FCC ID Lookup
Look up any FCC equipment authorization by ID. See the certification status, authorized frequency ranges, rule parts, and grant dates pulled directly from FCC records.
Try these examples:
Understanding FCC Equipment Authorization
Every intentional radio transmitter sold in the United States must be authorized by the FCC before it can be legally marketed. This process, called equipment authorization, verifies that the device meets technical standards designed to prevent harmful interference with other radio services.
For ham radio operators, FCC authorization is a useful data point rather than a hard requirement. Part 97 (amateur radio) does not require equipment authorization, which is why hams are free to build, modify, and experiment with transmitters. But the same radio used on GMRS (Part 95) or for commercial purposes (Part 90) must carry a valid FCC authorization for that service.
The authorization record also reveals useful technical details: the certified maximum power output, the authorized frequency ranges, and the FCC rule parts the device was tested against. Comparing these against a manufacturer's marketing claims can reveal discrepancies, especially with imported radios.
How to Read an FCC Authorization
Grantee Code: The first 3-5 characters of the FCC ID identify the company that holds the authorization. This is not always the brand name you see on the radio. Many Baofeng models, for example, are filed under grantee codes like 2AJGM or 2AOKB, registered to the actual manufacturing or importing entity.
Product Code: The remaining characters identify the specific product model. The manufacturer assigns this code, so it may or may not match the consumer-facing model number.
Rule Parts: These indicate which FCC service rules the device was tested against. Common ones for two-way radios include Part 90 (land mobile), Part 95 (personal radio services like GMRS and FRS), and Part 80 (maritime).
Grant Date: When the FCC issued the authorization. A device may have multiple grants if it was re-certified after design changes.
Why FCC Data Matters for Radio Buyers
If you are buying a radio for GMRS, your radio must be FCC-authorized for Part 95A. Using an unauthorized radio on GMRS frequencies is a violation, regardless of whether you hold a GMRS license.
For ham use, authorization is not legally required, but it is still a useful quality signal. A radio that has been through the FCC testing process has had its spurious emissions, frequency stability, and power output verified by an accredited lab. Some low-cost imports that skip this process may produce excessive spurious emissions that interfere with other services.
We include FCC authorization data on our radio reviews so you can see at a glance which radios have been certified. For more background on the legality of popular radios, see our article on whether the Baofeng UV-5R is legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FCC ID?
An FCC ID is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Communications Commission to every intentional radio frequency transmitter sold in the United States. It consists of a grantee code (3-5 characters identifying the company) and a product code assigned by the manufacturer. For example, 2AJGM-UV5R identifies a Baofeng UV-5R.
How do I find the FCC ID on my radio?
The FCC ID is usually printed on a label on the back or bottom of the radio, often near the battery compartment. It may also appear in the radio's menu system under device information or regulatory info. On some radios it is printed on the packaging or listed in the user manual.
Do ham radios need FCC equipment authorization?
It depends on the service. Radios used exclusively under Part 97 (amateur radio) do not require equipment authorization because amateurs are permitted to build and modify their own transmitters. However, the same radio used for Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (GMRS/FRS) must be FCC authorized for those services. Many popular radios like the Baofeng UV-5R are Part 90 certified.
What is the difference between Part 90 and Part 97?
Part 90 covers commercial land mobile radio services (business, public safety) and requires FCC equipment authorization plus a station license. Part 97 covers amateur (ham) radio, which requires an operator license but not equipment authorization. A radio certified only under Part 90 can legally be used on amateur frequencies by a licensed ham, but cannot be used on GMRS frequencies unless also certified under Part 95.
What does FCC equipment authorization verify?
FCC equipment authorization confirms that a radio transmitter meets the Commission's technical standards for spurious emissions, bandwidth, frequency stability, and maximum power output. It does not test or certify the radio's receive performance, build quality, or fitness for any particular purpose. Authorization means the transmitter will not interfere with other radio services.