To enable the staff of the Office of the Secretary to provide faster and more efficient service, we urge you to follow these guidelines in preparing and submitting "uniform" paper filings.

Confidential, Not For Public Inspection

Documents containing information to be withheld from public inspection should be clearly and conspicuously labeled "CONFIDENTIAL, NOT FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION." This designation should be placed in the upper right-hand corner of each page. If these instructions are not followed, the filer increases the risk for inadvertent disclosure of confidential information.

Font Type

All filings should be in 12 point type or legibly written.

Copies/Assembly

The filing package should consist of the original, unstapled document and the required number of copies.

  • Do not staple the original document; staple each copy individually.

  • Use a rubber band, binder clip or Acco-type fastener to hold the package together.

Transmittal Letter or Other Explanatory Document

If the filing is "self-explanatory," no transmittal letter is required. If explanatory information is included, a copy of the transmittal letter should be included with the original document and each copy of the filing.

Signatures

Signatures should be original and placed above the typed or clearly printed name to ensure legibility.

Contact Name

It is advisable to include a contact name, address, and telephone number in the document.

Hand-Delivered Filings

Per DA 20-361, the Commission is no longer accepting hand delivered filings at Headquarters. Once our COVID restrictions are lifted we will ONLY accept hand deliveries at our Annapolis Junction address. For more details, please see DA 20-361.

When using a courier service for hand-delivered filings:

  • Instruct delivery service personnel to remove the filing package from the envelope or box before submission. (This includes confidential material).

  • Arrange to avoid the need for a FCC staff person’s signature on a messenger receipt form. We will sign for receipt of a filing or provide a stamped, receipt copy, but not both.

  • Filings should be "ready for submission." "Ready for submission" means that the filing is signed, clearly and conspicuously labeled, and properly bound with the required number of copies. If needed, place a copy of the transmittal letter or filing on the top of the filing package.

  • "Ready for submission" also means that the filing is not contained in an envelope or box. (This includes confidential material).

Stamp and return receipt copy:
  • You may receive a stamped, receipt copy (for hand-delivered filings only) by placing a copy of either the transmittal letter or the first page of the filing on top of the filing package. One and only one stamped, receipt copy will be issued per filing.

Number of Paper Copies Required

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Commission's Rules (See Section 1.51), the number of documents to be filed is as follows:

Rule-Making Proceedings

  • Petitions, Comments, Reply Comments:
    • Required by the Commission: Original & 4 copies
    • To include Commissioners: Original & 9 copies
    • Informal Comments: Original & 1 copy
  • Table of Allotments: Original & 4 copies

Hearing Proceedings

  • Documents decided by:
    • Administrative Law Judges: Original & 6 copies
    • Full Commission: Original & 14 copies
  • Notices of Appearance: Original & 2 copies
  • Depositions: Original & 3 copies
  • Interrogatories: Original & 3 copies

All Other Filings

  • Pleadings, Briefs, Petitions, etc: Original & 4 copies
Date Last Updated/Reviewed:
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