Filing Comments

There are two ways to file comments with the Commission — electronically or on paper. There are two main types of filings. You can file a formal letter or comment, but must be filed using specific formats. You can also send a brief, informal comment to the FCC. Brief comments are like sending an email to the FCC. Whether a comment is filed formally or informally, the appropriate deadlines must be met.

You can also mail or email your comments and ex parte filings directly to the Commissioners, their advisors and their staff. Sending a separate copy often gets their attention.

Requirements for all filings:

You must include the Docket Number
All comments must be double-spaced and type-written or computer processed
All comments must be formatted in 12-point type print
All margins must be 1 inch
If the document is more than 10 pages, you should include a table of contents and a summary on the first page.
Your comments can be in the form of a letter or a legal filing.

How to File Electronically:

(*NOTE: Some Mac users have trouble filing comments electronically.)

To file comments electronically access the Electronic Comment Filing System. The deadline for filing comments electronically is midnight EST. (If you don’t know the docket number of the case you want to file in, see our section on practical tips regarding the FCC.)

Click on "Submit a Filing"

First you must complete the "Cover Sheet." Make sure you fill in ALL required fields.
- Complete all of your basic name/address/contact information
- You MUST have a Proceeding Number (Docket Number)
- Choose a "document type." Select from Comment, Reply Comment, or Letter based on what is appropriate for your filing
- Note that selecting an "attorney" or "law firm" is optional.

Once you have filled in the entire cover sheet you have two options, you can "Send Comment Files to FCC (Attachments)" or "Send a Brief Comment to FCC (Typed-In)."
- An example of an Attached Comments Sample Letter
- Example of Brief Comments

To send an attached file click on "browse" to find the word processing file that contains your document. Then use the menu under "Select one of these file types or convert your file to one of these types" to identify the type of file you are submitting. For example if your document was created in "Microsoft Word" or "Word Perfect" then you select the appropriate word processing program. If you are sending a PDF file, select "Adobe Acrobat PDF." When you are finished with both the cover sheet and the information for sending an attached file, click on "Send Attached File to FCC."

To send a brief comment, enter your comments directly into the blank box. When you are finished with both the cover sheet and the brief comment, click on "Send Brief Comment to FCC."

DO NOT LEAVE THIS PAGE ONCE YOU HAVE SENT YOUR COMMENTS! The FCC will acknowledge your submission with a screen and a long confirmation number. Print out this page and keep it. It is proof that you filed a comment.

You may also submit comments via e-mail. This is a somewhat complicated process and should only be used if you are facing a deadline or do not have web access. To get filing instructions for e-mail comments, one should send an email to: efcs@fcc.gov and include the following message: "get form <your email address>." (e.g. get form jsmith@domain.com). A sample form and direction will then be emailed to you in reply.

Comments Filed on Paper:

All paper comments must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch size paper. (Your comments may be submitted on any type of paper, including letterhead as long as you comply with size requirements.)

You must file at least 5 copies (one original and four copies). If you want each Commissioner to have a personal copy of the comments, you may file five additional copies (note the ones for the Commissioners), for a total of an original and nine copies. Also, you can e-mail a copy to the individual Commisioners

Send comments to the appropriate address based on how the comments are being filed/delivered.

All mail, INCLUDING United States Postal Service Express Mail, Priority Mail, and First Class Mail:

Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
Office of the Secretary
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

**There is a slight delay on mail sent to the FCC because it is processed elsewhere as a result of the anthrax scare, so take this into account when mailing comments to be filed before the deadline.
Hand or messenger delivered accepted Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET only:
Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
Office of the Secretary
c/o Vistronix, Inc.
236 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.
Suite 110
Washington, DC 20002
Commercial overnight mail, (such as FedEX) EXCEPT United States Postal Service Express:
Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
Office of the Secretary
9300 East Hampton Drive
Capitol Heights, MD 20743

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