How to Search Federal Communications Commission (Start Here)
FCC databases cover broadcast and wireless licenses, equipment authorizations, and telecommunications filings.
What this page covers: FCC license searches (ULS), broadcast station lookups, equipment authorization searches. What it does not cover: Internet service quality data or cell phone plan comparisons.
Where to start: For radio/wireless licenses, use the Universal Licensing System (ULS). For broadcast stations, use the Media Bureau search. For equipment authorizations (FCC IDs), use the Equipment Authorization search.
What Each System Returns vs Excludes
| Database | Returns | Excludes |
|---|---|---|
| ULS (licenses) | Licensee name, call sign, frequencies, status, expiration | Unlicensed operations |
| Equipment Auth | Certified/approved devices, FCC IDs | Consumer purchase data |
| Broadband Map | Service availability by address, provider, speed | Individual subscription data |
800MHz Reconfiguration Database
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database search for 800MHz reconfiguration licenses by former call sign, region, state, frequency, or.
Visit →
AM Station Query
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission database of radio station information in the AM broadcast band (530 kHz to 1700 kHz).
Amateur Radio Licenses
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission licensing search for amateur radio licenses.
Amateur Radio Licenses | ARRL
Visit → Official Free
National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) database for FCC amateur radio licenses.
Antenna Structure Applications
Visit → Official Free
FCC database of Antenna Structure Applications by file number or FAA study number.
Antennas
Visit → Official Free
Use this Federal Communications Commission service to search for broadcast antennas by make, model, service, and/or ID.
Visit →
Broadcast Station & Cable EEO Filings
Visit → Official Free
Use this Federal Communications Commission service to search for EEO filings for broadcast stations, cable, and MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming.
Broadcast Station Ownership
Visit → Official Free
Use this Federal Communications Commission service to search for radio and television broadcast station ownership.
Buildout Deadline License Search
Visit → Official Free
FCC database for buildout deadline licenses (coverage or construction deadline).
Commercial / Restricted Permit Licenses
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission Commercial/Restricted Permits license search (radio service codes RR & CM).
Communications Service by Frequency Range
Visit → Official Free
(FCC) database by frequency and service (amateur, cable, cellular, paging, ship, coast, mobile, microwave, etc.).
Communications Service by Frequency Range & State
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database for communications services by frequency and service (amateur, cable, cellular, paging, ship.
Communications Service by Latitude/Longitude
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database searchable by location (latitude & longitude) and service (amateur, cable, cellular, paging, ship.
Communications Service by State
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database searchable by state and service (amateur, cable, cellular, paging, ship, coast, mobile, microwave.
FCC Databases
Visit → Official Free
Search any of over 40 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) databases such as earth station locations, equipment authorizations, cable companies.
FCC Employees
Visit → Official Free
Search for FCC employees by name. Provides department, phone number, and email address.
Visit →
FCC ID Number Search
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission database of FCC ID numbers by Grantee Code or Equipment Product Code.
FCC Licenses
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission database of aircraft, amateur, permit, GMRS, and ship FCC licenses.
Visit →
FM Station Query
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission database for radio station information in the FM broadcast band (88 MHz to 108 MHz).
FRN Numbers
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database of FRN numbers by FCC registration number.
Geographic License Search
Visit → Official Free
Geographic database for FCC licenses by state or county, address, by coordinates, or by frequencies.
GMRS Licenses
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission GMRS licenses by name, licensee ID, FRN, city, state, zip code, call sign, or status.
License Applications
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission database of FCC License Applications (General) or search for license transfers & assignments.
Market Based License Search
Visit → Official Free
FCC licensing system service search for market based FCC licenses by market type, frequency, channel plan, licensee, license detail, and/or date.
Ship Radio Licenses
Visit → Official Free
Federal Communications Commission ship radio licenses by ship name, official ship number, MMSI number, name, licensee ID, FRN, city, state, zip.
Site Based License Search
Visit → Official Free
FCC database for FCC site licenses by service group, radio service code, frequencies, licensee. call sign, or date.
Telephone & Wireless Communications Companies
Visit → Official Free
FCC database of Telephone & Wireless Communications Companies; including paging, messaging local & mobile phone, cellular, satellite, and toll.
TV Station Query
Visit → Official Free
FCC Video Division TV database by state, call sign, applications file number, city, facility ID number, or within a radius.
Universal Licensing System
Visit → Official Free
Use this Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database Universal Licensing System (ULS) to apply for a new license, renew, modify, assign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up who holds a radio license? ▼
Yes. The FCC ULS lets you search by call sign, licensee name, or frequency.
What is an FCC ID? ▼
A certification number assigned to electronic devices that emit radio frequency energy. Search FCC IDs to find manufacturer and test reports.
Other Federal Databases
Last reviewed:
BBB A+ Rated