1. Eligibility: To obtain a CB license, you must be a citizen of the United States or legally authorized to work in the country. This includes US citizens, legal residents, and temporary residents with a valid Social Security Number.
2. Application: You can apply for a CB radio license by filing Form 574A with the FCC. The application can be submitted electronically through the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) website or by mailing a paper form.
3. Fee: As of 2023, the application fee for a CB radio license is $20, which is non-refundable. The license remains valid for a period of five years, after which it must be renewed.
4. Call Sign: Once your application is processed and approved, the FCC will assign a unique call sign to your CB radio. The call sign consists of three letters followed by three digits. It serves as your identifier on the airwaves and is used to indicate your presence when communicating with other CB radio operators.
5. Displaying the Call Sign: You are required to display your CB radio call sign prominently on your radio equipment. It should be clearly visible and readable by other users.
6. Adherence to Regulations: By obtaining a CB license and using your radio, you agree to abide by the FCC's rules and regulations for the CB Radio Service. These regulations cover various aspects, including frequency use, power output limits, permissible modifications, and proper operating practices.
It is important to note that while operating a CB radio without a license is not legally prohibited, it is always recommended to obtain a license to ensure legal compliance and to access the full range of frequencies and privileges available to licensed users.