No. An aircraft must be registered in the legal name of its true owner, and federal rules do not allow placing a different individual’s name on the FAA aircraft register simply for convenience or anonymity.
While there are lawful structures that can limit what the general public sees, the registration itself must always reflect the real ownership interest. Our service helps owners navigate these rules correctly so their registration is compliant, accurate, and protected from unnecessary risk.
The FAA’s Legal Name Requirement
Aircraft registration in the United States is built on traceability and accountability. The FAA requires that every aircraft be tied to a legally identifiable owner.
- The name listed must match the owner’s legal identity or the legal entity that owns the aircraft
• Nicknames, informal names, or borrowed identities are not accepted
• The requirement applies whether the aircraft is used privately or commercially
• Registration data links directly to safety oversight and liability determinations
This rule ensures authorities can assign responsibility after an incident, investigation, or regulatory review. Regulators, insurers, and courts rely on the FAA registry as a federal ownership record.
Accurate Ownership Matters Beyond Paperwork
Many owners treat registration as a formality, but the recorded name affects operations, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
- Insurance underwriting depends on ownership accuracy
• Maintenance records are tied to registered ownership
• Enforcement actions rely on registration data
• Financing and recording an aircraft mortgage with proper priority depend on correct registration
An error or intentional misrepresentation can trigger delays, denials, or enforcement action. Our service focuses on preventing those issues before they arise.
Privacy Concerns That Lead to This Question
Owners often ask about using another name because of privacy, not deception. Common motivations include:
- Avoiding public exposure of personal information
• Reducing unwanted solicitations
• Protecting family members from attention
• Managing high-profile ownership discreetly
These concerns are understandable. The key is addressing them legally.
Lawful Ownership Structures Used Before 2025
Before recent regulatory updates, owners who wanted privacy typically relied on established legal structures rather than placing a different individual’s name on the application.
- Limited liability companies or corporations
• Owner trusts administered by qualified trustees
These methods allowed registration under a legal entity or trust instead of an individual, while staying compliant with federal rules.
How Entity Registration Works in Practice
When an aircraft is owned by an LLC or corporation, the FAA recognizes the entity as the owner.
- The entity name appears on the FAA aircraft register
• Formation documents must be valid and current
• Officers or managers must have authority to sign
• State-level records may still reveal ownership links
Our service assists with properly preparing registration submissions tied to entity ownership, ensuring the FAA record matches.
Owner Trusts and Their Traditional Role
Trust-based registration has long been used by owners seeking privacy or needing to meet citizenship requirements.
- A qualified trustee holds legal title
• The beneficial owner retains use and control
• The trustee’s name appears on the FAA aircraft register
• Trust agreements must meet FAA standards
Trusts require careful drafting and ongoing administration. When done correctly, they provide compliance and operational continuity, but they are not informal arrangements. To that end, it’s important to go about filing an aircraft change of address with the FAA in the proper manner.
The 2025 Shift: Section 803 Privacy Protection
In March 2025, the FAA implemented Section 803 of the FAA Reauthorization Act, changing how public access to registration data works.
- Owners may request electronic withholding of name and address
• Registration still uses the true legal owner
• Public-facing search results no longer display personal details
• Government access remains unchanged
What Section 803 Does Not Allow
While Section 803 enhances privacy, it does not permit registering in another person’s name.
- Ownership must still be accurate and truthful
• Aliases and nominee individuals remain prohibited
• Legal responsibility is unchanged
• Compliance obligations still apply
Our service helps owners submit privacy requests correctly while being in compliance with the FAA aircraft register.
The Risks of Using a “Straw Man” Applicant
Registering an aircraft in a friend’s or associate’s name is sometimes suggested as an easy workaround. It is also one of the most dangerous mistakes an owner can make.
- Insurance policies may be void due to misrepresentation
• Liability may shift unexpectedly in an accident
• Federal citizenship requirements can be violated
• Aircraft seizure becomes a real possibility
If the individual listed is not the true owner, the FAA aircraft register becomes evidence of misrepresentation rather than protection. For many reasons, correct registration information matters. To find out more about an owner, apply for an aircraft abstract of title.
Insurance and Operational Consequences
Insurance carriers routinely compare policy information against FAA registration data.
- Name mismatches raise immediate red flags
• Claims can be denied after an incident
• Coverage disputes may arise during investigations
• Premiums may increase or policies may be canceled
Accurate registration is not just regulatory compliance; it is financial protection.
Citizenship and Control Requirements
Federal law requires that registered aircraft meet U.S. citizenship and control standards.
- Individuals must qualify under citizenship rules
• Entities must meet ownership and control thresholds
• Trusts must be structured to comply with FAA guidance
Using another person’s name to bypass these requirements can lead to enforcement actions tied directly to the FAA aircraft register.
What “Privacy” Means in 2026
Privacy today means limiting public visibility, not eliminating accountability.
- Law enforcement retains full access
• The TSA continues to receive registration data
• Air Traffic Control systems rely on ownership records
• Government agencies use the data for safety oversight
The FAA aircraft register still functions as a government record even when public display is restricted.
How Our Service Helps Owners Stay Compliant With the FAA Aircraft Register
We focus exclusively on aviation documentation services, guiding owners through compliant registration and record management.
- Reviewing ownership structures for FAA acceptance
- Preparing and submitting registration filings
- Assisting with privacy withholding requests
- Supporting ownership updates and corrections
- Issuance and maintenance of an airworthiness certificate
Our service is designed to prevent avoidable errors that can disrupt operations or expose owners to unnecessary risk.
A Clear Answer With a Compliant Path Forward
You cannot register an aircraft in someone else’s name, even with good intentions. You must use the correct legal tools and filings to register properly in the FAA aircraft register.