Easy to get license with inexpensive equipment...

First, you will need a GMRS license. Fortunately, the cost of this license was recently reduced to just $35 for 10 years...and will cover your entire family, irregardless of where they live (i.e. they do not need to reside in your household).

 

You can apply for the license on the FCC License Manager website. You will need a FRN (FCC Registration Number). If you don't already have one, you can register for one on this site. The FCC no longer mails licenses, but you can log into your licenses from this site and print out your license.

 

As for equipment, make sure you use certified type 95 equipment! Amateur radios are NOT certified for use on GMRS. There is still a never ending discussion about using Type 90 certified (Land Mobile Service) equipment. There seems to be some wording conflict in Part 95. One section allows Part 90 equipment (95.335(a) - Which states that non-Part 95 equipment may be operated in the service if they are certified for use in land mobile radio services). Conversations with the Enforcement Bureau and their legal counsel concede the wording is not clear and they will simply not enforce the use of Part 90 certified equipment as long as there are no other violations found during an investigation (such as malicious interference, broadcasting, etc). Just remember that in order for a radio to meet the Type 90 or 95 certification, frequencies and modes CAN NOT be adjustable from the front panel of the radio.

 

141.3 PL is the nationwide "traveler and assistance" PL and you will find most "open" repeaters will be using this PL. 462.675 with a PL of 141.3 is recognized as the Calling/Traveler assistance and Emergency Channel.