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Published: September 17, 2025
Buying an airplane is an exciting moment. You’ve taken a big step toward flying on your own terms. But before your new plane can take to the skies, there’s one important step you must complete — aircraft registration. It’s the official process that connects your airplane to you and gives it legal permission to fly.
In the U.S., the certificate now lasts seven years instead of three, thanks to a 2023 FAA rule update, so staying current is easier than it used to be.
Every country has its own system for registering airplanes, and in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handles it. The process might sound complicated, but it’s really just about paperwork, proof of ownership, and making sure the aircraft’s details are on record. Once you understand how it works, it’s pretty simple.
This post goes over what happens after you buy your aircraft and how it all leads up to getting that all-important registration certificate.
Once you’ve purchased your airplane, the journey isn’t over yet. The next important task is to make it official. Every aircraft owner in the U.S. is required to register their aircraft through the FAA registry in Oklahoma City.
Here’s how it starts: you’ll need to prepare your aircraft registration application. This can be done through online aircraft registration or by submitting a paper application using Form 8050-1, which can be obtained from the Aircraft Registration Branch of the FAA. The application for registration must be received by the FAA before your current registration expires or before the aircraft begins operation.
Once your paperwork and fee are processed, you’ll get a registration certificate issued by the FAA. This document acts as your certificate of aircraft registration and proves the plane is properly listed in the aircraft registry.
After the FAA receives your application, you’ll get a temporary document that allows you to fly within the U.S. while waiting for your final certificate of registration. When the registration certificate arrives, keep it on board at all times — it must be shown during inspections or if requested by authorities.
If your registration expires, you’ll need to complete a registration renewal before the expiration date to keep your airplane legal. Always check your registration status and keep an eye on when your current registration expires.
If your aircraft is based and primarily operated in the U.S., you’ll manage your updates through the FAA Flight Standards District Office or by contacting the Aircraft Registration Branch.
Every airplane that flies in the U.S. must have a legal identity. Registration is required for every civil aircraft unless it belongs to the military aircraft category. This rule helps the government and the aviation community identify the aircraft, confirm aircraft ownership, and make sure every airplane meets safety standards.
A registered aircraft carries an official registration number, sometimes called a tail number. It looks something like “N123AB,” where “N” stands for the United States — the country of registration. This number links the airplane’s aircraft title, aircraft records, and ownership details together in the FAA’s aircraft registration system.
The FAA keeps detailed aircraft registration information to ensure all individual aircraft in the U.S. are accounted for. If your aircraft is based overseas or you plan to export it, you may need to deregister before it’s registered in another country.
If an aircraft is no longer in use, the owner must notify the FAA so that the plane can be removed from the FAA registry. The registration must always match the airplane’s current condition and ownership. When your registration expires, you’ll receive a notification from the FAA reminding you to renew.
If the aircraft may be registered under special conditions (such as experimental aircraft), there are extra steps and inspections required before the FAA issues approval.
In the United States, the federal aviation administration is the agency in charge of all aircraft registrations. Within the FAA, the Aircraft Registration Branch manages the entire registration process. This office keeps the official aircraft registry, verifies aircraft registration information, and issues the registration certificate to each eligible airplane.
When you register an aircraft, you’re creating a legal record of who owns and operates it. Each applicant for registration must send a complete aircraft registration application as provided by the FAA. You can choose registration using the online portal or traditional mail.
Once verified, the FAA issues the certificate of registration, which stays valid until the registration expiration date. If your registration expires, you must complete a new registration before flying again.
The FAA registry in Oklahoma City is where all official aircraft records are stored. You can do an aircraft inquiry there or online to check the registration status, the expiration date, or confirm if an aircraft may be registered.
You can contact the Aircraft Registration Branch for help with forms, fees, or updates. Many aircraft owners handle their renewals directly on the FAA website and renew before the current registration expires.
Even if your aircraft is based in another state, the registration of the aircraft still runs through the federal office. The same rules apply to every civil aircraft registered in the United States.
As long as the aircraft’s registration remains valid, you may operate a civil aircraft legally within U.S. airspace. The process ensures every aircraft, big or small, remains traceable, safe, and properly documented.
Once you’ve bought your airplane, it’s time to make it official. Every plane that flies in the United States must go through a FAA aircraft registration process. It’s how the government keeps track of who owns and operates each plane. Think of it as getting a license plate and title for your aircraft. The goal is to make sure every aircraft in the sky is legal, safe, and properly identified.
The good news is, it’s a clear and organized process — and it follows the same steps for every FAA aircraft. You can do most of it by mail or online, and once you know what to expect, it’s easy to stay on top of.
Here’s a walk through the steps together so you know exactly how to register the aircraft the right way.
Before anything else, you need to show that you truly own the airplane. The FAA requires a bill of sale or another document that proves you purchased the aircraft legally. If you bought the airplane new from a manufacturer, they’ll usually provide the right form.
If you bought it from a previous owner, make sure the paperwork lists the exact tail number and serial number of the airplane. Double-check the spelling of names and addresses too. Even a small mistake can delay your FAA registration.
Keep these documents handy — they’ll need to be mailed or uploaded with your application.
Next, complete the form that starts the process — AC Form 8050-1, also known as the application for registration. You can fill it out online or print it and send it by mail.
The form asks for a few key pieces of information:
If you’re submitting the paperwork to register any aircraft, make sure your handwriting is clear and everything matches your proof of ownership. The FAA will return any incomplete or incorrect forms.
Once the form is done, attach the bill of sale, include the $5 fee, and send it to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City.
Every plane in the U.S. has a unique registration number, sometimes called an N-number. It always starts with the letter “N,” which shows it belongs to the U.S. aircraft registration system.
You can request a specific number if it’s available, or the FAA can assign one for you. Some owners like to pick easy-to-remember combinations or numbers with personal meaning. You can check available numbers through the FAA’s online system.
Once assigned, that number stays with your plane for as long as the aircraft remains registered in the United States.
Once everything is ready, it’s time to send your documents to the FAA. You can do this online through the FAA’s website or by mailing your packet to the Aircraft Registration Branch.
Here’s what you’ll need to include:
If you’re mailing, send it with tracking so you know it arrived safely. The FAA will send a confirmation when they’ve received your application.
At this point, you can check your registration status online. Once approved, you’ll receive your official aircraft registration certificate in the mail. Keep it in a safe spot — it must always be on board when you fly.
After you get your number, you must mark your plane properly. The registration number should be painted or affixed to the fuselage and tail according to FAA guidelines.
Here’s what to know:
Following these rules helps inspectors and air traffic controllers easily identify the aircraft during flight operations.
You cannot legally fly an aircraft unless it has within the proper markings and valid documentation. This rule helps ensure that every aircraft operating in U.S. airspace can be recognized and traced to its owner.
After your paperwork is reviewed and accepted, the FAA will issue the official aircraft registration certificate. This small but important document shows that your aircraft is legally registered and ready for operation.
If you submitted a complete application, the process usually takes a few weeks. During that time, you’ll receive a temporary authorization to fly within the United States. Once the permanent certificate arrives, you should keep it inside the airplane at all times.
Without it, you may face fines or restrictions, and your insurance could be affected. Always make sure your certificate is current and accessible.
Once you’re registered, your responsibility doesn’t stop there. Each aircraft owner must handle the registration or renewal of registration before it expires.
The FAA will send a notice about six months before the expiration date. You’ll have time to submit your renewal online or by mail. If you don’t renew before the deadline, your registration will lapse.
It’s important to renew faa before the current registration expires, or you won’t be able to legally operate your airplane. You can complete your registration using the same online system or a paper renewal form.
If the aircraft is based overseas or you plan to sell it, the registration must be updated or canceled. When the aircraft is no longer in your ownership, notify the FAA right away so the registry stays accurate.
The FAA keeps a national record of every airplane in the country. This is known as the FAA registry, and it contains data on the number of aircraft registered each year, their owners, and where they’re located.
The information helps with everything from accident investigations to aircraft financing and export tracking. Every time an airplane changes hands, the registry must be updated to show the new owner.
Your aircraft remains listed in this registry as long as it has a valid certificate and follows the registration requirements.
Even after your plane is fully registered, there are times when you’ll need to work with the FAA again. For example, if you change your address, rebuild your airplane, or move it to a new hangar, update your details right away.
If your airplane will be based in a different state or at a new airport, the FAA should have that information on file. Every aircraft based in the U.S. must have accurate records.
The FAA also provides updates and reminders through email or mail, so pay attention to any notification from the FAA. They’ll let you know if your renewal is due or if extra information is needed.
Once you receive your official certificate and your markings are complete, you’re ready to go! As long as your aircraft operating stays within regulations and your paperwork remains valid, you’re clear to fly.
Having everything done correctly gives peace of mind. It also means you won’t run into trouble during inspections, airfield checks, or insurance claims.
The FAA works hard to make the process smooth for everyone. As long as you follow the following to the aircraft registration steps, you’ll be confident that your paperwork, certificate, and markings all meet the national standards.
Registering your plane is more than paperwork — it’s the gateway to safe, lawful flight. Once you’ve completed the process, you’ll have proof of ownership, an official registration number, and the right to proudly call your airplane part of the U.S. aviation family.
With your registration complete and your documents in order, your aircraft can take to the skies safely and legally. Keep your information updated, renew on time, and enjoy the journey!
The aircraft registration process might sound like a stack of forms, but it’s really about creating safety and order in the skies. From confirming ownership to getting your registration certificate, each step helps keep aviation smooth and reliable. If you stay on top of renewals and paperwork, your airplane will always be ready for takeoff.
Need help keeping track of your documents and updates? Visit Flying411 for helpful tools, updates, and guides that make owning an aircraft simpler and stress-free.
Processing can take a few weeks. You can check your registration status online through the FAA website.
Yes, a temporary certificate allows you to fly within the U.S. until you receive your official certificate of registration.
Renew online through the FAA website before the registration expiration date listed on your certificate.
You must submit a new registration before operating again. Flying with an expired registration is not allowed.
Yes, but they must meet special inspection and paperwork steps before the FAA approves the registration.
