Many don't bother to get one but there should be a form in the paperwork that comes with the radio to send in to the FCC. I believe it is just a formality and everyone who applies will get the license. I have a friend who has that combo unit and IMO the radio isn't as good as the stand alone units. The good thing about them is that if 2 buddies have the same unit it shows each where the other one is. A GPS with topo maps loadedis really nice and makes it just that much more of a tool.