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Published: September 21, 2025
Owning an airplane is exciting—it means freedom, responsibility, and the need to follow some important rules. One of the most important tasks for every pilot or aircraft owner is keeping registration up to date. Think of airplane registration as a way to prove who owns the aircraft and that it’s legal to fly.
Good news: FAA aircraft registration now lasts 7 years instead of 3, so staying current is easier if you plan ahead.
The FAA keeps track of every plane through something called aircraft registration. It helps make sure all aircraft are safe, documented, and traceable. Over time, your registration can expire, or you might sell your plane, move, or need to change your N-number. In each case, you must re-register your airplane to stay in compliance.
This article clarifies why this matters, when to do it, and what can happen if you forget.
Every airplane in the United States must have aircraft registration to show that it’s properly listed in the aircraft registry. This helps the FAA keep accurate records of who owns which airplane and where it’s based. Registration also supports safety. If there’s a recall or airworthiness concern, the agency can quickly contact the owner or operator.
Here’s what airplane registration does:
To register a plane, you’ll fill out a registration application and include certain paperwork. This usually means:
Once accepted, you’ll receive a registration certificate in the mail. Keep it in the airplane when you fly.
The process is fairly simple. You submit your filing, pay the fee, and wait for your certificate. Many people also verify their N-number during this time to confirm that the aircraft’s identification is correct. The FAA will then issue your official registration document once everything is approved.
Registration lasts for several years, but it doesn’t last forever. When the current registration period ends, you’ll need to renew it. Don’t worry—it’s an easy renewal once you know the steps.
There are a few reasons an airplane might need re-registration or registration renewal. The most common one is when your registration is about to expire. The FAA usually sends a reminder notice before the deadline, but it’s smart to mark your own calendar so you don’t miss it.
Here are the main situations that require you to re-register or renew:
To accomplish this, start by completing the registration application online or by mail. Include your supporting documents and pay the fee. The FAA will then review your information and issue a certificate once everything checks out.
If your airplane’s certificate has already expired, don’t fly until your filing is processed and your temporary proof arrives. You’ll usually get a pink copy that allows you to fly while you wait for your official certificate.
The best approach is to renew before your current registration runs out. The process is faster and smoother that way. Late filing can lead to extra steps and longer waiting times. A simple reminder in your phone or logbook can save a lot of trouble!
Forgetting to re-register can cause big problems for an aircraft owner. When the current registration expires, your airplane becomes “unregistered,” and that means it’s illegal to operate. The FAA may flag the airplane in their system, and you could face penalties or delays getting your airworthiness certificate revalidated.
Here’s what can happen if you miss your deadline:
If your registration lapses, don’t panic. You can still accomplish a new filing. Complete the forms, include your documentation, and pay the required fee. Attach proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, to show the aircraft still belongs to you. Once the FAA issues the new certificate, you can fly again.
While waiting, double-check that your airworthiness certificate is still valid. The operator must keep it updated to match the airplane’s active registration.
Keeping your registration active shows that you care about aviation safety and record accuracy. It also prevents confusion about who owns the aircraft or where it’s based. Having a valid registration certificate means your airplane can safely and legally take to the skies anytime you want.
Reregistering an airplane sounds complicated, but it’s really about following a clear set of steps. When handled carefully, it helps you keep your aircraft legal, safe, and ready to fly anywhere in the country. The FAA registry oversees all airplane records in the United States, so staying in line with their rules is essential for every pilot and airplane owner.
The following is a step by step guide to the re-registration process so you know what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Every airplane in the U.S. must remain listed under the FAA aircraft registration system. The registration must be valid for you to operate legally. You’ll get a renewal notice before your registration expiration date, which tells you when action is required. Don’t ignore it—renew early so your airplane doesn’t get grounded!
The FAA registration lasts seven years. If you miss the deadline, your airplane can become ineffective or even de-registered, meaning you can’t legally fly it until it’s fixed.
Here’s what to do right away:
If your registration expires, it can take several weeks for FAA processing once you submit a new form. During that time, your airplane must stay on the ground. Planning ahead keeps your flying schedule smooth and worry-free.
To re-register their aircraft, owners need to complete a registration application and bill. This paperwork officially tells the FAA you want to update or renew your registration. If ownership has changed, you’ll also need an application and bill of sale that shows the transaction details, including who the new owner is.
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll likely need:
These documents confirm your legal ownership and compliance with aviation law. You can submit your registration application and bill by mail or electronically through the FAA’s online system. If mailing, send it early since delays can happen during FAA processing periods.
When filling out forms, accuracy matters. Missing signatures, incorrect dates, or inaccurate ownership details can cause problems later. Each aircraft must be properly listed under the correct name and address. Small mistakes can lead to extra steps or even require resubmission.
After you submit your paperwork, the FAA checks everything for accuracy and legality. They review each certification carefully before updating the airplane’s records. If the registration must be accomplished as part of a change in ownership, the FAA confirms that the seller’s and buyer’s information match exactly.
During this period, an inspector may review your airplane’s information for compliance. The FAA registry wants to make sure every aircraft registered meets safety and documentation requirements. If something is missing, you’ll receive an inquiry asking for clarification. Respond quickly to avoid delays.
The FAA might also check your airplane’s inspection records to confirm that everything is up to date. For example, if your aircraft has been inactive for a while or coming from another jurisdiction, the FAA could review maintenance or airworthiness data before issuing final approval.
Once approved, the FAA will mail your aircraft’s registration card. Keep it in the airplane at all times—it’s proof that your airplane is legal to fly and that your registration must remain current.
Things can get more complicated when the airplane changes hands or is part of a business jet operation. In these cases, extra documents may be needed to prove ownership and citizenship. If a company is listed as the owner, the FAA might ask for proof that it meets U.S. citizenship requirements under aviation law.
If the airplane is under a lease, both the lessor and lessee must be clearly listed in the paperwork. The transaction must clearly identify the person or entity responsible for the airplane’s operation and maintenance.
Here’s what to remember:
Failing to properly report changes can create confusion about who controls the airplane, which can lead to compliance issues or even a revoke of the airplane’s registration.
To avoid these issues, many owners consult with an experienced aviation professional or attorney familiar with FAA requirements. They can help check your paperwork for mistakes and guide you through special cases.
Sometimes, an airplane becomes de-registered—for example, when it’s sold to a buyer in another country or removed from service. When that happens, the FAA updates its files to show the aircraft no longer has U.S. registration.
If you ever need to reverse a de-registration, you’ll have to re-register their aircraft under the same or a new N-number. The re-registration process includes submitting new forms, paying the registration application and bill, and waiting for confirmation that your airplane has been officially reinstated.
This process can also apply when the registration expiration date passes and the owner didn’t act in time. In that case, the airplane is treated as de-registered, and you’ll need to start fresh.
During this time, the airplane cannot operate until a new certificate is approved. If it does, the flight could violate regulatory rules and lead to penalties or extra inspections.
Even small mistakes can create big problems in airplane registration. Here are some pitfall examples and how to prevent them:
If the FAA finds major errors or false information, they may even revoke the registration entirely. That can cause delays, legal trouble, or extra liability for the owner.
Being careful and double-checking everything before submission can save you a lot of time and frustration.
The good news is that help is available if you’re unsure about something. You can consult a local inspector or contact the FAA directly for help with your application. Aviation organizations, flight schools, and experienced aviation consultants are also excellent resources.
If your airplane operates internationally or under multiple jurisdiction rules, check for special documentation requirements before filing. Some countries require proof that a plane was de-registered in the U.S. before accepting it on their register.
To stay compliant:
Following these steps will make sure your registration remains valid and that your aircraft stays ready for flight without legal issues.
Keeping an airplane’s paperwork in order may not be exciting, but it’s one of the most important responsibilities in aviation law. A smooth registration helps you avoid stress, prevent penalties, and keep your airplane safely in the air.
If you stay alert to your registration expiration date, handle each transaction carefully, and provide complete required documentation, the process will go smoothly. Every aircraft registered under the FAA’s system benefits from clear rules that protect owners, operators, and passengers alike.
Stay organized, stay compliant, and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your airplane is officially and safely recognized by the FAA!
Keeping an airplane’s paperwork in order may not be exciting, but it’s one of the most important responsibilities in aviation law. A smooth registration helps you avoid stress, prevent penalties, and keep your airplane safely in the air.
Once you understand the steps to reregister an airplane, you’ll see it’s mostly about timing, correct documentation, and making sure your information stays current.
If you stay alert to your registration expiration date, handle each transaction carefully, and provide complete required documentation, the process will go smoothly. Every aircraft registered under the FAA’s system benefits from clear rules that protect owners, operators, and passengers alike.
Stay organized, stay compliant, and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your airplane is officially and safely recognized by the FAA!
For easy tips, updates, and guides to help you stay informed, visit Flying411—your trusted source for clear aviation advice.
Aircraft registration in the U.S. usually lasts for seven years before it needs renewal.
Yes, you can fly with the pink copy of your application, which serves as temporary proof.
You must stop flying and file a new registration application before resuming flight.
You can request a new number during re-registration by filling out the proper FAA form.
The FAA charges a $5 processing fee for each registration or re-registration.
