RF Safety and Regulatory Spectrum Regulation Informational

How do I apply for an FCC experimental license to test a new RF device or system?

Q: How much does an experimental license cost?

The FCC application fee for an experimental license is $340 (as of 2025; fees are adjusted periodically). There is no annual renewal fee during the license term. Modification applications: $340 per modification. Renewal applications (every 2 years): $340. Compared to full equipment certification (which costs $5,000-$50,000 including testing): the experimental license is very affordable.

Q: Can I test a device without any license?

Yes, in some cases: (1) Part 15 unlicensed operation: if your device operates within the Part 15 limits (very low power): no license is needed. Part 15 limits depend on the frequency band and application (e.g., -41.3 dBm/MHz for UWB devices, 1 W for ISM band devices). (2) Shielded enclosure: testing inside a properly shielded room or anechoic chamber does not require an FCC license (the RF energy does not escape the enclosure). This applies to: EMC pre-compliance testing, component characterization, and device debugging. (3) Conducted testing (no antenna): testing with cables and attenuators (no over-the-air radiation) does not require a license. The signals do not leave the test setup.

Q: What happens if I cause interference?

Under Part 5 rules: if your experimental operation causes harmful interference to a licensed service: you must immediately cease operations on the interfering frequency. You must notify the FCC if the interference affects safety-of-life services (aviation, maritime). You must identify and resolve the cause of interference before resuming operations. Penalties for not complying: the FCC can revoke the experimental license, impose fines (up to $100,000 per violation for willful interference), and refer the case for criminal prosecution (in extreme cases, such as interference with aviation or public safety communications). Best practice: monitor the operating frequency before transmitting (ensure no active licensed users). Use the minimum necessary power. Have a quick-shutdown procedure in place.

An FCC experimental license (Part 5) allows individuals and organizations to operate RF equipment that is not yet certified or authorized, for purposes of research, development, and testing: (1) When needed: you are developing a new RF product that has not yet received FCC equipment authorization (Part 15, 90, 95, etc.). You want to test RF equipment at frequencies or power levels beyond what your current authorization allows. You are conducting radio propagation studies or spectrum research. You are testing prototype radar, satellite, or communication systems before commercial deployment. (2) Application process: file FCC Form 442 (Application for New or Modified Radio Station Authorization Under Part 5): electronically through the FCC OET (Office of Engineering & Technology) online filing system. Required information: applicant name and contact, transmission frequencies (specific frequencies or frequency bands), bandwidth and modulation type, maximum transmit power (EIRP), antenna type and height, location of operation (fixed location or area of operation), duration of the experiment (up to 2 years, renewable), and a description of the experiment (the purpose, what is being tested, expected RF emissions). (3) License types: conventional experimental license: for specific frequencies, locations, and time periods. Most common for prototype testing. Program experimental license: a broader authorization for organizations with ongoing R&D programs (available to universities, research institutions, and companies with established RF engineering capabilities). Covers a range of frequencies and locations without specifying each individual experiment. Medical experimental license: for testing medical devices that use RF energy. (4) Requirements: the experimental operation must not cause harmful interference to licensed services. If interference occurs: the experimental operation must cease immediately. The license holder must keep records of all experimental operations (dates, times, frequencies, power levels). The license holder must comply with RF safety requirements (MPE limits). (5) Timeline: typical processing time: 30-60 days from filing to grant. Simple requests (low power, isolated location): may be processed in 2-3 weeks. Complex requests (high power, near airports or military installations): may take 60-90 days (requires coordination with other agencies).

Category: RF Safety and Regulatory

Updated: April 2026

Product Tie-In: Test Equipment, Filters

FCC Experimental License Guide

The FCC experimental license program provides a flexible framework for RF testing and development without the need for full equipment certification.

Application Tips

(1) Be specific about frequencies: the FCC prefers specific frequency requests over broad ranges. If you need 3.5 GHz: request 3.45-3.55 GHz (not 3-4 GHz). Broader requests require more coordination and take longer to process. (2) Keep power levels low: request only the minimum power needed for your experiment. Lower power: faster approval, less coordination required. If you need +30 dBm EIRP: do not request +60 dBm. You can always apply for a modification to increase power later. (3) Location specificity: specify the exact operating location (address, coordinates). For mobile testing: specify the area of operation (city, county, or state) and the vehicle type. For indoor testing: note that indoor operation (within a shielded enclosure or building) typically has less interference potential and may receive faster approval. (4) Interference analysis: for operations near existing licensed services: include an interference analysis showing that your operation will not cause harmful interference. The analysis should include: your EIRP and antenna pattern, the distance to the nearest co-frequency licensed station, and the expected received power level at the licensed station (should be below the interference threshold). (5) Special coordination: for operations near airports: coordinate with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). For operations near military installations: coordinate with NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration). For satellite frequencies: coordinate with the satellite operator. The FCC may require proof of coordination before granting the license.

Common Scenarios

(1) 5G prototype testing: a company developing a 5G base station or UE prototype needs to test the device over-the-air before FCC equipment certification. Experimental license: request CBRS band (3.55-3.7 GHz), n77, or mmWave (28 GHz, 39 GHz). Power: typical gNB power levels (+30 to +46 dBm EIRP). Location: the company test lab, rooftop, or outdoor test range. Duration: 6-12 months (the prototype development cycle). (2) Radar testing: a company developing a new automotive radar at 77 GHz. Request 76-81 GHz. Power: typically < +13 dBm EIRP. Location: outdoor test range or vehicle test track. Note: most 77 GHz radar testing falls under Part 15.255 (unlicensed) if the power is below the Part 15 limits. An experimental license is needed only for powers above the Part 15 limits. (3) Spectrum research: a university conducting spectrum occupancy measurements. Request passive (receive-only) authority (no transmitter, lower risk of interference). Or: request active probing at low power. Duration: 1-2 years.

Experimental License Process

File: FCC Form 442 (electronic)
Processing: 30-60 days typical
Duration: up to 2 years (renewable)
Record keeping: all operations logged
Interference: must cease if causing harm

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an experimental license cost?

The FCC application fee for an experimental license is $340 (as of 2025; fees are adjusted periodically). There is no annual renewal fee during the license term. Modification applications: $340 per modification. Renewal applications (every 2 years): $340. Compared to full equipment certification (which costs $5,000-$50,000 including testing): the experimental license is very affordable.

Can I test a device without any license?

Yes, in some cases: (1) Part 15 unlicensed operation: if your device operates within the Part 15 limits (very low power): no license is needed. Part 15 limits depend on the frequency band and application (e.g., -41.3 dBm/MHz for UWB devices, 1 W for ISM band devices). (2) Shielded enclosure: testing inside a properly shielded room or anechoic chamber does not require an FCC license (the RF energy does not escape the enclosure). This applies to: EMC pre-compliance testing, component characterization, and device debugging. (3) Conducted testing (no antenna): testing with cables and attenuators (no over-the-air radiation) does not require a license. The signals do not leave the test setup.

What happens if I cause interference?

Under Part 5 rules: if your experimental operation causes harmful interference to a licensed service: you must immediately cease operations on the interfering frequency. You must notify the FCC if the interference affects safety-of-life services (aviation, maritime). You must identify and resolve the cause of interference before resuming operations. Penalties for not complying: the FCC can revoke the experimental license, impose fines (up to $100,000 per violation for willful interference), and refer the case for criminal prosecution (in extreme cases, such as interference with aviation or public safety communications). Best practice: monitor the operating frequency before transmitting (ensure no active licensed users). Use the minimum necessary power. Have a quick-shutdown procedure in place.

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