What the FAA Aircraft Registration Search Does

The FAA maintains a public database of every aircraft registered in the United States. You can search it by tail number, owner name, or manufacturer details to find registration information about any plane. The database is free to use and does not require login or personal information to perform a search.

This tool is useful if you want to verify who owns a particular aircraft, check the registration status of a plane you are considering buying, research an aircraft's history before a flight, or look up technical details about a specific model. The search returns the aircraft's tail number, registration certificate number, owner name and address, manufacturer, model, serial number, and registration status.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA Aircraft Registration Search is a free public database accessible at the FAA's official website without creating an account.
  • You can search by tail number (the registration identifier on the fuselage), owner name, or aircraft manufacturer and model.
  • Search results show the owner's name and address, aircraft type, serial number, and current registration status.
  • The database updates regularly but may lag by a few weeks behind recent registration changes or transfers.
  • Owner address information is public record, though some owners may have requested confidentiality through the FAA's process.

How to Access the FAA Aircraft Registration Search

Go to the FAA's official Aircraft Registration Search page at registry.faa.gov. This is the only official FAA search tool; third-party sites may charge fees or provide incomplete information. The search page is straightforward and requires no account setup.

The search interface offers three main options: search by tail number, search by owner name, or search by aircraft manufacturer and model. Tail number searches are the fastest and most precise. If you know only the owner's name or the aircraft type, use those fields instead. You can also combine fields — for example, searching for a specific owner name and aircraft model together narrows results if the owner has multiple planes.

Searching by Tail Number

A tail number (also called an N-number or registration number) is the unique identifier painted on the aircraft's fuselage. It always begins with the letter N followed by up to five characters — for example, N12345 or N9XYZ. If you have the tail number, enter it exactly as it appears on the aircraft or in any documentation you have.

The search returns one result if the tail number exists in the registry. You will see the owner's name and mailing address, the aircraft manufacturer and model, the serial number, the registration certificate number, and the registration status (active, expired, or pending). This is the most reliable way to verify ownership or check whether a registration is current.

Searching by Owner Name or Aircraft Type

If you do not have a tail number, you can search by the registered owner's name. Enter the name as it appears on the registration certificate — this may be an individual's name, a company name, or a trust name. The search will return all aircraft registered to that owner, which is useful if you want to see how many planes someone owns or find a specific aircraft when you know the owner but not the tail number.

You can also search by aircraft manufacturer and model — for example, "Cessna 172" or "Piper Cherokee." This returns all aircraft of that type currently registered in the United States. This search is broader and returns many results, so it is most useful if you combine it with an owner name or if you are researching how many of a particular model are in service.

What Registration Status Means

The search results show the aircraft's registration status, which falls into three categories: Active means the aircraft is currently registered and legally authorized to fly. Expired means the registration certificate has lapsed and the aircraft cannot legally operate until the owner renews it. Pending means an process for registration has been submitted but not yet approved by the FAA.

An active registration does not mean the aircraft is airworthy or currently in service — it only means the registration certificate is valid. An aircraft can be registered but grounded for maintenance, stored, or awaiting sale. Conversely, an expired registration means the owner must complete renewal paperwork and pay the renewal fee before the aircraft can fly again.

Understanding Ownership Information and Privacy

The FAA publishes owner names and addresses as public record. However, some owners have filed for confidentiality through the FAA's process, which replaces their personal information with a trustee or corporate name. If you see a company name or trust name as the owner, the actual individual owner may be shielded from public view. This is common for high-profile individuals, law enforcement, or military-connected aircraft.

The address shown is the mailing address on file with the FAA, not necessarily the location where the aircraft is based. An aircraft registered to an owner in one state may be hangared and flown from a different state. The registration database does not show the aircraft's current location or home base.

Limitations and Delays in the Database

The FAA Aircraft Registration Search is updated regularly, but changes can take several weeks to appear. If an aircraft was recently sold, transferred, or had its registration renewed, the database may not yet reflect that change. If your search does not return a result you expect, the registration may be in process or the information you entered may not match exactly what is on file.

The database also does not include aircraft that are not registered in the United States, such as planes registered in Canada or other countries. If you are searching for a foreign aircraft, you will need to contact the aviation authority in that country. Additionally, the search does not provide maintenance records, accident history, or airworthiness status — those records are maintained separately by the FAA and are not part of the public registration database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out where an aircraft is currently located?

No, the registration database shows only the owner's mailing address, not the aircraft's current location or home base. To find where a plane is based, you would need to contact the owner directly or check flight tracking services, which show real-time aircraft positions for some commercial and general aviation flights.

What if the tail number search returns no results?

The tail number may be entered incorrectly, or the aircraft may not be registered with the FAA. Verify the tail number by looking at the fuselage or any documentation. If the number is correct and still returns no results, the aircraft may be registered in another country or the registration may have been canceled.

Can I search for aircraft by their location or home airport?

The FAA Aircraft Registration Search does not have a location or airport search function. The database shows only the owner's mailing address. If you need to find aircraft based at a specific airport, contact the airport directly or check with the local flight school or fixed-base operator.

How often is the registration database updated?

The FAA updates the database regularly, but changes typically take two to four weeks to appear. Recent registrations, transfers, or renewals may not show when ready. If you need current information about a recent transaction, contact the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch directly.

Is there a fee to search the FAA Aircraft Registration database?

No, the search is free and open to the public. The FAA provides it at no cost. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees to search the registry — they are not official FAA tools and may provide outdated or incomplete information.