If your hobbies include taking to the skies, chances are good that you have an independent spirit. If you are a pilot with a streak of individualism, you may be interested in having a customized n-number that separates your airplane from others. Fortunately, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does allow for a degree of personalization when it comes to aircraft registration.
Maybe you have recently purchased a new or previously owned aircraft, or yours is due for a brand new paint job. Regardless of what brought you to the point of wanting a new registration number, gaining an understanding of how the process works is a smart maneuver to make before taking additional action.
What Is An N-Number?
If you have spent time around planes, you are more than likely familiar with the number that typically adorns the side or tail of nearly all aircraft. Commonly referred to as n-numbers, these identification labels represent an aircraft’s registration with the FAA. Each number is unique, and they are used by large commercial passenger planes and smaller, recreational aircraft as well.
As the name would suggest, these numbers begin with the letter “N”. They are then followed by the following options:
- One to five numbers, e.g. “N54321”
- One to four numbers and a letter, such as “N1234A”
- One to three numbers and then two letters, like “N123AB”
There are a handful of other requirements as well. For example, the letters “I” and “O” cannot be used so as to avoid any confusion with the numbers one and zero. You also cannot begin the number string with the number zero. Outside of these parameters, however, there is room for customization, so you can request a number that suits you.
Changing Your Aircraft Registration Number
After you have taken the time to familiarize yourself with the requirements, it’s time to select a number that is right for you. Since every plane’s number must be unique, you will want to check the FAA’s website to see if they are available. The FAA offers an easy-to-navigate database, so searching should be a breeze. You will also need to pay a fee of $10 to reserve your number for one year, which you will be able to renew annually.
Your next step will be to submit a letter to the FAA requesting the change. This letter must include the name of your plane’s manufacturer, its model designation and serial number, as well as its current U.S. registration number. Make sure you title this letter and sign it in ink.
Filling Out An AC Form 8050-64
Once the FAA has gotten back to you with approval, there is another step in the process of changing your n-number. Within five days of painting your new registration number on your aircraft, you must submit an AC Form 8050-64 to the FAA. This document, which must include the date the number was changed, will make everything official.
Filling out forms and navigating bureaucratic complexities can be a challenge. Fortunately, private services such as the National Aviation Center are available to help. By working with such a business, you can make sure that your documents are appropriately assembled and filled out in their entirety before submitting them to the FAA.
Learn More About Our Services
If you need to change the number on your aircraft, or if you need to register it for the first time, we can help you with these and a number of other documents. We use easy-to-fill, streamlined forms and an SSL encrypted portal to securely submit your applications to the FAA. Contact one of our representatives today to learn more about how we can help you.
Helpful aircraft record steps connected with N-number review
Use the secure options below when N-number review raises a follow-up question about owner details, documents, certificate status, recorded interests, or a form request.
Questions before continuing with N-number review
What should be ready before continuing with N-number review?
Have the aircraft identifier, owner details, signer information, and any document tied to the request available before starting. For this N-number review concern, complete information helps keep the next request focused and reduces avoidable back-and-forth.
When should another aircraft record action be checked for N-number review?
For N-number review, check another option when the situation also involves a sale, renewal, address update, certificate request, title search, lien, mortgage, or registry status concern. The right support depends on what changed.
What details usually cause follow-up during N-number review?
Follow-up during N-number review is more likely when names do not match, identifiers are incomplete, signer authority is unclear, or the document does not explain the requested change. Reviewing those details early keeps the request cleaner.
Can National Aviation Center help prepare N-number review information?
National Aviation Center can organize owner-provided information for N-number review, screen common preparation issues, and guide the request toward the secure form area. Official FAA review and acceptance remain outside National Aviation Center.
Additional aircraft record references for Can I Choose My N-number Number
These nearby references keep registration, ownership, certificate, title, and document-preparation materials connected to the main topic.
More record references connected to Can I Choose My N Number
These aircraft record references can help with document names, supporting materials, and nearby ownership or registration details.
Aircraft record resources connected to Can I Choose My N-number Number
Use these nearby aircraft record materials when ownership, registration, certificate, title, lien, mortgage, or document details need a closer look.