Do U.S. Applicants Need an FCC Agent for Service of Process?

An applicant located in the United States may designate itself as its agent for service of process (47 CFR 2.911(d)(7)(ii)), but it must still file the signed designation with each application. Applicants outside the United States must designate a U.S.-located agent with a physical U.S. address and an email address.

Foreign applicants

• Must designate an agent located in the United States
• The agent must have a U.S. physical address (TCBs reject PO boxes and mail forwarders under KDB 986446 guidance) and an email address
• The applicant and the agent both sign the designation

U.S. applicants

• May designate themselves
• Still certify the designation and the Covered List attestation
• May use a third-party agent if they prefer a dedicated address for legal process

Related: FDA renewal deadline calendar · Do I need a U.S. Agent? · US Agent Desk pricing

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.