467.5625 MHz | FM | 0.5W max - Shared with GMRS (hand-helds only) |
| Channel 9 | 467.5875 MHz | FM | 0.5W max - Shared with GMRS (hand-helds only) |
| Channel 10 | 467.6125 MHz | FM | 0.5W max - Shared with GMRS (hand-helds only) |
| Channel 11 | 467.6375 MHz | FM | 0.5W max - Shared with GMRS (hand-helds only) |
| Channel 12 | 467.6625 MHz | FM | 0.5W max - Shared with GMRS (hand-helds only) |
| Channel 13 | 467.6875 MHz | FM | 0.5W max - Shared with GMRS (hand-helds only) |
| Channel 14 | 467.7125 MHz | FM | 0.5W max - Shared with GMRS (hand-helds only) |
| Channel 15 | 462.550 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 16 | 462.575 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 17 | 462.600 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 18 | 462.625 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 19 | 462.650 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 20 | 462.675 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 21 | 462.700 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
| Channel 22 | 462.725 MHz | FM | 2W max - Shared with GMRS |
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
License required
GMRS operates on UHF frequencies with higher power limits than FRS, allowing for better range. Repeaters can extend coverage significantly. GMRS requires an FCC license. The license covers you and your immediate family members. No exam is required; the fee is currently $35 for a 10-year license.
| Channel | Frequency | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel 15 / 15R | 462.550 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.550 MHz |
| Channel 16 / 16R | 462.575 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.575 MHz |
| Channel 17 / 17R | 462.600 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.600 MHz |
| Channel 18 / 18R | 462.625 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.625 MHz |
| Channel 19 / 19R | 462.650 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.650 MHz |
| Channel 20 / 20R | 462.675 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.675 MHz. Suggested by some groups as a travel/calling channel with a 141.3 Hz tone (convention, not an FCC rule) |
| Channel 21 / 21R | 462.700 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.700 MHz |
| Channel 22 / 22R | 462.725 MHz | FM | Up to 50W. Repeater output; input 467.725 MHz |
| Channel 1 (Simplex) | 462.5625 MHz | FM | 5W max. Shared with FRS Ch 1 |
| Channel 2 (Simplex) | 462.5875 MHz | FM | 5W max. Shared with FRS Ch 2 |
MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service)
No license needed
MURS operates on VHF frequencies (151-154 MHz) providing better range than UHF FRS, especially in wooded areas. Five channels available. MURS can be used without a license. Maximum power: 2 watts. External antennas are permitted, unlike FRS, up to 60 feet above the ground or 20 feet above the structure they are on. Repeaters are not allowed.
| Channel | Frequency | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel 1 | 151.820 MHz | NFM (11.25 kHz) | Narrowband channel |
| Channel 2 | 151.880 MHz | NFM (11.25 kHz) | Narrowband channel |
| Channel 3 | 151.940 MHz | NFM (11.25 kHz) | Narrowband channel |
| Channel 4 (Blue Dot) | 154.570 MHz | FM (20 kHz) | Wider channel. "Blue Dot" is its business-radio nickname |
| Channel 5 (Green Dot) | 154.600 MHz | FM (20 kHz) | Wider channel. "Green Dot" is its business-radio nickname |
CB (Citizens Band)
No license needed
Citizens Band radio operates on 40 channels between 26.965 and 27.405 MHz. Commonly used for short to medium-range communication. CB radio can be used by anyone in the United States without a license. Maximum power: 4 watts AM, 12 watts PEP SSB. Channel 9 may only be used for emergencies and traveler assistance.
| Channel | Frequency | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel 9 | 27.065 MHz | AM | Emergencies and traveler assistance only (FCC rule) |
| Channel 19 | 27.185 MHz | AM | Highway and trucker channel, usually the busiest (convention) |
| Channel 17 | 27.165 MHz | AM | North/south highway traffic in some areas (convention) |
| Channel 4 | 27.005 MHz | AM | Off-road and 4x4 groups (convention) |
| Channel 13 | 27.115 MHz | AM | Marine and RV users (convention) |
| Channel 38 | 27.385 MHz | LSB | SSB calling channel (convention) |
HAM (Amateur Radio)
License required
Amateur Radio provides long-range communication capabilities. These are common nationwide frequencies accessible with appropriate licensing. You must have an FCC Amateur Radio License (Technician, General, or Amateur Extra) to transmit on amateur radio frequencies. A Technician license covers the VHF and UHF frequencies here; 29.600 MHz needs General or higher. Unlicensed transmission is illegal and subject to penalties.
| Channel | Frequency | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2m FM Simplex Calling | 146.520 MHz | FM | National simplex calling frequency. Make contact, then move to another simplex frequency |
| 70cm FM Simplex | 446.000 MHz | FM | National UHF simplex frequency |
| 6m FM Simplex | 52.525 MHz | FM | Primary 6-meter FM simplex frequency |
| 10m FM Simplex | 29.600 MHz | FM | 10-meter FM simplex frequency. General license or higher |
Before you transmit
This information is for general reference only. Always comply with FCC regulations and local laws. Operating on certain frequencies may require proper licensing. Transmitting without a license where required is illegal.
Listening is legal on all of these. The license rules are about transmitting, and power limits apply even on the license-free services.
Offline in ColdBoot
Radio Frequencies, with no signal.
ColdBoot's Radio Frequencies tool keeps this table on your phone: all five services, each with its channels, modes and license rules, in the Comms module next to Morse Code and the NATO alphabet. The app's search finds it when you look up radio, GMRS, CB or a frequency.
When you do have signal, Local Repeaters downloads the ham repeaters near you from RepeaterBook and keeps the last list on your phone, and you can add repeaters of your own.