How do I register my aircraft for the first time?

Our service assists applicants through every step of this process so they can prepare filings accurately and avoid delays during FAA review.

United States civil aircraft register

Getting On the Civil Aircraft Register Initially

The Initial Registration form is the central filing for aircraft being registered for the first time in the United States. Submitting this form is necessary when:

  • The aircraft has never been registered in the U.S.

  • The aircraft was previously registered abroad and has since been removed from that registry.

  • A new owner is bringing an unregistered aircraft into the country.

  • A recently manufactured aircraft is ready for its first official documentation.

Our service helps applicants complete and submit this filing through an online process that eliminates the need to deal with physical paperwork. All of our forms are designed to meet US aircraft registration laws

What Information You Must Provide for the Civil Aircraft Register 

The FAA requires specific details for any Initial Registration filing. We help applicants gather and present the following:

  • Legal owner name and contact information

  • Aircraft manufacturer details

  • Model and serial number

  • Proof of ownership

  • Removal from foreign registry (when relevant)

  • Specific declarations required under federal aviation rules

We also ensure the form is prepared in compliance with FAA standards before submission, reducing the likelihood of processing delays.

Proof of Ownership for a First-Time Registration

Ownership documentation is one of the most important parts of the first-time registration process. The FAA accepts several types of evidence, including:

  • Builder’s documents for newly manufactured aircraft

  • Bills of sale for purchased aircraft

  • Transfer documentation for inherited or reassigned aircraft

  • Legal documents for business-owned aircraft

Applicants often come to us unsure which documents apply to their circumstances. We help identify the correct proof of ownership and ensure it is submitted in a format acceptable to the FAA.

When owners are going through a plane exchange of ownership, we also support the documentation steps required to ensure the new owner can register the aircraft without complications.

Foreign Deregistration for Imported Aircraft

If the aircraft was previously registered in another country, the foreign registration must be fully terminated before the FAA will accept the application. We help applicants handle this part of the process by:

  • Reviewing foreign documentation

  • Identifying missing deregistration elements

  • Ensuring paperwork aligns with FAA requirements

  • Preparing supporting statements or supplemental forms

Import-related filings can be complex, especially when dealing with non-U.S. records. Our service streamlines the process, allowing civil aircraft register applicants to focus on gathering the necessary documents while we handle the technical details.

When an Airworthiness Certificate Becomes Relevant

Although an airworthiness certificate is not required to submit the Initial Registration form, many owners seek one shortly after completing getting on the civil aircraft register because it is necessary for lawful flight operations. We assist applicants by helping them prepare documentation needed earlier in the process so that later certification requirements can be handled smoothly.

Many first-time aircraft owners organize their registration filings with us in advance so that the airworthiness documentation stage transitions cleanly once ownership is officially recorded.

Common Challenges First-Time Registrants Face

Owners often seek our assistance because first-time registration can involve unfamiliar terminology and procedural steps. Some of the most common challenges include:

  • Uncertainty about which forms apply

  • Difficulty identifying correct proof of ownership

  • Confusing foreign deregistration requirements

  • Filing errors that delay processing

  • Misplaced or incomplete supporting documents

Our service helps reduce these issues by offering structured guidance for the civil aircraft register.  

aircraft initial registration

Streamlining the First-Time Registration Through Our Portal

We provide an online process designed to simplify civil aircraft register documentation. When filing Initial Registration for the first time, our portal assists with:

  • Uploading supporting documents

  • Filling out the proper Initial Registration form

  • Ensuring contact details remain consistent throughout the filing

Applicants rely on our system to minimize confusion and keep all registration information organized.

Preparing the Initial Form Correctly

Accuracy matters significantly in aviation documentation. We help users submit a complete Initial Registration filing by reviewing:

  • Typed or digital entries for correctness

  • Ownership details for consistency

  • Declarations required under federal aviation regulations

  • Supporting evidence that must accompany the form

Missing or inaccurate information often leads to processing delays, especially if ownership documents need revision. We help prevent these issues.

Supporting New Owners With Administrative Changes

After first-time registration is completed, owners may eventually encounter administrative updates. We help with additional filings such as:

Even long after the initial filing, aircraft owners use our services to maintain accurate, current documentation.

Helping New Owners Understand Ongoing Registration Responsibilities

Once the aircraft is registered for the first time, the owner becomes responsible for maintaining accurate records. We support owners by helping them stay current with:

  • Renewal filings

  • Address updates

  • Ownership changes

  • Lien recordings

  • Replacements of lost or outdated documentation

Understanding these ongoing responsibilities helps owners maintain compliance and avoid operational interruptions.

When the Aircraft Has Never Been Registered Anywhere

Some aircraft, especially homebuilts and newly manufactured models, have never been on any registry. For these aircraft, first-time registration typically requires:

  • Manufacturer statements

  • Builder’s logs

  • Production paperwork

  • Proof of lawful ownership transfer

We help owners prepare these specialized documents so the registration process proceeds efficiently.

When the Aircraft Has a Complicated Ownership History

Aircraft with complex histories—multiple owners, long gaps between use, or unclear documentation—often need additional attention. We help applicants resolve concerns such as:

  • Missing bills of sale

  • Conflicting historical records

  • Ownership disputes

  • Old liens that may require clarification

  • Researching prior documentation

Our services streamline these complicated cases by organizing and presenting information in an FAA-compliant format.

Offering Continued Support Beyond Initial Registration

Even after the FAA issues the certificate of registration, many owners return to our service for assistance with later documentation needs. We help with:

  • Renewals

  • Replacements of lost certificates

  • Updates to owner information

  • Recording liens or releases

  • Maintaining digital documentation

Our support creates a reliable resource for owners throughout the life of their aircraft.