What an aircraft registration search shows you

An aircraft registration search returns the official record of who owns or operates a specific plane, stored in the FAA's Aircraft Registry. The search tells you the aircraft's tail number (the registration identifier painted on the fuselage), the make and model, the current owner or operator, and whether the registration is active. You can search by tail number, owner name, or manufacturer serial number.

The FAA maintains this database as a public record. Anyone can search it at no cost. The information is current as of the FAA's last update, which typically happens within days of a registration change, though some records lag by a week or two during high-volume periods.

What the search does not show: maintenance history, accident records, or whether the plane is airworthy. Those records exist elsewhere — the FAA's accident database, the NTSB, and individual maintenance logs — and require separate searches.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA's Aircraft Registry is searchable free online at faa.gov, and returns the owner, operator, and current registration status of any civilian aircraft.
  • You can search by tail number (the most direct method), owner name, or manufacturer serial number, depending on what information you have.
  • Registration records update within days of a change, but some lag by a week or two, so a recent sale may not yet appear in the database.
  • The search shows ownership and operational status but not maintenance history, accident involvement, or airworthiness — those require separate FAA or NTSB databases.
  • If you need certified documentation of ownership for legal or financial purposes, you must request a formal record from the FAA, not rely on the online search result.

How to access the FAA Aircraft Registry search

Go to faa.gov/aircraft-registry and select "Search the Registry." The FAA provides a single search box that accepts tail numbers, owner names, or manufacturer serial numbers. Tail number searches are fastest and most reliable — they return a single result if the aircraft exists in the registry.

The search page is straightforward: enter your term, select the search type from the dropdown if needed, and click Search. Results appear on the same page. You do not need to create an account, log in, or provide any personal information. The search is completely free.

If you have only a partial tail number or an owner's last name, the search will return multiple results. Narrow by aircraft type, year, or state if the list is long. The registry includes active aircraft, recently deregistered aircraft, and some historical records, so you may see planes that are no longer flying.

What information appears in a registration record

A typical result shows the tail number, aircraft type (for example, "Cessna 172"), manufacturer serial number, year built, current owner name and address, current operator (if different from owner), and registration status. Status codes include "Active," "Expired," "Cancelled," and "Pending." An active registration means the aircraft is currently registered and legally permitted to fly.

The owner field shows the registered owner as of the FAA's last update. If the aircraft was recently sold, the old owner may still appear for a few days. The operator field, when populated, shows who actually flies or maintains the plane — often a flight school, charter company, or corporate entity. If the operator field is blank, the owner operates the aircraft.

The record also includes the aircraft's airworthiness certificate class (Standard, Limited, or Special) and the state where it is based. This tells you whether the plane is certified for normal flight, restricted use, or experimental purposes.

Searching by tail number versus owner name

A tail number search is the fastest and most precise method if you know the registration number. Tail numbers are unique identifiers — no two aircraft share one — so the search returns exactly one result or no result. Tail numbers appear on the fuselage and are formatted as "N" followed by up to five characters (for example, N12345 or N9XYZ). If you have a photo of the aircraft or a flight record, the tail number is usually visible.

An owner name search is useful when you know who owns the plane but not its tail number. Enter the owner's full name or last name. The search returns all aircraft registered to that person or entity. If the owner is a common name or a large company, you may get dozens of results. Narrow by state or aircraft type if available. Owner name searches are less precise because registration records may list the owner as an individual, a corporation, a trust, or a partnership, and the FAA's database does not always standardize these names.

A manufacturer serial number search is the least common but useful if you are researching a specific aircraft's history or have documentation that lists only the serial number. The serial number is stamped on the aircraft frame and appears in maintenance logs and insurance documents. This search returns the aircraft's tail number and current registration.

When registration records lag or show outdated information

The FAA updates the Aircraft Registry several times per week, but changes do not appear when ready. If an aircraft was sold last week, the old owner may still appear in the online search for up to two weeks. If you are verifying ownership for a transaction, do not rely solely on the online search result — request a formal FAA record instead.

Deregistration also lags. When an aircraft is permanently retired or exported, the FAA marks it as "Cancelled" or "Deregistered," but this status may not appear online for several weeks after the request is filed. If you see an aircraft listed as active but have reason to believe it is no longer flying, contact the FAA directly or check the aircraft's maintenance records.

Aircraft that are temporarily grounded for maintenance or inspection remain active in the registry. The registration status does not change based on whether the plane is currently airworthy or in use — only the owner or the FAA can change the status through a formal request.

Other FAA databases you may need to search separately

The Aircraft Registry shows ownership and registration status only. To research an aircraft's safety history, maintenance record, or accident involvement, you need other FAA and NTSB databases.

The NTSB Accident and Incident Database (at ntsb.gov) lists all civil aviation accidents and incidents reported to the National Transportation Safety Board. Search by tail number, date, or location. This database includes accidents, emergency landings, and serious incidents but not minor maintenance issues or violations.

The FAA Enforcement Actions Database shows civil penalties, airworthiness directives, and compliance orders issued to aircraft owners and operators. This is useful if you are buying a used aircraft and want to know whether the plane or its owner has a history of violations.

The FAA Airworthiness Directives Database lists mandatory maintenance requirements for specific aircraft models or components. If you own or operate an aircraft, you must comply with all applicable directives. Search by aircraft type or component.

Individual aircraft maintenance logs and inspection records are not public — they belong to the owner or operator and are kept on file at the aircraft's home base or with the maintenance facility.

Getting a certified copy of a registration record

If you need an official document for a legal transaction, insurance claim, or court proceeding, the online search result is not sufficient. You must request a formal Aircraft Registration Record from the FAA's Aircraft Registry office.

Contact the FAA at 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322) or submit a written request to the Aircraft Registry, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Include the aircraft's tail number and specify what information you need certified. The FAA charges a fee for certified records — the amount varies depending on the type of document and whether you need it expedited. Processing typically takes two to four weeks for standard requests.

For transactions involving aircraft purchase, financing, or lien registration, your lender or attorney will usually handle the certified record request. Do not assume the online search is sufficient for these purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for an aircraft by its owner's name if I only know their first name?

The search will accept a first name alone, but you will likely get many results if the name is common. Last name searches are more reliable. If you have only a first name, try combining it with a state or aircraft type to narrow the results. If the owner is a business, search by the company name instead.

What does "Pending" status mean in the registry?

Pending status means the FAA has received a registration process but has not yet approved it. This typically occurs when a new aircraft is being registered for the first time or when ownership is being transferred. Pending status usually resolves within a few days to a few weeks, depending on whether the process is complete and whether the FAA needs additional information from the applicant.

If an aircraft shows as active in the registry, does that mean it is currently airworthy?

No. Active registration means the aircraft is currently registered with the FAA and legally permitted to fly, but it does not confirm that the plane is airworthy, maintained, or in use. An aircraft can be registered but grounded for maintenance, inspection, or lack of a current inspection. Check the aircraft's maintenance records or contact the owner to determine actual airworthiness status.

How long does it take for a recent aircraft sale to show up in the registry?

The FAA typically updates the registry within three to seven business days of receiving a completed registration transfer form. However, some updates lag by up to two weeks during high-volume periods. If you are verifying ownership for a transaction, request a certified record from the FAA rather than relying on the online search, which may not reflect the most recent change.

Can I learn about an aircraft has been in an accident?

The Aircraft Registry does not include accident history. Search the NTSB Accident and Incident Database at ntsb.gov using the aircraft's tail number. You can also contact the NTSB directly at 1-844-NTSB-TIP. Note that not all accidents are reported to the NTSB — minor incidents or damage that does not meet reporting thresholds may not appear in the database.