Practical Tips for Finding Additional Information on the FCC Website

FCC Docket Numbers

The FCC assigns docket numbers to every proceeding. This number links together all of the documents in a proceeding so that you know which documents go together. FCC assigns numbers in two different ways: full FCC numbers or delegated authority(DA). If a decision or notice voted by the Commissioners, it is identified by an FCC number. If a decision or notice released by a Bureau or Offices of the Commission it is assigned a DA number.

When the FCC starts a new rulemaking, it assigns a new number and that number stays with the proceeding until it is over. A typical docket number might be:

MB 99-33. The MB stands for Media Bureau, the 99 for the year the docket began, and the final number is sequential. The MB is informational — it tells you the proceeding is being handled by the Media Bureau, which helps with knowing which staff to call if you have questions. The number 99-33 will be the only docket with this number assigned to it.

The DA number is constructed similarly to an FCC number, with two initial digits indicating the year, and a number of up to 4 digits indicating the sequence. An example of a DA number is: 99-1234.

If you don’t know the docket number of the proceeding, do a search for the subject area or specific company using the FCC’s search tools below. Look at the documents relating to the case and find the docket number. You’ll need the docket number in order to file comments and views others comments on a proceeding.

*NOTE: The International Bureau has a different filing system than other bureaus.

FCC Search Tools

Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)
ECFS searches for all the comments filed in a case.
ECFS Express
If you don’t know the docket number of a case you want to look at, ECFS Express is very helpful. It’s a list of the major dockets that are of interest to consumers.

Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS)
EDOCS searches for documents created and released to the public by the FCC.

FCC Topical Index
This page provides an alphabetical index of links to FCC web pages that offer the best FCC information available on the topics listed below.

FCC Search
FCC Search is the new full-text search tool that collects information from web pages and many types of documents, but does not include information or documents from other database search tools. (e.g. A search on this index will not show documents from ECFS or EDOCS.)

Daily Digest
This page provides a brief synopsis of Commission orders, news releases, speeches, public notices and all other FCC documents that are released each business day. If you are looking for information about LPFM actions or applications you will want to view the "Broadcast Actions" and "Broadcast Applications."

Federal Register
The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents. To find the appropriate published rule you will need the FCC docket number in quotes. (i.e. "FCC 03-127)

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