What happens when your pilot license lapses

A pilot license does not automatically renew. If you let it expire or it was suspended, you cannot legally fly until you take specific steps to bring it current again. The path back depends on how long it has been inactive and why it was suspended in the first place.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) treats an expired license and a suspended license differently. An expired license straightforward means the validity period has passed — you were not flying illegally at the time, but you are now. A suspended license means the FAA took action to remove your flying privileges, usually because of a violation, accident, or medical issue. Reinstatement for each follows a different process.

Most pilots can reinstate an expired license without returning to flight school, but you will need to demonstrate current knowledge and skills. If your license was suspended, you may face additional requirements or a waiting period before the FAA will consider reinstatement.

Key Takeaways

  • An expired pilot license can usually be reinstated by passing a written test and a practical flying test (checkride) with an examiner, without returning to flight school.
  • If your license was suspended by the FAA, you must wait out any specified suspension period and may need to request a hearing or submit evidence before reinstatement is considered.
  • The FAA's Airmen Certification Branch handles reinstatement requests and can tell you the exact requirements for your situation based on how long your license has been inactive.
  • You will need to study current regulations and procedures before testing, because aviation rules and safety practices change over time.
  • A flight instructor can help you prepare for the written and practical tests, though you do not need to enroll in a full pilot training program.

Reinstating an expired pilot license

If your license straightforward expired and was not suspended, you have two main paths. The first is to pass the written knowledge test (called the FAA written or computer-based test) and then pass a practical flying test with an FAA examiner or designated pilot examiner (DPE). You do not need to retake flight school or log a specific number of new flight hours before testing, though you will need to be current in an aircraft to pass the practical test.

The second path is less common but faster: if your license expired fewer than 24 calendar months ago, you can take only the written test and skip the practical test. This option exists because the FAA assumes your skills have not deteriorated too far. After you pass the written test, you can request that the FAA issue a new certificate without a checkride. You will still need to be current in an aircraft and follow all other flying rules.

Before you test, you will need to study the current regulations, procedures, and safety practices. The FAA publishes study materials free online, including the Airman Knowledge Test Study Guide specific to your certificate type. A flight instructor can review these materials with you and help you prepare, which typically takes a few weeks depending on how long your license has been inactive and how much you have flown in the meantime.

Reinstating a suspended pilot license

A suspended license is more complex. The FAA suspends a license for specific violations — such as flying under the influence, operating without proper medical certification, or causing an accident through negligence. The suspension order will state how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to request reinstatement.

You cannot fly during the suspension period, and you cannot request reinstatement until that period ends. Once the suspension period is over, you will typically need to submit a written request to the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch explaining why you should be reinstated. The FAA may require you to provide evidence that you have corrected the problem — for example, proof of medical certification if the suspension was for flying without a valid medical certificate, or proof of completing a safety course if the suspension was for a violation.

In some cases, the FAA will grant reinstatement automatically once the suspension period ends and you have met any stated conditions. In others, the FAA may request additional information or schedule a meeting with you before deciding. If the FAA denies your reinstatement request, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Medical certification and currency requirements

Before you can legally fly again, your medical certificate must be current. Depending on your age and the class of medical certificate you hold, medical certificates expire every one to five years. If your medical certificate expired while your pilot license was inactive, you will need to renew it with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before you can take a practical test or fly solo.

You will also need to be current in an aircraft, which means you must have made at least three takeoffs and landings in the same category and class of aircraft within the past 90 days. If you have not flown in years, you will need to fly with an instructor first to regain currency before you can take a checkride or fly with passengers.

Contacting the FAA Airmen Certification Branch

The FAA's Airmen Certification Branch handles all reinstatement requests and can tell you exactly what you need to do based on your specific situation. You can reach them by phone at 405-954-3261 (Oklahoma City, the main office) or through the FAA's website. Have your pilot certificate number and the reason your license became inactive ready when you call.

The Airmen Certification Branch can confirm whether your license was suspended or straightforward expired, tell you what tests or documents you need, and answer questions about the timeline. They can also tell you whether you are may be able to access for the expedited path (written test only) if your license expired fewer than 24 months ago.

Preparing for the written and practical tests

The written test covers regulations, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and decision-making. The FAA publishes the Airman Knowledge Test Study Guide for your certificate type (private pilot, commercial pilot, etc.) free online. You can also purchase study guides from aviation publishers or use online study tools. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before taking the test.

The practical test (checkride) has two parts: an oral exam with an examiner and a flight test. The oral exam covers your knowledge of regulations, aircraft systems, weather, and emergency procedures. The flight test requires you to demonstrate basic flying skills — takeoffs, landings, turns, and emergency maneuvers — in an actual aircraft. A flight instructor can help you prepare for both parts, and many instructors specialize in checkride preparation.

Timeline and costs

The timeline depends on how quickly you can study and schedule tests. The written test can usually be scheduled within days at a testing center. The practical test may take longer to schedule — examiners often have waiting lists of several weeks. If your license was suspended, you must wait out the suspension period before you can even request reinstatement, which can add months or years.

Costs vary by location and examiner. The written test typically costs $150 to $200. The practical test (checkride) costs $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the examiner and your location. Flight instruction to prepare for the checkride can cost $50 to $150 per hour, and you may need 10 to 20 hours depending on how long you have been away from flying. If you need to renew your medical certificate, that costs $75 to $200 depending on the examiner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with a student pilot certificate while I am working on reinstatement?

No. Once a pilot certificate has been issued and then expired or suspended, you cannot revert to a student certificate. You must reinstate your original certificate or obtain a new one through the full testing process. A student certificate is only for people who have never held a pilot certificate before.

What if I let my license expire more than 24 months ago?

You will need to pass both the written test and the practical test (checkride). The 24-month window for written-test-only reinstatement applies only if your license expired fewer than 24 calendar months before you request reinstatement. After that, the FAA assumes your skills need to be fully re-evaluated.

Do I need to retake flight school to reinstate my license?

No. You do not need to enroll in a formal pilot training program. You can study on your own using FAA materials, work with a flight instructor on an hourly basis, and take the written and practical tests. Many people reinstate their licenses this way without returning to a flight school.

What happens if I fail the written test or checkride?

You can retake either test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it within a few days. If you fail the checkride, you will need to schedule another one with an examiner, which may take several weeks. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Can I reinstate my license if I have a DUI or other criminal conviction?

A DUI or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you from reinstatement, but it may affect your medical certification or lead to an FAA investigation. Contact the Airmen Certification Branch directly to discuss your situation. The FAA will evaluate whether the conviction relates to your fitness to hold a pilot certificate.