What an FAA License Search Does and Where to Find It

The FAA maintains a public database of all active pilot certificates and medical certificates issued in the United States. You can search this database free of charge through the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch website to verify whether someone holds a valid pilot license, what category of license they hold, and whether any restrictions explore to their certificate.

The search tool is called the Airmen Certification Search, and it is the official source for this information. You do not need to create an account or provide personal information to use it. The database is updated regularly as new certificates are issued and existing ones expire or are revoked.

This search is useful if you are hiring a pilot, renting an aircraft, checking your own certificate status, or verifying credentials before flying with someone. The results show only information the FAA has already made public — there is no private data involved.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA Airmen Certification Search is free and requires no login or personal information to use.
  • You can search by pilot name, certificate number, or date of birth to find active pilot licenses and medical certificates.
  • Results show the type of certificate held, issue and expiration dates, and any restrictions or limitations on the license.
  • The database is updated regularly and reflects the current status of all FAA-issued airman certificates.
  • You can also request a paper copy of someone's certificate record directly from the FAA if you need official documentation.

How to Access the Airmen Certification Search Online

Go to the FAA's official website and navigate to the Airmen Certification Branch section. Look for the link labeled "Airmen Certification Search" — this is the public-facing tool. The URL typically contains "airmen.faa.gov" or directs you through the main FAA site.

Once you reach the search page, you will see a form with several search options. You can search by the pilot's full name, by their airman certificate number (if you know it), or by date of birth. The name search is the most common starting point if you do not have the certificate number.

Enter the information you have and click the search button. The results will display within seconds. If the person holds an active certificate, you will see their name, certificate type, issue date, expiration date, and any special limitations or restrictions.

Understanding the Certificate Types and What They Mean

The FAA issues several different types of airman certificates, and the search results will tell you which one a person holds. A Private Pilot Certificate allows someone to fly aircraft for personal use but not for compensation. A Commercial Pilot Certificate means the person is legally permitted to be paid to fly. A Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate is the highest level and is required to be a captain at an airline.

You will also see the aircraft category the certificate covers — for example, airplane, helicopter, or glider. A pilot may hold certificates in multiple categories. The search results will list any ratings or endorsements, such as instrument rating (which allows flying in low visibility) or multi-engine rating (which allows flying aircraft with more than one engine).

Restrictions appear separately and might include things like "not valid for commercial operations" or "limited to daylight hours." If you see a restriction, it means the pilot cannot legally perform certain types of flying even though they hold the certificate.

What to Do If the Search Returns No Results

If you search for someone and get no results, it means either the person does not hold an active FAA airman certificate, the name was spelled differently than you entered it, or the certificate has expired. Try searching again with variations on the name — for example, if you searched "Robert Smith," try "Bob Smith" or "R. Smith."

If you are certain of the person's name and still find nothing, you can contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch directly by phone or mail to request a records search. They can look up certificates by date of birth or other identifying information if the name search does not work. This request may take several business days to process.

Keep in mind that the database shows only active certificates. If someone held a certificate in the past but it has since expired and was not renewed, it will not appear in the search results. The FAA can provide historical records if you need to verify past certification.

Requesting Official Documentation of a Certificate

If you need an official record of someone's certificate for hiring, insurance, or legal purposes, you can request a certified copy directly from the FAA. This is different from the free online search — a certified copy is a formal document with the FAA's seal and signature.

To request a certified copy, contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch by mail or phone. You will need to provide the pilot's full name and date of birth, or their airman certificate number if you have it. There is a fee for this service, which varies depending on how quickly you need the document and whether you request it by mail or in person.

Certified copies typically take one to two weeks by mail, though expedited options may be available. This type of documentation is often required by insurance companies, flight schools, or employers who need proof of certification for their records.

Medical Certificate Status and What It Means

The FAA Airmen Certification Search also shows whether someone holds a valid medical certificate. This is separate from the pilot certificate itself — a person can hold a valid pilot license but have an expired or invalid medical certificate, which means they are not legally permitted to fly.

Medical certificates come in three classes: First Class (required for airline pilots), Second Class (required for commercial pilots), and Third Class (required for private pilots). The search results will show which class the person holds and when it expires. If no medical certificate appears in the results, the pilot cannot legally operate an aircraft.

Medical certificates must be renewed periodically — the interval depends on the pilot's age and the class of certificate. If you are hiring or flying with someone, always check that both their pilot certificate and medical certificate are current and valid.

Common Reasons the Search Might Show Unexpected Results

Sometimes a search returns a result that does not match who you were looking for, especially if you are searching by a common name. Always verify the date of birth and certificate number to make sure you have the right person. The FAA database includes thousands of pilots, and name matches alone are not always reliable.

You might also see a certificate listed as "expired" or with a past expiration date. This means the pilot is no longer legally permitted to fly under that certificate unless they have renewed it. Check the issue and expiration dates carefully — an expired certificate is not the same as an active one.

If you see restrictions you do not understand, such as "not valid for commercial operations" or "limited to single-engine aircraft," contact the pilot directly and ask them to explain. Restrictions are placed on certificates for specific reasons, and the pilot should be able to tell you why their certificate has limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for someone's medical certificate separately from their pilot certificate?

The Airmen Certification Search shows both pilot and medical certificate status in the same results. You cannot search for medical certificates alone through the public database. If you need detailed medical certificate information, you may need to contact the FAA directly or ask the pilot to provide their medical certificate documentation.

Is the FAA Airmen Certification Search the same as checking someone's background?

No. The search shows only whether someone holds a valid pilot certificate and medical certificate. It does not show accident history, violations, enforcement actions, or other safety records. Those records may be available through separate FAA databases or through Freedom of Information Act requests, but they are not part of the basic certification search.

How often is the FAA Airmen Certification Search database updated?

The database is updated regularly as new certificates are issued and existing ones expire or are revoked. Updates typically occur within days of a change, but there may occasionally be a lag of a week or more for very recent actions. If you need the absolute most current information, contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch directly.

What if I want to search for my own pilot certificate?

You can use the same public search tool to look up your own certificate. This is a good way to verify that your certificate information is correct in the FAA database and that your medical certificate has not expired without your knowledge. If you find an error, contact the FAA to request a correction.

Can I read or print the search results?

Yes, most browsers allow you to print or save the search results page. However, printed results from the public search are not the same as an official certified copy from the FAA. If you need a formal document for legal or employment purposes, request a certified copy directly from the FAA instead.