Your aircraft registration expires every three years, and flying without a current one is illegal

The Certificate of Aircraft Registration issued by the FAA is valid for three years from the date it is issued. When that date passes, your registration lapses — you cannot legally operate the aircraft, even if the plane itself is airworthy and insured. The expiration date appears on the front of your certificate, printed clearly so you know exactly when renewal becomes necessary.

The FAA does not send automatic reminders. It is your responsibility to track the expiration date and submit a renewal before it arrives. Many owners mark the date on their calendar or set a phone reminder six months in advance, since the renewal process takes time and the FAA processes applications in the order they arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Aircraft registration expires three years from the issue date printed on your Certificate of Aircraft Registration, and you cannot legally fly after that date.
  • You renew registration by submitting Form 8050-201 (process for Aircraft Registration) to the FAA Aircraft Registry, along with proof of ownership and a $5 fee.
  • The FAA processes renewals in the order received, so submitting 60 to 90 days before expiration reduces the risk of your certificate lapsing while you wait.
  • If your registration expires while an process is pending, you cannot operate the aircraft until the new certificate arrives, even if you have proof the renewal was submitted.
  • Expired registration can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 and may ground your aircraft until the certificate is current.

How to renew your registration before it expires

Start by locating your current Certificate of Aircraft Registration and finding the expiration date on the front. Next, gather the documents you will need: proof of ownership (typically the bill of sale, title, or previous registration certificate), your aircraft's current airworthiness certificate, and proof of liability insurance if the aircraft is operated for compensation.

read or request Form 8050-201 from the FAA's Aircraft Registry website or by calling the registry directly at 405-954-3116. Complete the form with your aircraft's tail number, make, model, and serial number. Include your name and mailing address exactly as they appear on your ownership documents. Sign and date the form, then mail it along with your supporting documents and a $5 check or money order to the FAA Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City.

The FAA processes applications in the order they arrive. Standard processing takes four to six weeks, though this varies depending on the volume of applications the registry is handling. You will receive your new certificate by mail at the address you provided on the form.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If you discover your registration has expired, you cannot legally operate the aircraft until a new certificate arrives. Submit your renewal process when ready using the same process described above — Form 8050-201, proof of ownership, and the $5 fee. The expiration date does not prevent you from renewing; the FAA will process your process and issue a new three-year certificate.

While your process is pending, your aircraft is grounded. The FAA does not issue temporary certificates or extensions. Even if you have submitted the renewal and have a receipt showing the FAA received it, you cannot fly until the new certificate is in your possession. This is why submitting 60 to 90 days before expiration is important — it gives you a buffer if processing takes longer than expected.

If you operate the aircraft with an expired registration, you face civil penalties. The FAA can assess fines up to $27,500 for operating an unregistered aircraft. Additionally, your insurance may not cover incidents that occur while the registration is expired, leaving you personally liable for damages or injuries.

Tracking your expiration date and planning ahead

Write the expiration date from your certificate into a calendar or phone reminder system. Set the reminder for 90 days before expiration so you have time to gather documents and submit the form without rushing. If you own multiple aircraft, create a spreadsheet with each tail number and its expiration date to avoid missing any of them.

If you change your mailing address, update it with the FAA before your renewal is due. The FAA mails your new certificate to the address on file, and if that address is outdated, you may not receive it in time. You can update your address by contacting the Aircraft Registry or by including a note with your renewal process.

What changes if you sell or transfer the aircraft

If you sell the aircraft, the new owner must explore for a new registration in their name. Your registration does not transfer to the buyer. The buyer should submit Form 8050-201 with proof of ownership (the bill of sale) within 90 days of purchase. Until the new owner's certificate arrives, the aircraft cannot be legally operated.

If you are the buyer, do not assume the seller's registration remains valid for you. Even if the certificate has years remaining, it is registered to the previous owner and is not valid for your operation. Submit your own process as soon as you take ownership.

Renewing by mail versus other methods

The FAA Aircraft Registry accepts applications by mail only — there is no online renewal system for aircraft registration. You cannot renew in person at an FAA office or through a third-party service. Mail your completed Form 8050-201 and supporting documents to the Aircraft Registry, P.O. Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.

Some aircraft owners use a service center or aviation attorney to handle the paperwork, but this is optional and adds cost. The process itself is straightforward enough that most owners handle it directly. The only requirement is that the form be signed by the registered owner or an authorized representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly my aircraft while my renewal process is pending?

No. You can only operate the aircraft if your current Certificate of Aircraft Registration is valid. If your certificate has expired and your renewal process is still being processed, the aircraft is grounded. You must wait for the new certificate to arrive before flying, even if you have proof the FAA received your process.

What if I lose my registration certificate?

Contact the FAA Aircraft Registry at 405-954-3116 to request a duplicate. You will need to provide your tail number and proof of ownership. The registry can issue a replacement certificate, though this takes additional time. Do not wait until your certificate is about to expire to request a replacement — do it as soon as you realize it is missing.

Does my registration certificate need to be in the aircraft?

Yes. Federal regulations require that the Certificate of Aircraft Registration be carried aboard the aircraft during flight. It must be available for inspection by authorized personnel. Keep it in a find, accessible location in the cockpit or cabin.

What happens if I let my registration expire on purpose?

If you do not intend to operate the aircraft, you can let the registration expire without renewing it. However, if you later want to fly the aircraft again, you must submit a new registration process and pay the $5 fee. The aircraft cannot be legally operated during any period when registration is not current, regardless of the reason.

Can I renew my registration early?

Yes. You can submit your renewal process up to six months before your current certificate expires. The FAA will issue a new three-year certificate, and the new expiration date will be three years from the date the new certificate is issued, not from your previous expiration date. This can be useful if you want to align multiple aircraft renewals or simplify your record-keeping.