Aircraft may qualify for FAA aircraft registration when they are not listed on another country’s registry and when the ownership structure meets the requirements established by U.S. law. In general, eligibility centers on citizenship status, organizational structure, lawful permanent residency, or certain corporate activity within the United States.
Our role at the National Aviation Center is to simplify the process so applicants can meet these rules without unnecessary delays.
When owners come to us with questions about qualifying for registration, we emphasize that the evaluation has two parts: the aircraft must be free of foreign registration, and the owner must meet one of the categories described in federal aviation regulations.
If an aircraft remains on a foreign registry, or if the ownership falls outside the accepted categories, approval cannot be granted until the issue is resolved.
Overview of General FAA Aircraft Registration Eligibility
Eligibility for FAA aircraft registration begins with one universal requirement: the aircraft must not be actively registered in any other country. Only after that condition is met does the FAA consider the status of the owner.
The following ownership types may be eligible:
- Individuals who are U.S. citizens
- Partnerships composed solely of U.S. citizen individuals
- Corporations or associations that meet specific domestic organizational and citizenship-based voting thresholds
- Lawful permanent residents
- Federal, state, or local government organizations
- Certain foreign-owned corporations that primarily operate in the United States
Each category has its own criteria and implications for the registration process.
Individual U.S. Citizens as Eligible Aircraft Owners
Aircraft owned by individual U.S. citizens are among the most straightforward cases. To qualify, the owner must be:
- A natural person
- A citizen of the United States as defined by federal law
- The sole owner or a co-owner listed on the application
All of our forms are designed to meet all applicable American laws and regulations.
Partnerships Composed Entirely of U.S. Citizens
Partnerships that qualify for registration must consist solely of individual U.S. citizens. This means:
- Every partner must be an individual
- Every partner must be a U.S. citizen
- No foreign entity, corporation, or non-citizen may hold any ownership interest
Applicants frequently come to us for clarification on how to present partnership details during registration. We help gather the required information, organize partner declarations, and prepare the application according to FAA standards.
U.S.-Organized Corporations or Associations Meeting FAA Aircraft Registration Requirements
Corporations and associations receive closer scrutiny because the FAA evaluates multiple layers of organization and structure. To be eligible, an entity must satisfy all of the following:
- It must be organized under the laws of the United States, a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or possession
- Its president and at least two-thirds of its board of directors and managing officers must be U.S. citizens
- At least 75% of its voting interest must be owned or controlled by individuals who are U.S. citizens
Because corporate structures vary, our team helps clients review their organizational documents and ownership records. Many applicants rely on our services to streamline the process so that their filings clearly demonstrate compliance with the FAA requirements.
Lawful Permanent Residents as Eligible Owners
Individuals who are citizens of a foreign country but lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States may also own and register their aircraft with the FAA. These individuals often submit:
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Ownership documentation
- Personal identifying details
We help permanent residents navigate the filing process, especially when matching federal documentation requirements with FAA forms. Our services ensure that proof of eligibility is complete before the application is submitted.
Government Units and Subdivisions
Aircraft owned by:
- Federal agencies
- State governments
- Municipal governments
- Local governmental entities
– May also be eligible for FAA aircraft registration. These registrations are often used for transportation, emergency response, operations, or specialized agency programs. Government organizations frequently use our services to simplify administrative filings and ensure accuracy in the required paperwork.
Certain Non-U.S. Citizen Corporations Operating Primarily in the United States
A non-U.S. citizen corporation may also qualify, provided that:
- The corporation is organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or one of the States
- The aircraft is based and primarily used within the United States
- At least 60% of all flight hours begin and end in the United States
This requirement ensures that foreign-owned aircraft with meaningful domestic activity are able to register.
Why Proper Eligibility Matters for Applicants
Determining eligibility before filing for FAA aircraft registration helps applicants avoid delays, rejections, or costly re-filings. Registration is a requirement for lawful operation, and it is often needed for additional tasks such as:
- Securing insurance
- Completing maintenance and inspection documentation
- Updating an airworthiness certificate
- Verifying ownership for financial or legal purposes
Because every application must meet FAA accuracy requirements, applicants rely on us to prepare these filings with clarity and precision.
How We Help With Supporting Documentation
Our services assist owners in preparing paperwork that may be required to demonstrate compliance with eligibility rules. This may include:
- Drafting and submitting registration applications
- Preparing supporting declarations
- Reviewing citizenship or corporate structure details
- Helping clients correct incomplete or outdated information
We also ensure that applications address any issues related to past documentation, inactive registrations, or prior ownership questions.
When ownership changes, we assist with transitions such as a plane exchange of ownership so the new owner can maintain compliance and avoid gaps in registration.
Addressing Changes After Registration
Once an aircraft is registered, the owner must continue to maintain accurate records. We help with filings such as:
- Updating recorded addresses when owners request an aircraft change of address
- Preparing documentation necessary for refinancing or recording an aircraft mortgage
- Obtaining documents needed for historical review, including an aircraft abstract of title
These tasks help protect ownership interests and ensure that records remain accurate throughout the lifetime of the aircraft.
Removing an Aircraft From Foreign Registry Before Applying
Applicants who acquire an aircraft previously registered in another country must ensure that the foreign registration is terminated before filing. Without this step, the FAA cannot process the application.
We frequently help clients:
- Verify foreign deregistration
- Complete the proper supporting forms
- Ensure compliance with FAA requirements
Applicants with international transactions often rely on our services to help streamline this part of the process.
How Operational Use Affects Eligibility
Applicants sometimes overlook operational requirements for aircraft owned by non-U.S. citizen corporations. Maintaining at least 60% flight-hour activity within the United States is essential. This applies to flights:
- Starting and ending within the United States
- Logged within the required review period
- Associated with domestic business operations
Support for Corporate and Individual Filings
Corporate and individual filings can differ significantly. We help:
- Partnerships gather citizenship declarations
- Corporations assemble officer and voting-interest details
- Individuals verify residency or citizenship documentation
- Government agencies prepare administrative filings
- Foreign-owned domestic corporations document operational use
Many of these filings involve specific aviation forms which you can find at our site.
Ensuring a Smooth FAA Aircraft Registration Process
Our role is to make the FAA aircraft registration experience as clear and efficient as possible. We help applicants:
- Confirm initial eligibility
- Prepare compliant paperwork
- Submit registrations electronically
- Track progress and follow up on needed updates
- Maintain long-term accuracy with later filings
By organizing documentation and reducing errors, we help owners begin operating their aircraft with peace of mind.