Techniques for optimizing user equipment radio capability signaling for wireless communications are described. In one technique, a type of network to access for communications is determined. A capability identifier(s) associated with a set(s) of user equipment (UE) radio capabilities is determined based, at least in part, on the type of network. The capability identifier(s) is sent to the network. Upon receiving an indication of the capability identifier(s), the set(s) of UE radio capabilities associated with the capability identifier(s) is identified and stored.