FCC ID stands for Federal Communications Commission Identification. An FCC ID is the number found in all computer hardware components. FCC ID numbers, usually found on the circuit boards, are helpful in finding information about the manufacturers of the hardware devices.

An FCC ID has 2 elements. The first is a three-character Grantee Code which usually begins with an alphabetic character and does not contain 1s or 0s. The FCC permanently assigns this code to a company for authorization of radio frequency equipment. It represents the Grantee or Applicant and each manufacturer has its unique Grantee Code.

The second FCC ID element is the Product Code, which can include hyphens and dashes. An FCC ID is proof that the equipment and its manufacturer complies with the FCC-specified technical standards.

To apply for an equipment authorization, you must first identify which procedure your equipment has to undergo. There are 3 types of procedures. The first one is Verification procedure used for equipment such as but not limited to Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) equipment, Class A computer equipment, and TV and FM receivers. The second is Declaration of Conformity procedure used for equipment such as but not limited to Class B personal computers and peripherals, CB receivers, super-regenerative receivers, and TV interface devices. The third one is Certification authorization used for equipment such as but not limited to ultra wideband, cellular phones, microwave ovens, wireless phones, and walkie talkies. The Commission or a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) issues the authorization.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent US government agency established in 1934. Its role is to regulate both interstate and international radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable communications. The FCC database is useful in finding records for equipment, which are classified into three. These include Certified, Type Accepted, and Verified by the FCC. These records are searchable by using the FCC ID Number.

Established in 1934 by the Communications Act, the Federal Communications Commission is an independent US government agency regulating both interstate and international radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable communications. Their database is useful in finding records for equipment, which can be Certified, Type Accepted, or Verified by the FCC. These records are searchable by using the FCC ID number found on the hardware.

The FCC ID is different from the FCC REG or Registration Number, which is given through Part 68 Connection of Terminal Equipment to telephone network manufacturers. The first 3 or 4 characters of the FCC REG, like the FCC IDs Grantee Code, are unique for every Part 68 manufacturer.