What aircraft registration is and why you need it

Aircraft registration is a federal requirement that gives your plane an official identity and proves you own it. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues a certificate of registration that stays with the aircraft, similar to a car title. Without it, you cannot legally fly in U.S. airspace.

Registration is separate from the airworthiness certificate (which confirms the plane is safe to fly) and your pilot's license (which certifies you can fly it). You need all three to operate legally. The registration process itself is straightforward, but the rules differ depending on whether you own the plane outright, are buying it, or are registering it for the first time.

The FAA keeps a public registry of all registered aircraft, searchable by tail number. This record shows ownership, the aircraft type, and whether the registration is current. If you sell the plane, the new owner must register it in their name within a set timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • Aircraft registration is issued by the FAA and required before you can legally fly any plane in U.S. airspace.
  • You must complete FAA Form 8050-1 (process for Aircraft Registration) and provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or purchase agreement.
  • Registration costs a one-time fee of $5 and is valid for three years from the date of issue.
  • If you buy a plane, the seller has 10 days to notify the FAA of the sale, and you have 14 days to submit your registration process.
  • You can renew your registration online through the FAA's Aircraft Registration System or by mail using Form 8050-2.

How to register a new aircraft

Start by completing FAA Form 8050-1 (process for Aircraft Registration). You can read it from the FAA website or request it by mail. The form asks for the aircraft's make, model, and serial number; your name and address; and whether you are registering as an individual, partnership, corporation, or government entity.

You must also provide proof of ownership. If you are buying the plane, a bill of sale signed by the seller works. If you already own it, a title document or other proof of ownership is acceptable. The FAA will not process your process without this documentation.

Mail the completed form and proof of ownership to the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, the FAA mails you a Certificate of Aircraft Registration, which you must keep in the aircraft at all times during flight.

What happens when you buy a used aircraft

When you purchase a plane, the seller is required to notify the FAA within 10 days that the aircraft has changed hands. This is done by submitting a signed bill of sale or a form indicating the sale. However, you should not wait for the seller to do this—submit your own registration process within 14 days of purchase.

During this transition period, the plane may still show the previous owner in the FAA registry. This is normal and does not prevent you from flying, as long as you have submitted your process. Keep a copy of your bill of sale and your process receipt as proof that you own the aircraft and have registered it.

If the seller does not notify the FAA of the sale, the plane may remain registered to them in the public record. You can contact the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch to request they update the record, but having your own process on file protects you legally.

Registration renewal and expiration

Aircraft registration is valid for three years from the date the FAA issues your certificate. You will receive a renewal notice from the FAA about 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is the same as the initial registration: $5.

You can renew online through the FAA's Aircraft Registration System (ARS) if you have an FAA account. This is the fastest method and takes only a few minutes. Alternatively, complete FAA Form 8050-2 (Aircraft Registration Renewal process) and mail it with the fee to the FAA.

If your registration expires, you cannot legally fly the aircraft until you renew it. The FAA will remove the aircraft from the active registry. Renewal is straightforward and can be done at any time during the three-year validity period, not just at expiration.

Special situations: Corporations, partnerships, and non-citizens

If you are registering an aircraft as a corporation or partnership, you must provide articles of incorporation or a partnership agreement along with your process. The FAA needs to verify that the entity is legally established and authorized to own aircraft.

Non-U.S. citizens can register aircraft in the United States, but the rules are more complex. You must have a valid U.S. address and meet additional requirements set by the FAA. Some non-citizens may need to register through a U.S. corporation or trust instead of individually. Contact the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch directly if you fall into this category.

If you are registering an aircraft under a trust, you will need to provide a copy of the trust document. The FAA uses this to confirm that the trust is valid and that you have authority to register the aircraft on its behalf.

What to do if your registration is lost or damaged

If your Certificate of Aircraft Registration is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the FAA. Complete FAA Form 8050-1 and write "DUPLICATE" at the top. Include a brief explanation of what happened to the original certificate.

Mail the form to the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch. Processing takes two to four weeks. Until you receive the duplicate, keep a copy of your original certificate or your process receipt in the aircraft as proof of registration. The FAA will not remove you from the registry for a lost certificate.

How to transfer or sell your aircraft

When you sell your aircraft, you must notify the FAA within 10 days by submitting a bill of sale or a statement indicating the sale. This removes you from the registry as the owner. The buyer then has 14 days to submit their own registration process.

The bill of sale should include the aircraft's tail number, the date of sale, the purchase price (optional but recommended), and signatures from both you and the buyer. Keep a copy for your records. Some buyers may ask you to sign additional documents; check with them before the sale closes.

If you do not notify the FAA of the sale, you may remain liable for certain issues related to the aircraft, such as unpaid taxes or fines. Always complete your part of the transfer process promptly, even if the buyer delays their registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly my aircraft while my registration process is being processed?

No. You cannot legally fly until the FAA issues your Certificate of Aircraft Registration. If you are buying a used plane, you must wait for your registration to be approved before taking it to the air, even if the previous owner's registration is still valid.

What is the difference between aircraft registration and an airworthiness certificate?

Registration proves you own the aircraft and have the right to fly it. An airworthiness certificate proves the plane is mechanically safe and meets FAA standards. You need both, plus a pilot's license, to fly legally. The airworthiness certificate is issued by an FAA inspector or designated mechanic after an inspection.

Do I need to renew my registration every year?

No. Aircraft registration is valid for three years. You renew once every three years, not annually. However, you must keep your airworthiness certificate current, which requires annual inspections and maintenance logs.

What happens if I let my registration expire?

Your aircraft will be removed from the FAA registry and you cannot legally fly it. Renewal is straightforward and inexpensive ($5), so most owners renew before expiration. If your registration has already expired, you can still renew by submitting the renewal form and fee to the FAA.

Can I register an aircraft I am still paying for?

Yes. You can register an aircraft even if you have a loan against it. The lender may require you to list them as a lienholder on the registration, which protects their interest in the plane. Ask your lender what documentation they need before you submit your process to the FAA.