Anyone who owns an aircraft in the United States is required to obtain FAA registration before that aircraft can legally operate in national airspace. Registration is not optional—it is a federal requirement that establishes proof of ownership, confirms the aircraft’s eligibility for flight, and ensures compliance with national aviation regulations. Without registration, an aircraft cannot be flown, sold, or insured, and owners may face penalties or restrictions if caught operating outside of compliance. Our service helps make the registration process faster and easier, so aircraft owners can focus on flying rather than navigating complicated paperwork.
What is FAA registration?
FAA registration is the official record of an aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration. It confirms ownership and documents essential details about the aircraft for safety, regulatory, and legal purposes. Just like a car needs to be registered before it can be legally driven, an aircraft must be registered before it can be legally operated.
Federal law, including 49 U.S. Code § 44103, outlines the requirements for aircraft registration. Compliance ensures that aircraft owners maintain their rights and responsibilities while also allowing the FAA to track ownership and operational data.
Who specifically needs FAA registration?
FAA registration applies broadly, but here are some of the most common groups who must comply:
- Aircraft owners who purchase a new or used aircraft within the United States.
- Aircraft owners who import an aircraft from another country.
- Aircraft owners who have recently built a homebuilt or experimental aircraft.
- Businesses that purchase aircraft for commercial use, including charter services.
- Individuals or companies transferring ownership of an aircraft using an aircraft bill of sale form.
Essentially, if you are an aircraft owner who plans to operate within U.S. airspace, registration is mandatory.
What happens if you operate without registration?
Operating without FAA registration has serious consequences. Not only is it a violation of federal law, but it also exposes the aircraft owner to significant risks:
- The aircraft cannot legally fly in U.S. airspace.
- Insurance companies may refuse coverage for unregistered aircraft, leaving owners financially exposed.
- Selling or transferring the aircraft becomes difficult, since buyers will require proof of registration.
- FAA enforcement actions may include fines or grounding orders.
Unregistered aircraft are effectively grounded until the registration process is completed. This makes obtaining and maintaining registration an essential responsibility for every aircraft owner.
How does FAA registration protect owners?
FAA registration is more than just a compliance requirement—it also protects aircraft owners by creating an official public record. This record establishes ownership and prevents disputes during sales, transfers, or legal matters.
By registering, you gain clear legal recognition of your rights as the owner, which is essential in cases of theft, lien enforcement, or disagreements over ownership. It also ensures that the aircraft can be properly insured and operated.
How long does FAA registration last?
Once issued, FAA registration is valid for three years. Before the end of that period, owners must complete FAA registration renewal to keep the aircraft in good standing. Missing the renewal deadline will cause registration to expire, grounding the aircraft until the renewal or re-registration process is completed.
We help owners stay on track by providing a simplified renewal process. Our online system makes it quick and easy to keep registration active, without the risk of overlooked deadlines or rejected applications.
How our service simplifies FAA registration
Submitting registration directly through government channels can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Forms must be filled out correctly, mailed in, and processed manually, which often results in delays. Our service streamlines the process by providing a secure online platform where owners can complete and submit registration applications in minutes.
Here’s how we simplify the process:
- Secure digital submissions that reduce the risk of lost or delayed mail.
- Step-by-step guidance to avoid common mistakes.
- Dedicated customer support to answer questions throughout the process.
With our help, you can be confident your registration is filed accurately and on time.
We assist clients by helping them submit the aircraft bill of sale form along with the necessary registration documents, ensuring that the ownership transfer is legally recognized.
Do experimental and homebuilt aircraft need FAA registration?
Yes. Even if you built your own aircraft, FAA registration is still required before you can legally fly. The FAA maintains records of all types of aircraft, including experimental and amateur-built models. Our service supports these registrations, guiding owners through the specific requirements for their aircraft type.
What happens if my registration has already expired?
If your FAA registration has expired, you cannot legally operate your aircraft until you have renewed or re-registered it. This can be disruptive if you had planned flights, inspections, or sales.
We make it easier to resolve expired registrations by helping you complete the necessary steps quickly. Whether you need to re-register or update ownership information, our platform provides a clear and efficient way to get back in compliance.
What documents are needed for FAA registration?
While requirements vary depending on the situation, aircraft owners often need:
- Proof of ownership, such as an aircraft bill of sale form.
- Aircraft information, including serial number and N-number.
- Owner’s personal or business information.
We guide you through every requirement so your application is not delayed due to missing or incorrect information.
How we help with renewals and more
FAA registration is only one part of aircraft ownership responsibilities. Over time, you will also need to manage renewals, transfers, and ownership updates. We support all these processes through our secure online system, including:
- Initial FAA registration for new aircraft owners.
- FAA registration renewal for those approaching expiration.
- Ownership transfers using the aircraft bill of sale form.
Our goal is to provide aircraft owners with a one-stop solution for registration needs, saving time and reducing the stress of paperwork.
Take the next step today
If you own an aircraft, registration is not optional—it is a federal requirement that protects your rights and ensures your aircraft can operate legally. Whether you need an initial registration, a transfer of ownership, or FAA registration renewal, our service is designed to make the process easier.
Use our secure online platform to complete your FAA registration today and keep your aircraft in compliance without the hassle of paperwork delays.