Guide
How to Get a Copy of Your FCC License
How to retrieve your FCC station or operator licence from the FCC's licensing system for use abroad, and which licence a foreign authority usually means.
Quick answer
Retrieve it from the FCC’s licensing system using your FCC Registration Number (FRN). First confirm whether the foreign authority wants the station licence (for a vessel, aircraft or facility) or the operator permit (for a person). A printed electronic authorization may need a certification step before it can be authenticated.
On this page
Station or operator?
- Ship station licence — for a vessel.
- Aircraft radio station licence — for an aircraft.
- Restricted radiotelephone operator permit — for a person.
Step by step
Sign in to the FCC licensing system
Using your FRN and credentials.
Download the authorization
Check it’s current and not expired.
Ask us about certification
Send a copy before ordering so we can confirm the route for your licence type.
When you’ll need it abroad
- Maritime operation in foreign waters
- International flight operations
- Crew credential verification
- Broadcast or communications work abroad
Troubleshooting
The licence has expired
Renew it before authenticating.
You can't access your FRN account
Use the FCC's account recovery process.
The port wants a different document
Confirm station vs. operator licence.
The printout isn't accepted
A certification step may be needed — ask us.
Next: getting it apostilled
Once you have the document, it needs authentication before a foreign authority will accept it. See how to apostille it. Our price is $299 per document for Hague Convention countries and $399 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, with government fees included.
Frequently asked questions
Which FCC licence do foreign ports ask for?
Usually the ship station licence.
Can I apostille a printed FCC licence?
Sometimes a certification step is needed first — confirm before ordering.
Do I need an FRN?
Yes — the FCC Registration Number is how licences are managed.
How long are ship station licences valid?
Check the term shown on the authorization.
Sources: U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document · Hague Conference — Apostille Section · FCC — Licensing. Federal Apostille USA is a private service, not a government agency.
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.