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OFAC Specific Licenses and Interpretive Guidance
OFAC issues specific licenses to authorize transactions that otherwise would be prohibited and provides interpretive guidance about how authorizations issued by OFAC apply to your situation. For considerations that may inform your decision to apply, please review the relevant Sanctions Programs and Country Information or click "FAQs and Guidance" below.
- How do I apply for a license to get my money unblocked?
- What are the chances that my application will be approved?
- Do I need a registration number or license to donate goods?
- What is a license?
- Do I have to fill out a particular form to get a license to engage in a transaction?
- Can I appeal a denial of my license application?
- How can I find out the status of my pending license application?
- What agencies other than Treasury review OFAC license applications and what are the roles of these other agencies?
- "My Funds Are Blocked, Now What?" This video provides guidance on what it means when funds are blocked in connection with OFAC sanctions, as well as recommended steps for what to do if your funds have been blocked.
- "Applying for a License to Release Blocked Funds." This video provides viewers with guidance and the recommended steps for how to submit a specific license application for the release of blocked funds.
You may not need to apply for a specific license. Before applying for a specific license, please review the information about Cuba travel and the12 categories of general licenses related to Cuba travel found in theCuba Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR part 515). To the extent that your proposed travel falls within the scope of an existing general license, you may proceed without applying for a specific license from OFAC. General licenses constitute blanket authorization for those transactions set forth in the relevant regulation and are self-selecting and self-executing.Persons traveling pursuant to a general license do not need to notify OFAC of their travel plans. It is OFAC's policy not to grant applications for a specific license authorizing transactions where a general license exists.
If you determine that a general license does not apply, you may request a specific license online using theApplication Portal. OFAC will consider the issuance of specific licenses on a case-by-case basis when a general license provision is not available. Please read all instructions and relevant information fully before submitting an application for a specific license.
Do you have questions about traveling to Cuba?
- Please review theFrequently Asked Questions regarding recent changes in Cuba sanctions policy.
- Please note that the U.S. Department of the Treasury does not issue visas to travel to Cuba. For more information on visas to travel to Cuba please visit theDepartment of State's website on International Travel for Cuba and visit the section of this site labeled, "Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements."
For information related to licenses authorizing exports of agricultural commodities, medicine, and medical devices to Iran pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), please see ourTSRA page andTSRA Application Guidelines.
Please review theTSRA Frequently Asked Questions and information below prior to contacting OFAC:
- What format options are permitted for submitting license applications pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA)?
- How should I present my TSRA license application?
- If I am submitting multiple TSRA license applications at the same time, should I send them under a single cover letter?
- Should I send a sample of the proposed export product as an attachment to my TSRA license application?
- Specific to Iran I hold a specific license to sell agricultural goods, medicine, or medical devices to Iran. The general license at section 560.532(a)(4) of the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) authorizes me to accept a letter of credit issued by an Iranian financial institution whose property and interests in property are blocked solely pursuant to the ITSR (i.e., an Iranian financial institution that is not listed on OFAC's List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List)). The general license, however, also states that a U.S. financial institution may not advise, confirm, or otherwise deal in that credit. How am I supposed to know if/when a letter of credit has been issued for my sale and how do I get paid? My bank accounts are all at U.S. financial institutions.
- I am an exporter of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical devices to Sudan and have previously obtained specific licenses from OFAC for such exports. Do I still need to apply for a specific license from OFAC for exports or reexports of such items to Sudan?
Apply for a specific license to request authorization from OFAC to engage in a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited (e.g., release of blocked funds), or request interpretative guidance.
Click here for best practices when applying for a license or guidance.
Use your Case ID to view your application's progress.
For further information about case statuses, please click here.
If you are required to provide details of transactions undertaken pursuant to your specific license, please email the report(s) toOFACReport@treasury.gov.
Please submit questions about the application process to OFAC's Licensing Hotline.