FCC ID FAQs

An FCC ID identifies an FCC equipment authorization: the FCC's approval to market a device that emits radio frequency energy in the United States. It is made up of a grantee code, which identifies the company that holds the authorization (3 or 5 characters), followed by a product code chosen by that company. For example, in BCGA2602, BCG is Apple's grantee code and A2602 is the product code.

The FCC ID is usually printed on the device, in its settings screen, or in its user manual.

Only a product name is required. Results are much better when you also include the brand and the manufacturer's model number (manufacturerProductId). Many products differ only by model number, for example a Wi-Fi only tablet and its cellular version. When the details aren't enough, the status is INSUFFICIENT_INFORMATION.

Laptops and similar devices are usually not authorized as a whole. Their Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and NFC modules each carry their own FCC ID, often held by the module maker rather than the laptop brand. These products return COMPONENTS_MATCHED with every module authorization that applies.

A laptop model is often built in several configurations with different modules, and the same module can be authorized under both the laptop maker's and the module maker's grantee codes. In those cases, every candidate is listed. Learn more in Products with built-in radio modules.

No. NOT_REGULATED means the product doesn't require FCC equipment authorization at all, for example a hand tool, clothing, or a passive cable. No FCC ID is needed.

No. NO_MATCH means the product likely requires authorization, but Zonos couldn't identify which authorization applies with enough confidence. The product may well be authorized. Review the alternates, add more product details, or ask the manufacturer or seller for the FCC ID and check it with fccEquipmentAuthorizationsValidate.

confidenceScore is returned by inference. It is the probability that the returned status, and any returned FCC IDs, are correct.

probabilityOfMatch is returned by validation. It is the probability that the specific FCC ID you supplied covers the product.

Both range from 0.0 to 1.0, and both are calibrated: among results with a score of 0.9, about 9 in 10 are correct.

The most common reason is that the FCC ID belongs to a closely related product: another size, another generation, or the Wi-Fi only version of a cellular device. These return a relationship of RELATED_PRODUCT. Check suggestions for the FCC ID that fits better.

Every authorization includes coveredList.covered. It tells you whether the grantee is on the FCC Covered List of communications equipment and services deemed a risk to U.S. national security. The FCC no longer grants new authorizations for covered equipment, so you may want to flag these products for review.

Use fccEquipmentAuthorizationsValidate. Every result includes an fccIdStatus:

• MALFORMED: the value isn't shaped like an FCC ID, or is a placeholder such as "Does Not Apply."
• UNKNOWN_GRANTEE: no company is registered under its grantee code.
• NOT_ON_RECORD: the grantee exists, but holds no authorization with that product code.
• ON_RECORD: the FCC ID is real.

A common mistake is supplying the manufacturer's model number instead of the FCC ID. That usually comes back NOT_ON_RECORD or UNKNOWN_GRANTEE. Learn more in Check that an FCC ID is valid.

Not yet. The FCC can revoke an equipment authorization after it is granted, and can add a grantee to the Covered List. Webhook notifications for revocations and new Covered List entries are a planned future enhancement. Until then, re-validate FCC IDs periodically for products you continue to sell.

Zonos refreshes its copy of the FCC's equipment authorization records regularly. A product authorized in the last few days may not be found yet. In that case validation returns INDETERMINATE with an fccIdStatus of NOT_ON_RECORD, and you can try again later.