In practical terms, aircraft registration is permitted when the aircraft is owned by a U.S. citizen or qualifying entity, a lawful permanent resident, an eligible trust structure, or a properly organized corporation that satisfies FAA control and use standards, and when the aircraft itself meets federal eligibility rules for operation in U.S. airspace.
An aircraft is eligible for registration in the United States if it is not registered in another country and its ownership, control, and operational structure meet strict FAA requirements tied to citizenship, lawful presence, or qualifying business status.
At the National Aviation Center, our service helps owners confirm eligibility before filing, avoid delays, and prevent costly compliance mistakes that can lead to grounding or certificate invalidation.
Eligibility for U.S. Aircraft Registration
Eligibility is not determined by a single factor. The FAA evaluates ownership, citizenship, control, prior foreign registration, and the physical category of the aircraft. Even owners with lawful status or compliant aircraft can face rejection if documentation is incomplete or structured incorrectly.
Our role is to guide applicants through eligibility verification and filing so the registration process aligns with federal regulations and current enforcement priorities.
Ownership Categories That Qualify
An aircraft may qualify for U.S. registration when ownership falls into one of several recognized categories. Each category has specific documentation and compliance expectations.
Individual U.S. Citizens
Aircraft owned by individual U.S. citizens are generally the most straightforward cases, provided ownership records are clear and accurate.
Aircraft registration requirements include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Valid bill of sale or ownership transfer record
- Aircraft not registered in another country
- Proper identification of the owner in FAA records
We help ensure ownership documents are prepared correctly to prevent processing delays.
Partnerships Composed Entirely of U.S. Citizens
Partnerships are eligible when every partner is an individual U.S. citizen.
Important considerations:
- Each partner must meet citizenship requirements
- Partnership agreements must clearly reflect ownership interests
- FAA filings must accurately list all partners
Our service helps confirm that partnership structures align with FAA standards before submission.
U.S. Corporations and Associations
Corporations and associations can qualify, but only if they meet strict citizenship and control thresholds.
Eligibility requires:
- Organization under U.S. federal or state law, or under the laws of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory
- A president and at least two-thirds of directors and managing officers who are U.S. citizens
- At least 75 percent of voting interest owned or controlled by U.S. citizens
Corporate eligibility is often misunderstood, and errors can invalidate an otherwise valid filing. We review corporate documentation to confirm compliance before you submit the registration.
Lawful Permanent Residents and Government Ownership
Eligibility is not limited to U.S. citizens alone. Certain non-citizens and government entities also qualify for aircraft registration.
Lawful Permanent Residents
An individual citizen of a foreign country who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States may register an aircraft.
This category requires:
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Ownership documentation consistent with FAA records
- Confirmation that the aircraft is not registered elsewhere
We help ensure the correct status documentation accompanies the filing.
U.S. Government Units and Subdivisions
Aircraft owned by:
- Federal government entities
- State governments
- Municipal or other governmental subdivisions
are eligible for registration under FAA rules.
Our service supports agencies and public entities by handling the administrative side of registration and record accuracy.
Non-U.S. Citizen Corporations and the “Based and Primarily Used” Test
A non-U.S. citizen corporation organized and doing business under U.S. or state law may still qualify, but only if the aircraft is based and primarily used in the United States.
Key requirements include:
- The aircraft must be physically based in the U.S.
- At least 60 percent of total flight hours must originate and terminate within the U.S.
- Accurate operational records must support this use
This category is closely scrutinized, and improper filings can lead to enforcement action. Our service helps applicants prepare supporting documentation that aligns with FAA expectations.
The 2026 Citizenship Crackdown and What It Changed
In January 2026, the FAA invalidated hundreds of aircraft registration certificates that had been issued through certain trust services for failing to meet citizenship requirements. This enforcement action reshaped how eligibility is evaluated and confirmed.
The takeaway is clear:
- Non-citizen ownership is not automatically disqualifying
- Improper trust structures are now a major risk
- FAA review of citizenship compliance is more aggressive than in prior years
Our service reflects this enforcement environment by focusing on accuracy, transparency, and compliance at every step.
Citizenship Requirements and Trust Structures
Standard Eligibility Pathways
An aircraft generally qualifies when owned by:
- A U.S. citizen
- A lawful permanent resident
- A U.S. corporation meeting citizenship thresholds
- A qualifying non-citizen corporation meeting operational use tests
When owners do not meet these criteria directly, trust arrangements may be considered.
Non-Citizen Trusts Under Increased Scrutiny
A Non-Citizen Trust can provide a lawful pathway for non-U.S. citizens, but only when structured correctly.
Critical elements include:
- Every trustee must be a U.S. citizen
- Trustees must retain actual authority and control
- The non-citizen beneficiary must not exercise undue control over the aircraft or trust operations
Post-2026 enforcement has shown that paperwork alone is not enough. The FAA now looks at real-world control, not just formal titles. Our service assists with reviewing trust-related documentation to reduce compliance risks.
Deregistration From Foreign Registries Is Mandatory
An aircraft cannot be registered in more than one country at the same time. This rule is absolute and non-negotiable.
Foreign Deregistration Requirements
Before U.S. registration can begin, the aircraft must be formally deregistered from any foreign civil aviation authority.
This involves:
- Obtaining a Notice of Deregistration
- Confirming the foreign registry has fully closed the record
- Submitting proof to the FAA as part of the filing process
Attempting to start U.S. aircraft registration before foreign deregistration is finalized will result in rejection. We help owners coordinate timing and documentation to avoid this issue.
Physical Eligibility: What Types of Aircraft Can Be Registered
Eligibility also depends on the type of aircraft itself. The FAA recognizes a wide range of aircraft categories.
Standard Aircraft Categories
The following are commonly eligible:
- Fixed-wing airplanes
- Helicopters
- Gliders
- Hot air balloons
Each category has its own airworthiness and operational documentation requirements.
Experimental and Amateur-Built Aircraft
Experimental and amateur-built aircraft may be registered, but additional documentation is required.
These aircraft typically need:
- Special airworthiness certification
- Detailed build or modification records
- Compliance with operating limitations
Our service supports applicants by ensuring registration filings align with the aircraft’s certification status.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
As of current FAA rules, unmanned aircraft over 0.55 pounds must be registered.
Important considerations include:
- Proper classification of use
- Accurate owner information
- Compliance with applicable operating rules
Next-Generation Aircraft and Advanced Air Mobility
Eligibility now extends to newer aircraft types, including:
- Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
- Advanced air mobility vehicles used in emerging operations
These aircraft often involve evolving regulatory standards. Our service helps applicants navigate registration requirements as these categories continue to develop.
Ongoing Compliance After Registration
Eligibility does not end once a certificate is issued. Ongoing compliance is essential to keep the aircraft registration valid.
Keeping Records Current
Owners must ensure FAA records reflect accurate information, including ownership and contact details. Our service assists with aircraft change of address filings so FAA correspondence and legal notices are not missed.
Renewal and Record Accuracy
Registration certificates expire and must be renewed on time. Our service supports FAA registration renewal filings to help prevent accidental lapses that can ground an aircraft.
Financial Interests and Recorded Liens
When an aircraft is financed, proper recording matters. Our service helps with filings related to an aircraft mortgage so security interests are properly reflected in FAA records.
Title Research and Transparency
Understanding an aircraft’s recorded history can be critical for buyers, lenders, and owners. We assist with obtaining an aircraft abstract of title so stakeholders can review recorded ownership and lien history accurately.
Regulatory Framework Governing Eligibility and Operation
Eligibility for registration is closely tied to how aircraft are operated under federal regulations. Operational rules under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations help define lawful use and compliance expectations.
Our service stays aligned with these regulations to ensure registration filings support lawful operation.
How We Support Eligible Owners
At the National Aviation Center, our service focuses on simplifying aircraft registration compliance while respecting the complexity of FAA requirements.
We help by:
- Reviewing eligibility before filing
- Identifying citizenship or ownership issues early
- Supporting foreign deregistration coordination
- Ensuring accurate and complete FAA submissions
- Reducing the risk of rejection, delay, or invalidation
Aircraft eligibility is not just a checkbox. It is a legal determination with real operational consequences. Our service exists to help owners meet those requirements with clarity and confidence, whether they are registering for the first time or maintaining compliance over the life of the aircraft.