What plane registration is and why it matters
Plane registration is the process of recording your aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so you can legally fly it in U.S. airspace. The FAA assigns your plane a unique tail number — the identifier you see painted on the fuselage — and maintains a public database of who owns each aircraft. Without registration, you cannot legally operate the plane, get insurance, or land at most airports.
Registration is separate from the pilot's license. You can be a licensed pilot without owning a plane, and you can own a plane without being a pilot (though you will need a pilot to fly it). The registration belongs to the aircraft itself, not to the person flying it.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA issues a tail number and maintains the registration in a public database; you will need proof of ownership and a completed Form 8050-1 to register.
- Registration lasts three years and must be renewed before it expires, or the plane becomes unairworthy for legal flight.
- You can register a plane you are buying before the sale closes, but the FAA will not issue the certificate until they receive the bill of sale.
- The registration process typically takes two to four weeks once the FAA receives a complete process, though delays happen if documents are missing or unclear.
- A plane can be registered only in the name of the owner or owners listed on the bill of sale; you cannot register it in someone else's name.
Who can register an aircraft
You can register a plane if you are the legal owner. That means you hold the bill of sale or deed, or you are listed as the owner on the title. If you are buying a plane and the sale has not closed yet, you can still start the registration process — the FAA will hold your process and issue the certificate once they receive proof the sale is complete.
The owner must be a U.S. citizen, a resident alien, a partnership where all partners are U.S. citizens or resident aliens, a corporation incorporated in the United States, or a government body. Non-citizens and foreign corporations cannot register aircraft in the United States.
If two or more people own the plane together, all owners must be listed on the registration. You cannot register it in one person's name if someone else holds legal ownership.
Documents you need to register
Start with Form 8050-1, the process for Aircraft Registration. This is the main form the FAA requires. You fill in the aircraft's make, model, and serial number; your name and address; and details about the plane's construction or purchase.
You will also need proof of ownership. This is usually the bill of sale, a purchase agreement, a deed, or a title document. If you inherited the plane, bring the probate documents or a letter from the estate. If the plane was a gift, bring a signed statement from the previous owner saying they gave it to you.
The FAA also requires proof that the plane meets airworthiness standards. For a new plane, this is the manufacturer's certificate of airworthiness. For a used plane, the previous owner should have given you the airworthiness certificate when you took possession. If you do not have it, contact the previous owner or the FAA's local office.
Finally, include a check or money order for the registration fee. As of now, the fee is $5 for a standard aircraft registration. The FAA accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card (if you file online). Do not send cash.
How to submit your registration
You have two options: file by mail or file online through the FAA's Aircraft Registration System (ARS).
Filing by mail: Send Form 8050-1, your proof of ownership, proof of airworthiness, and your payment to the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch at P.O. Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so the FAA can contact you if something is missing. Processing takes two to four weeks.
Filing online: Go to the FAA's Aircraft Registration System at aircraft.faa.gov. Create an account, fill out the form, upload scans of your documents, and pay the fee with a credit card. Online filing is faster — the FAA typically processes it within two weeks — and you get a confirmation number when ready. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging back in.
Either way, keep a copy of everything you send. If the FAA loses a document or has a question, you will need to show what you submitted.
What happens after you submit
The FAA will review your process and documents. If everything is complete and correct, they will issue a Certificate of Aircraft Registration — a one-page document with your tail number, the aircraft's details, and your name as the registered owner. This certificate is valid for three years.
If something is missing or unclear, the FAA will send you a letter asking for more information. This is common — for example, they might ask for clarification on the aircraft's serial number or a clearer copy of the bill of sale. Respond within 30 days, or your process will be denied and you will have to start over.
Once you receive the certificate, the tail number is yours. You can paint it on the plane, and you can legally fly. The FAA's public database will show your name as the registered owner (unless you request that information be kept private, which is possible in some cases — ask the FAA about this when you file).
Renewing your registration before it expires
Your registration lasts three years from the date the FAA issues the certificate. Before it expires, you must renew it or the plane becomes unairworthy for legal flight. You cannot fly it, and you cannot legally keep it at an airport.
The FAA will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your certificate expires. Fill out the renewal form, include the fee (currently $5), and send it back. You can also renew online through the Aircraft Registration System. Renewal takes about two weeks.
If your certificate expires before you renew, you will have to file a new process instead of a renewal, which takes longer and costs the same amount. It is easier to renew on time.
Changes to your registration
If you sell the plane, the new owner must register it in their name. You do not transfer your registration — it ends when you sell. The new owner starts a new registration with their own process and proof of ownership.
If you move to a new address, notify the FAA by filing a change-of-address form or by updating your information online. If you change the plane's paint scheme or make major modifications, you do not need to re-register, but you should notify the FAA if the changes affect the aircraft's airworthiness.
If the plane is damaged, destroyed, or permanently retired from service, you should notify the FAA so they can cancel the registration. This prevents confusion if the tail number comes up in a database search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a plane I am still paying for?
Yes. You can register a plane as long as you hold legal ownership, even if you have a loan against it. The lender may require you to list them as a lienholder on the registration, which protects their interest if the plane is sold. Ask your lender whether they need to be listed.
How long does registration take?
Mail-in applications typically take two to four weeks. Online applications through the FAA's Aircraft Registration System are usually faster — often two weeks or less. Delays happen if documents are missing, unclear, or if the FAA has questions about your ownership. Responding quickly to any FAA requests speeds up the process.
What if I lose my certificate of registration?
Contact the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch and request a duplicate. You will need to provide your tail number and proof of identity. The FAA can issue a replacement within a few days. You can also print a copy from the Aircraft Registration System if you filed online.
Do I need to register a plane I am renting or leasing?
No. The owner of the plane is responsible for registration. If you rent or lease a plane, the owner has already registered it. You just need a valid pilot's license to fly it.
What if the FAA denies my process?
The FAA will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, unclear proof of ownership, or information that does not match FAA records. You can reapply once you have addressed the issue. Contact the FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch if you need help understanding the denial.