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The Global Insight

Do you need an FCC license for FM radio?

Author

James Williams

Updated on March 18, 2026

A construction permit issued by the FCC is required before an applicant is allowed to construct an LPFM station and a license issued by the FCC is required before operation of an LPFM station can begin.

Does the FCC license radio?

The Licensing of TV and Radio Stations. Commercial and Noncommercial Educational Stations. The FCC licenses FM radio and full power TV stations as either commercial or noncommercial educational (NCE). (Most AM radio stations are licensed as commercial facilities.)

Do you need a license to broadcast FM?

Regardless of popular misconceptions, it is not legal to broadcast on FM at low power, or at any power, without a license from the FCC. It doesn’t matter if you are less than 100 watts or less than 1 watt.

Are FM transmitters legal?

Fortunately there is a legal way that they can cover the area of an average size parking lot. They can use one of our FCC certified Part 15 FM transmitters. Part 15 certified FM transmitters can be used legally by anybody, anywhere in the U.S. without the need for a license.

What does an FCC license cost?

License fees vary widely for UHF and VHF business radios, but the most common licenses for businesses run roughly $70 for 5-years to $500 for a 10-year license. This depends o a wide variety of variables and only the FCC can give the final numbers.

Are Baofeng radios illegal?

While it’s true many of the Baofengs are wide open on any frequency in the 136–174Mhz and 400–520Mhz range, and it is illegal to import, market and sell these devices, it is not illegal to own or operate these devices if you are a licensed Amateur radio operator and you are operating only on amateur radio frequencies.

How much does it cost to run an internet radio station?

Overall, internet radio stations often have the lowest cost, whereas you can launch a low power FM (LPFM) radio station for under $15,000 upfront. Month-to-month, you may be able to swing by with just under $1,000 of expenses.

How much does it cost to get a radio license?

Repeater/Base Station – includes repeaters, base stations, handheld & mobile radios. How much does an FCC radio license cost? The cost is minimal considering an FCC license lasts for 10 years, and fines can be thousands of dollars. Our costs include all FCC fees. Who can use this type of license?

Do you need a license to run a radio station?

Here is what the FCC regulation says: Title 47: Telecommunication, PART 87—AVIATION SERVICES, Subpart B—Applications and Licenses § 87.18 Station license required. (a) Except as noted in paragraph (b) of this section, stations in the aviation service must be licensed by the FCC either individually or by fleet.

Can a private radio license be transferred to the FCC?

No. The FCC must authorize the assignment or transfer of control of the FCC-issued licenses. Thus, for Private Radio Service licensees, simply filing the application is insufficient. The parties must wait for the FCC to grantthe application priorto closing or consummating the transaction.

How long does a FCC radio license last?

The cost is minimal considering an FCC license lasts for 10 years, and fines can be thousands of dollars. Our costs include all FCC fees. Who can use this type of license? These licenses are in the FCC’s Industrial/Business Pool.