When an aircraft changes hands, the FAA requires an official form to document that transaction. The form you need is the aircraft change of ownership form, which we call our Transfer of Ownership form at the National Aviation Center. This document ensures the FAA recognizes the new owner and updates the official aircraft registration accordingly.
Without it, your transfer is incomplete and the airplane cannot be legally operated by the new owner. This single form is the linchpin that protects buyers and sellers alike by establishing a clear chain of ownership.
Our Transfer of Ownership form is available directly through our secure online portal. You can complete it from anywhere, upload any required supporting documentation, and we submit it for you. This makes the process faster and significantly less stressful compared to mailing paper forms on your own.
Who Needs an Aircraft Change of Ownership Form?
Any party involved in transferring an aircraft title needs this form. This includes individuals selling their privately owned airplane, a corporation transferring an aircraft between divisions, or an heir receiving a plane through an estate. Even when no money changes hands—such as gifting an aircraft—the FAA still requires the ownership change to be recorded.
Sellers benefit because once the form is filed, their name is removed from the FAA registry, limiting liability for any future incidents. Buyers benefit because they gain proof that they are the legal owner. Without an official record, a buyer may not be able to register, insure, or finance the aircraft.
At the National Aviation Center, we see many scenarios where owners assume that a simple bill of sale is enough. It is not. The FAA requires that its own registry reflect the new ownership. Our online form ensures you satisfy that requirement without guesswork.
How Can Our Transfer of Ownership Form Help?
We created our Transfer of Ownership form to simplify what can otherwise be a confusing process. By using our secure portal:
- You fill out a guided online form instead of downloading a PDF and mailing it.
- Our team reviews your information for accuracy and completeness.
- You can upload supporting documents, such as a bill of sale or court order.
- We forward the completed application to the FAA on your behalf.
This not only cuts down on mailing delays but also minimizes the chance of rejection due to missing information. Our goal is to help you move from sale to operation without a gap in legal compliance.
Because our portal is open 24/7, you can complete your application when it’s convenient for you. Whether you’re a private owner or a corporate fleet manager, our system adapts to your needs.
What Are The Risks of Transferring Ownership Without Proper Documentation?
Attempting to transfer ownership without the correct FAA paperwork can create serious problems:
- The FAA registry may still show the previous owner, leaving the buyer without legal proof of ownership.
- Insurance companies can deny coverage if the aircraft is not properly registered in the new owner’s name.
- The seller could be held liable for incidents or violations involving the aircraft after it has left their possession.
- Financing or resale may be delayed or blocked because the chain of ownership is unclear.
Without submitting the official aircraft change of ownership form, these issues are likely to occur.
Federal rules under 14 CFR Part 47 spell out exactly how registration must be handled. Without compliance, an aircraft is essentially in limbo. We regularly see customers come to us after experiencing delays or legal issues because they tried to manage the process on their own. By using our service, you can avoid these pitfalls entirely.
Why Does Proper FAA Documentation Matter?
An aircraft’s registration is the legal record of its ownership and eligibility to operate in U.S. airspace. Much like a car title, it shows who is responsible for the aircraft. Without an accurate record, the FAA can impose fines, deny a flight certificate, or even ground your plane.
Proper documentation also ties into FAA registration renewal. When your ownership information is correct and up to date, renewing your registration is straightforward. If your information is outdated or incorrect, the renewal process can be delayed, which may render your certificate invalid. Our service helps you keep these records current so your aircraft remains airworthy and legal.
How Our Online Portal Makes Compliance Easier
We built our system to remove the friction from FAA paperwork. With our portal, you can:
- Complete the Transfer of Ownership form at your convenience.
- Pay securely online without mailing checks.
- Upload required documents directly.
- Get your application reviewed for completeness before submission.
This means fewer rejected forms and faster turnaround times. Our team stays informed on FAA policies so we can alert you to any changes that might affect your application. We also provide reminders for key deadlines, such as when your aircraft registration or other certificates are due for renewal.
Our goal is to act as your one-stop shop for FAA documentation. While you’re completing your Transfer of Ownership, you can also handle other tasks like address changes, replacement certificates, or adding co-owners. This integrated approach keeps your paperwork consistent and reduces the chance of errors.
Beyond the Transfer: Staying Compliant
Completing the Transfer of Ownership form is one part of keeping your aircraft legally registered. FAA registration renewal must also be done periodically to maintain your certificate. If your renewal date arrives and the ownership information on file is outdated, the FAA can deny your renewal or require additional documentation, leading to delays.
Through our portal, you can manage renewals alongside other FAA documentation. This centralization makes it easier to keep track of deadlines and requirements. You can also request replacements for lost certificates, update your address, or apply for other registrations. Keeping everything in one place ensures you stay compliant and ready to operate.
Our Commitment to Accuracy and Security
Handling FAA paperwork involves sensitive personal and financial information. We take this responsibility seriously by providing a secure online platform with encrypted transactions. Our staff reviews each submission carefully, reducing errors that can delay your application. This approach benefits both first-time aircraft buyers and experienced fleet operators who want a reliable partner for their FAA documentation needs.
We also stay current with FAA regulations and the requirements outlined in Part 47 so we can keep our forms and guidance up to date. When you use our aircraft change of ownership form, you know you are submitting the right information in the right format.
How We Save You Time and Stress
Traditional paper-based submissions can be slow. Forms can be lost in the mail, delayed in processing, or rejected for minor errors. By using our online system, you bypass these risks. You get immediate confirmation that we received your application, and you can track its progress. This level of transparency helps you plan your next steps, whether that’s insuring the plane, scheduling maintenance, or preparing for your first flight as the new owner.
Do You Offer More Forms Than the Aircraft Change of Ownership?
Our Transfer of Ownership form is designed to make updating FAA records after an aircraft sale or transfer fast and straightforward. With our secure system and knowledgeable support, you can complete the process confidently and avoid the headaches of rejected paperwork or delayed flights.
Let the National Aviation Center be your trusted resource for managing your aircraft documentation efficiently and securely.
You can also explore our other online forms for FAA registration renewal, address changes, replacement certificates, and more.