Are FCC ID Numbers Unique?

FCC ID numbers are unique to a device model, but not to each device.

For example: A company may produce two types of laptops with significant variation in each laptop. They give one laptop the model APPLE 1 and the other APPLE 2. The APPLE 1 computer will get the FCC ID: BCGAPPLE1 and the APPLE 2 computer will get the FCC ID: BCGAPPLE2. Every model of APPLE 1 and APPLE 2 will get the same FCC ID regardless if 1 device is produced or 1,000 are produced.

IC ID “IC” versus Serial Number

The IC ID “IC” is a unique identifier to each model of device. The first few characters of the IC ID (before the first “-” dash) are an assigned number unique to each manufacturer (chosen by Industry Canada). The remaining characters are chosen by the manufacturer of the device and may contain the serial number or model number of the device.

To clarify, the IC ID is not the model number or serial number, but sometimes the IC contains the model or serial number.

Where to find the FCC ID on laptop?

FCC IDs are typically printed on the bottom label of a laptop. If this label is worn off, you can often find the FCC ID printed on the wireless card (WiFi or Bluetooth Chip) installed inside of the laptop.

You may see the label written as “Contains FCC ID: XXXXX”. This indicates the laptop did not go through FCC approval itself, but it contains FCC approved wireless cards.

FCC ID vs ICCID

The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) is a unique serial number assigned to each SIM card. The ICCID is stored on the SIM card as well as printed on the top of the SIM.

The FCC ID is a unique identifier for each model of wireless electronic device. Many wireless devices require SIM cards, but SIM cards do not have ICCIDs.

Is an IC ID a serial number?

Is an IC ID “IC” a Serial Number?

IC IDs themselves are not serial numbers, but they can contain serial numbers. The first characters before the dash “-” in an IC ID are chosen by the Canadian government, Industry Canada. This is the body that approves the IC ID certification numbers. The remaining characters of the IC ID may be the same as the serial number or model number of the device, but can also be chosen by the manufacturer of the device.