How to Get an FCC License?

Introduction to FCC Certification

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), established by the COMMUNICATION ACT in 1934, is an independent agency of the U.S. government directly responsible to Congress. The FCC coordinates domestic and international communications by controlling radio, television, telecommunications, satellite, and cable. This encompasses over 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. To ensure the safety of radio and wire communication products related to life and property, the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) provides technical support and handles equipment approval.

On November 2, 2017, the FCC announced the simplification of the certification process for wireless devices and clarified the use of electronic labels by transitioning from the DoC & VoC program to SDoC. Effective November 2, 2018, the Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) officially replaced FCC VoC and DoC certification types to simplify the certification process and clarify electronic label use.

FCC Certification Types

1. FCC SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity)

2. FCC Certification ID

FCC SDoC Certification Overview

SDoC, or Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, allows equipment suppliers (who must be U.S. companies) to test their products against specified standards or requirements. Conforming products must provide relevant documentation (such as the SDoC declaration) to the public. The SDoC policy simplifies the previous FCC certification requirements, reducing the burden on enterprises.

Key Measures of the SDoC Policy:

1. Simplified self-approval procedures, replacing FCC VoC and FCC DoC with SDoC.

2. Allows the use of electronic labels, displaying necessary information (e.g., FCC identification number and conformity declaration) on the product or provided in another way.

3. Eases import declarations and requirements, eliminating the need to submit RF equipment import declarations to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and clarifying compliance requirements.

4. Revises measurement procedures and standards for flexibility.

5. Products certified through the FCC SDoC process may choose to mark or not mark the FCC logo.

6. SDoC requires inclusion of a conformity declaration document with the equipment, containing necessary information such as the U.S. local supplier’s name, address, or contact website.

Apply FCC Lincense Mark:

1. FCC SDoC:

   - Optional FCC logo marking with U.S. local agent conformity declaration.

2. FCC ID:

   - Label includes FCC ID number and statement.

Importance and Benefits of FCC Certification

FCC certification is essential for products entering the American market, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and safety for consumers. Certified products often have a market advantage and higher selling prices compared to non-certified products.

Applicable Countries:

- United States

Product Types:

1. FCC SDoC: For general electronic products without wireless functions (e.g., monitors, lamps, power supplies, appliances).

2. FCC ID: For wireless products (e.g., Bluetooth devices, tablets, wireless keyboards and mice, transceivers, walkie-talkies, microphones, remote controls, network devices, low-power wireless products, 2G/3G/3.5G phones, DECT phones).

Certification Issuing Agencies:

1. FCC SDoC: Issued by laboratories authorized by NVLAP or A2LA.

2. FCC ID: Issued by TCB agencies.

Get FCC License Process:

FCC SDoC Certification:

1. Initial application by manufacturer or agent.

2. Submission of application form, product manual, and technical documents to the certification company.

3. Certification company drafts a plan and quotes.

4. Applicant confirms the quote, sends samples and documents to the certification company.

5. Technical document review and certification activities by the certification company.

6. Notification of any document inadequacies or language requirements.

7. Rectification support for failed tests (additional charges may apply).

8. Issuance of test report or technical documents and certificate.

FCC ID Certification:

   - Similar steps to FCC SDoC with the addition of TCB review and issuance.

Required Technical Documentation:

1. FCC SDoC:

   - Application form, technical manual, circuit diagram, labels, U.S. supplier declaration.

2. FCC ID:

   - 731 application form, FCC ID number, authorization letter, confidentiality agreement, block diagram, circuit diagram, functional description, manual with FCC warning, test report, label and label location, internal and external photos, test photos, technical specifications.

Testing Projects:

1. FCC SDoC: Conducted and radiated emissions.

2. FCC ID: Conducted and radiated emissions, bandwidth, spurious emissions.

Certification Duration and Validity:

1. FCC SDoC: 1 week

2. FCC ID: 3-4 weeks

Validity: Standards updated as necessary.

Factory Review and Other Notes:

- No factory review required.

FCC License Cost: $600-$1500