James is believed to have accosted referee Jarred Gillett in the tunnel following Chelsea's 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
The 23-year-old did not feature in the game due to a hamstring injury but made his presence felt in the wrong way after his side failed to take anything from the game.
James faces the prospect of a ban or fine if he is found guilty of the charge.
A statement from the FA read: "Reece James has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Chelsea’s Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday, 24 September. It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the game. Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge."
James, who was named Chelsea captain this summer, has not played since the opening Premier League game of the season against Liverpool.
