What you can find by checking aircraft registration
Aircraft registration records are public documents kept by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When you search these records, you learn who owns or operates a specific aircraft, what type of plane it is, its tail number, and when the registration expires. You can also see if the aircraft has any liens against it — a lender's claim on the plane as collateral for a loan.
The FAA maintains this information so that anyone can verify ownership, check whether an aircraft is currently registered, or research a plane they saw or heard about. The records are free to search and take only a few minutes to access.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA's online registry at registry.faa.gov lets you search by tail number, owner name, or aircraft serial number without creating an account.
- A tail number is the easiest way to search — it is the registration marking painted on the fuselage, usually starting with the letter N followed by numbers and letters.
- Search results show the owner's name and address, aircraft type, registration status, and any liens filed against the plane.
- If you cannot find an aircraft online, you can request records by mail from the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch, though this takes several weeks.
Finding the tail number before you search
The tail number — also called the registration number or N-number — is the fastest way to look up an aircraft. It is painted on the outside of the plane, usually on the tail fin or fuselage. If you saw the aircraft in person or in a photo, the tail number is visible as a white or black marking that starts with the letter N and is followed by up to five characters (numbers, letters, or both).
If you do not have the tail number, you can search by the owner's name or the aircraft's serial number instead. The serial number is a manufacturer's identification code unique to that specific plane, but it is not visible from the ground — you would need documentation or the owner's records to find it.
Searching the FAA aircraft registry online
Go to registry.faa.gov and you will see a search box on the home page. You do not need to log in or create an account. Enter the tail number (with or without the N), the owner's name, or the aircraft serial number, then click Search.
The results page will display the aircraft's registration record. You will see the owner's name and mailing address, the aircraft manufacturer and model, the year it was built, the registration status (Active, Expired, or Cancelled), and the expiration date. If there are any liens — claims by a bank or lender — those will also appear on the record.
If your search returns no results, the aircraft may be unregistered, the tail number may be spelled differently than you thought, or the registration may have been cancelled. Try searching again with a different spelling or search term.
Understanding what the registration record tells you
The owner's name on the record is the person or entity that holds the title to the aircraft. This may be an individual, a business, a partnership, or a trust. The address listed is the owner's mailing address on file with the FAA, though it may not be current if the owner has moved and not updated their registration.
The aircraft type tells you the manufacturer and model — for example, Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee. The year built is when the plane rolled off the assembly line. The registration status shows whether the registration is currently active; if it says Expired or Cancelled, the aircraft is not legally permitted to fly.
A lien is a legal claim that a lender holds on the aircraft as security for a loan. If you see a lien listed, it means the aircraft is financed and the lender has a right to the plane if the owner defaults on the loan. Multiple liens can exist on the same aircraft.
Requesting records by mail if online search fails
If you cannot find the aircraft through the online registry, you can request records directly from the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch. Send a written request to the address listed on the FAA website, include the tail number or aircraft serial number, and specify what information you need.
Mail requests take four to six weeks to process. The FAA charges a small fee for records searches, though the amount varies depending on what you request. You will receive a response by mail with copies of the registration documents or a letter stating that no record exists.
What you cannot find in the aircraft registry
The FAA registry does not show maintenance records, accident history, or whether the aircraft has been involved in legal disputes. It also does not show the current location of the plane or who is flying it on any given day. If you need that information, you would need to contact the owner directly or search other databases maintained by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for accident records.
The registry also does not show the purchase price, the date of purchase, or the financing terms. That information is recorded in state property records or with the lender, not with the FAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find out who is currently flying an aircraft?
No, the FAA registry only shows who owns the aircraft, not who is operating it on any particular day. If the owner leases or rents the plane to others, that information is not in the public registry. You would need to contact the owner directly.
What if the aircraft has no tail number or the number is not visible?
Every registered aircraft must have a tail number. If you cannot see one, the aircraft may be unregistered, or the marking may be obscured by dirt or damage. Try searching by the owner's name or serial number if you have that information instead.
How often is the FAA registry updated?
The registry is updated regularly as owners file changes, but there can be a lag of several days or weeks between when an owner submits a change and when it appears online. If you just saw an aircraft registered, it may take time for that record to show up in the system.
Can I learn about an aircraft is safe to fly?
The FAA registry does not include safety or maintenance information. To research an aircraft's safety history, search the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) database for accident and incident reports, or contact the FAA directly with specific safety concerns.
What does it mean if a registration is expired?
An expired registration means the owner did not renew it with the FAA before the expiration date. The aircraft is not legally permitted to fly until the registration is renewed. The owner can reactivate it by submitting a renewal process and fee to the FAA.