FCC ID Requirements – United States

• An FCC ID is issued only under the Certification procedure.

• It confirms that a Grant of Equipment Authorization has been issued.

• Certification is reviewed by an FCC-recognized Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB).

• The certified configuration is recorded in the public FCC database.

• Devices authorized solely under the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) procedure do not receive an FCC ID.

• Product modifications may require permissive change filing or a new FCC ID.

Devices subject to the Certification procedure under 47 CFR Part 2 require assignment of an FCC ID prior to marketing or importation.

This typically includes:

• Intentional radiators operating under Part 15 (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB, NFC)

• Devices operating under licensed service rule parts (e.g., Parts 22, 24, 27, 90)

• Transmitters integrated into composite or multi-radio devices

• Host devices incorporating certified radio modules where additional authorization is required

Where a device combines transmitting and non-transmitting functions, the transmitting portion is subject to Certification and must be covered by an FCC ID.

For devices subject to Certification, an FCC-recognized Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) issues a Grant of Equipment Authorization.

The Grant is the official approval document confirming compliance with the applicable technical rule parts under 47 CFR.

The Grant defines:

• The assigned FCC ID

• The grantee (authorization holder)

• Approved frequency ranges

• Maximum output power

• Antenna characteristics

• Emission designators or rule parts

• Applicable operating conditions or restrictions

Only the specific configuration reflected in the Grant is authorized for marketing and importation in the United States.

The Grant of Equipment Authorization is publicly accessible through the FCC equipment authorization database and serves as the formal regulatory record of approval.

Devices authorized under the Certification procedure must display the assigned FCC ID in accordance with the labeling provisions of 47 CFR Part 2.

The FCC ID must be:

• Permanently affixed to the device, or

• Provided via approved electronic labeling (e-label), where permitted

The identifier must be clearly legible and accessible to the user.

Where a certified radio module is integrated into a host device, additional labeling requirements may apply.

If the module’s FCC ID is not externally visible after installation, the exterior of the host device must display:

Contains FCC ID: [Module FCC ID]

Labeling must accurately reflect the certified configuration covered by the applicable Grant of Equipment Authorization.

See also: FCC Modular Approval

All devices authorized under the Certification procedure are listed in the FCC Equipment Authorization System (EAS), which provides public access to certified device records.

The FCC database allows users to:

• Search by FCC ID

• Verify the Grant of Equipment Authorization

• Review approved frequency ranges and operating parameters

• Access publicly available test reports and supporting documentation (subject to confidentiality rules)

The FCC ID uniquely links a certified device to its official authorization record in the FCC database.

How to Perform an FCC ID Search

To verify a certified device:

1. Access the FCC Equipment Authorization System (EAS):
   https://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid

2. Enter the complete FCC ID (Grantee Code + Product Code).

3. Review the associated Grant of Equipment Authorization and approved technical data.

The FCC Equipment Authorization System serves as the official regulatory record for FCC-certified devices.

An FCC ID applies only to the specific configuration approved in the original Grant of Equipment Authorization.

Any modification affecting the certified device configuration may require regulatory reassessment.

This includes changes to:

• RF output power

• Operating frequency ranges

• Antenna type or antenna gain

• Modulation characteristics

• Firmware controlling transmission parameters

• Integration of additional transmitters

Depending on the nature and impact of the modification, the change may qualify as:

• A permissive change under 47 CFR §2.1043, or

• A new Certification requiring issuance of a new FCC ID

Manufacturers remain responsible for ensuring that product modifications do not invalidate the approved configuration reflected in the Grant of Equipment Authorization.