The wait time for FAA aircraft registration processing typically depends on how the application is filed, the accuracy of the submitted information, and current FAA workload levels. Our online portal offers a faster and more efficient option.
We provide rush processing for certain forms to help speed things along, ensuring that your documents are reviewed, corrected if necessary, and sent to the FAA without delays caused by small mistakes or missing information. This can save you significant time and help you obtain your registration much sooner than waiting through standard government channels.
What is FAA Aircraft Registration?
FAA aircraft registration is an essential process for any plane that operates in the United States. It provides official recognition that the aircraft has been documented properly and can legally take to the skies. Without it, flying an aircraft is not permitted, and the plane cannot be issued an airworthiness certificate.
When you register your aircraft through the FAA, it establishes ownership and provides a record that links the aircraft to its lawful owner. This is also how the FAA tracks the safety, maintenance, and legal compliance of all registered aircraft.
For official reference, the requirements for aircraft registration are found under 14 CFR Part 47, which outlines the federal standards for registration procedures, renewal, and de-registration.
Which Planes Need to Be Registered?
Aircraft registration applies to a wide range of planes, not just large commercial ones. Any aircraft that operates in the United States must have proper FAA registration before being flown. This includes:
- Privately owned airplanes used for recreation or personal travel
- Commercial aircraft used for passenger or cargo transport
- Helicopters and rotorcraft
- Agricultural aircraft used for crop dusting or similar operations
- Experimental aircraft built by individuals
- Aircraft imported from other countries for operation in the U.S.
Even aircraft that are temporarily brought into the country generally require registration if they are going to be operated in U.S. airspace for an extended period. Essentially, if it leaves the ground under its own power in the United States, it must be registered.
Who Needs to Get FAA Aircraft Registration?
Anyone who owns an aircraft that will be operated in U.S. airspace must apply for FAA registration. Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Corporations organized under U.S. laws with a principal place of business in the United States
- Governmental entities and agencies
The registration must be filed by the legal owner of the aircraft, whether that is an individual, a partnership, or a company. Only one registration may exist for each aircraft, and it must match the name of the actual owner.
When purchasing a new or used aircraft, the registration process should begin immediately after the transaction.
Our portal simplifies that process so that new owners can submit their documentation without worrying about which form to use or how to handle supporting evidence.
How Long Does FAA Aircraft Registration Processing Take?
On average, standard FAA processing times can range from six to sixteen weeks or more, depending on the current backlog at the FAA Aircraft Registry.
However, when you work with us, we can often expedite the process. Our team offers:
- Rush processing options for certain registration forms, (such as the “aircraft change of address,” “aircraft registration replacement,” and others. This can help you get your documents reviewed more quickly.
- Document pre-screening to catch errors, missing signatures, or incomplete fields before your paperwork is submitted.
- Digital submission tracking, which ensures your application moves forward as fast as possible.
Even though we can’t alter FAA policies or backlogs, our thorough document review minimizes delays caused by corrections or returned applications—two of the most common reasons registrations are held up.
What Happens if You Fly Without Aircraft Registration?
Flying without a valid FAA aircraft registration is a serious violation. The FAA considers an unregistered aircraft to be non-compliant, which means:
- The aircraft cannot legally fly in U.S. airspace.
- You risk fines, penalties, and grounding of the plane.
- The aircraft may not be covered under insurance during flight operations.
- The airworthiness certificate may be invalidated.
Unregistered aircraft are not listed in the FAA database, meaning there’s no record of ownership, maintenance, or safety oversight. Beyond legal issues, it can create serious complications if you ever attempt to sell or transfer ownership of the aircraft.
Registering properly from the start prevents these problems. Our service helps ensure that your paperwork meets every FAA requirement so your aircraft can operate without interruption.
When Does FAA Aircraft Registration Need to Be Renewed?
Aircraft registration is not permanent—it must be renewed regularly. The FAA requires aircraft registration renewal every three years from the date of initial registration.
You’ll receive a notice from the FAA several months before expiration, but delays or address errors can sometimes cause the notice to arrive late. Failing to renew on time can result in the registration being canceled, grounding your aircraft until it’s reinstated.
Through us, you can renew online quickly. We’ll ensure that your renewal is processed correctly and submitted early enough to prevent a lapse in your aircraft’s registration status.
Renewal forms are generally simpler than initial registration, but they still need to be accurate and complete. We help by verifying details and confirming that your registration data matches current FAA records before submission.
When Should You De-Register Your Aircraft?
Aircraft de-registration may be necessary under certain circumstances. You should de-register your aircraft when:
- The aircraft is sold to a buyer outside the United States
- The aircraft is destroyed or permanently retired from use
- The registration has expired, and you no longer intend to operate the aircraft
- Ownership is transferred, and the new owner will register under their name
De-registering an aircraft formally removes it from the FAA registry, which ensures that you’re no longer listed as the responsible owner. Our team can help you file a Certificate of De-Registration properly so that it’s recorded by the FAA without confusion or delay.
Failing to de-register when necessary can lead to unnecessary mail from the FAA, continued liability, or issues when trying to register another aircraft.
How Can the National Aviation Center Help Avoid Delays?
Processing delays often occur when forms contain:
- Incorrect aircraft serial or registration numbers
- Missing or mismatched ownership information
- Unverified supporting documents (such as bills of sale)
- Unsigned or improperly filled-out sections
Our document processors are trained to catch these problems before they reach the FAA. By identifying errors early, we reduce the risk of your application being returned or denied. This not only shortens wait times but also gives you peace of mind knowing your registration is on track.
In addition, our rush processing services can move your forms through our internal review system quickly, giving your application priority handling. While the FAA’s internal review time is beyond any third-party control, the time it takes to get your application accepted and entered into their system can be significantly reduced through our platform.
What Should I Know About FAA Aircraft Registration?
- FAA aircraft registration typically takes 6–16 weeks, depending on the FAA’s current workload.
- Our rush processing service helps minimize the waiting period.
- Every aircraft operated in U.S. airspace must be registered with the FAA.
- Registration must be renewed every three years to remain valid.
- De-registration is required when the aircraft is sold, destroyed, or exported.
- Errors on forms cause most delays, but our document processors help prevent them.
With us, you gain access to a secure, user-friendly system that helps ensure your forms are processed correctly and quickly. Whether you’re registering for the first time, renewing, or de-registering, our team works to keep your aircraft compliant and ready to fly.