If you own or operate an aircraft in the United States, the aviation register maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the official record that shows proof of ownership and legal operation. Whether you are a first-time aircraft buyer or a seasoned operator with multiple planes, staying compliant with the FAA’s registration rules is vital to ensuring your aircraft can fly without legal or operational complications.
Our team at the National Aviation Center specializes in making this process simpler, faster, and more reliable for aircraft owners nationwide.
FAA Aviation Register: What It Does
The FAA aviation register is essentially a national database of aircraft ownership and related documentation. Any time an aircraft is bought, sold, or otherwise changes ownership, the FAA’s registry must be updated. This registry ensures that each aircraft has a clear record of its owner, its airworthiness, and its legal standing under U.S. aviation law.
This database, administered by the FAA’s Aircraft Registration Branch, is a legal requirement under federal law. It is also a resource for verifying an aircraft’s legal and operational status. Without accurate registration, an aircraft can be grounded, face penalties, or lose eligibility for insurance or financing.
Who Must Be on the FAA Aviation Register
Not every aircraft operating in U.S. airspace is automatically on the FAA register, but federal regulations require that most civil aircraft be registered. Eligible entities typically include:
- U.S. citizens who own or co-own an aircraft
- Lawful permanent residents who meet the FAA’s ownership criteria
- Corporations or partnerships that qualify under U.S. ownership requirements
Foreign nationals generally cannot register aircraft directly with the FAA unless they meet specific legal exemptions. You can review the FAA’s official registration rules in detail in Title 14 CFR Part 47.
If you are unsure about whether you or your company qualifies, our service can guide you through the eligibility criteria and paperwork to ensure your application is correct from the start.
How Our Service Makes Registration Simple
Submitting your application to the FAA involves more than filling out a form. It requires ensuring that all ownership details, supporting documentation, and fees are submitted exactly as required. Errors or omissions can delay approval, which can in turn keep your aircraft grounded or force you to operate under provisional restrictions.
We streamline the process by offering secure online forms tailored to FAA standards. Instead of mailing paper documents, you can upload your information to our system, where our team reviews it for accuracy and completeness before submission. This minimizes errors, speeds up processing, and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Staying Compliant After Initial Registration
Getting onto the FAA register is only the first step. Aircraft owners must keep their information current to avoid lapses in compliance. For example, when your registration is about to expire, you need to complete your FAA registration renewal on time. This process ensures that the aircraft’s ownership record remains active and accurate, which is essential for legal operation.
Our platform allows you to renew quickly and securely, without the stress of dealing with paper forms or uncertain timelines. By using our online system, you receive reminders and access to pre-filled forms that simplify your FAA registration renewal, helping you stay up to date year after year.
Transferring Ownership or Selling an Aircraft
When you sell an aircraft, you must file the appropriate paperwork with the FAA to transfer ownership to the buyer. This process typically involves completing and submitting an aircraft bill of sale form, along with updating the registration information.
Mistakes in this step can result in legal complications for both the buyer and seller. We assist you in preparing and submitting the correct aircraft bill of sale form so the transfer is properly recorded and your liability ends when the aircraft changes hands.
Supporting Documentation for the Aviation Register
Beyond the bill of sale, the FAA may require additional documentation depending on your situation. This can include:
- Evidence of ownership or chain of title
- Information on co-owners or corporate structures
- Proof of citizenship or legal entity status
We help you organize and submit these materials so that your application or renewal is complete from the start. By ensuring that every supporting document is correct, we reduce the likelihood of delays or rejections.
Why Accurate Registration Matters
Accurate and timely FAA registration protects you in multiple ways:
- It establishes your legal ownership and liability.
- It keeps your aircraft eligible for insurance and financing.
- It prevents enforcement actions or grounding due to noncompliance.
Because the FAA aviation register is a public record, other entities—such as potential buyers, lenders, and insurers—use it to verify the aircraft’s status. Errors or lapses can cause issues for you down the line.
How We Expedite the Process
Our service is designed to save you time and stress. Instead of deciphering multiple government forms, you can complete a single streamlined application with us. We then ensure your paperwork aligns with FAA requirements, submit it on your behalf, and monitor progress.
We also offer:
- Secure online payment for required fees
- Automatic reminders for upcoming renewals
- Guidance on special cases like ownership changes or corporate registration
Because we handle the details, you can focus on flying rather than filing.
Helping You Land on the Aviation Register and More
Getting onto the FAA aviation register and staying there doesn’t have to be a complicated, time-consuming process. With our secure online forms, expert review, and personalized assistance, we help aircraft owners nationwide register, renew, and update their documentation quickly and efficiently.
If you are purchasing a new aircraft, preparing to sell one, or simply need to renew your current registration, our service is here to make the process as seamless as possible. Visit the National Aviation Center today to see how we can assist you with all aspects of your FAA documentation.