You open your logbook and realize something is missing. Your aircraft registration certificate is gone. Maybe it fell out during your last flight. Maybe it got damaged in bad weather. Or maybe you just can't find it anywhere. Don't panic. Getting a new copy is easier than you might think.

Here's something interesting: the FAA keeps records on more than 357,000 registered aircraft in the United States. That means thousands of aircraft owners deal with registration paperwork every single year. You're not alone in this. The good news is that the Federal Aviation Administration has made the process much simpler in recent years. You can now request copies online, by email, or through the mail. Some requests only take a few minutes to submit.

Every pilot and plane owner needs to understand how registration certificates work. These documents prove your plane is legally registered to fly. Without a valid certificate on board, your aircraft isn't airworthy. That's why knowing how to get a replacement quickly matters so much. 

This post helps explain everything you need to know about getting your copy, from understanding what the certificate actually is to submitting your request and getting it in your hands.

Key Takeaways

To get a copy of your aircraft registration, you need to send a written request to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch with your plane's N-number, make, model, and serial number. You can submit your request online, by email, or by mail. A replacement certificate costs $2.00, while complete aircraft records cost $10 per CD or $0.10 per page. You can also request a free temporary certificate while waiting for your permanent one to arrive.

What Is an Aircraft Registration Certificate?

Think of your aircraft registration certificate as your plane's birth certificate and driver's license combined. This official document proves that your aircraft is legally registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Every plane flying in U.S. airspace needs one.

The certificate shows important details about your plane:

• N-number (the registration number painted on your plane)
• Make and model of the aircraft
• Serial number
• Owner's name and address
• The date the certificate was issued
• When it expires

You must keep the original certificate inside your aircraft at all times. Not a copy. Not a photo on your phone. The actual paper document. This rule comes from the Code of Federal Regulations Part 47. If an inspector asks to see it during a ramp check and you don't have it, your plane isn't legally airworthy. That can mean big problems and possible fines.

Your certificate stays valid for seven years from the last day of the month it was issued. After that, you need to go through registration renewal. The FAA started automatically extending certificates by four years back in January 2023, which helps many aircraft owners avoid gaps in their registration. But you still need to keep track of when yours expires. Put a reminder in your phone or mark it on your calendar. An expired registration means you can't legally fly your plane until you get it renewed.

The certificate looks like a simple white card with blue and red printing. It might seem like just a piece of paper, but it's one of the most important documents for your aircraft. Treat it like you would any other valuable paperwork. Keep it clean and protected from damage.

Why You Might Need a Copy

Life happens. Documents get lost. Certificates get damaged. Sometimes you need a copy of your aircraft registration for reasons that have nothing to do with losing the original. Let's look at the most common reasons people request copies.

Lost or damaged certificates top the list. You might have left your certificate in a flight bag that went missing. Maybe coffee spilled on it and made it unreadable. Perhaps it simply vanished during an annual inspection when mechanics were working on your plane. Whatever happened, you need a replacement fast. Without that certificate, you're grounded.

Buying or selling aircraft requires proof of registration. When you're purchasing a plane, you want to verify who really owns it. You need to see the complete chain of ownership to make sure there are no liens or legal problems. Sellers need to show valid registration to prove they have the right to sell. Both buyers and sellers order aircraft records from the Aircraft Registration Branch to make transactions go smoothly.

Legal matters and court cases often require certified copies of registration documents. Maybe you're involved in an insurance claim after an accident. Perhaps there's a dispute about ownership. Lawyers might need official records that show the complete history of your plane's registration. For these situations, you need more than a regular copy. You need a certified copy that costs an extra $10 and comes with an official statement saying it's true and complete.

Research and record-keeping matter too. Some aviation enthusiasts collect information about specific aircraft. Mechanics and maintenance shops keep records of planes they've worked on. Insurance companies verify registration details. Aircraft appraisers need documentation to establish value. All these people might request copies of registered aircraft information.

Privacy concerns have become another reason to interact with the FAA aircraft registration system. As of 2025, private aircraft owners can now request that their personal information be hidden from public view online. If you're worried about stalkers, identity theft, or unwanted contact, you can submit a request through the CARES system to keep your name and address private. You'll still have your registration, but the public won't be able to easily look up your personal details.

Here's a situation many people don't think about: What if you need to fly your plane right away but your certificate is missing? Maybe you're planning a trip tomorrow and just realized the certificate isn't in the plane. You can request a temporary certificate that the FAA will send by fax or email the same day. This temporary document lets you fly legally while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive in the mail.

The Difference Between Replacement Certificates and Aircraft Records

Many people get confused about the different types of copies they can request from the FAA. The difference is important because it affects what you'll receive, how much you'll pay, and how you'll use the documents. Let's clear this up.

A replacement certificate is exactly what it sounds like. You're getting a new copy of your current aircraft registration certificate. This is the document that goes in your plane. It shows:

• Your current registration information
• The same N-number already on your plane
• Your name as the current owner
• The expiration date

You request a replacement when your original is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. The cost is just $2.00. The Federal Aviation Administration will send you a brand new certificate that looks identical to your old one. This is what you need if you want to keep flying legally.

Complete aircraft records tell a much bigger story. When you order records, you get:

• Every aircraft registration application ever filed for that plane
• All bills of sale showing ownership transfers
• Security agreements and liens
• Supporting documents and letters
• Historical information about the plane

These records come as a stack of papers or on a CD-ROM. Paper copies cost $0.10 per page. The average aircraft record runs about 76 pages, so that's roughly $7.60. CD-ROMs cost $10 each and include one complete aircraft record. You can view the files using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Why would you need complete records instead of just a replacement certificate? Here are the main reasons:

• Buying a plane: You want to see who owned it before and check for any liens or legal problems
• Selling a plane: Buyers will want to verify the ownership chain is clean
• Title searches: Make sure there are no surprises hiding in the plane's history
• Legal proceedings: Courts often need the complete paper trail
• Research: Aviation historians and enthusiasts study aircraft histories

There's also a third option: certified copies. These are complete records that come with an official statement from the FAA saying the records are "true and complete." Courts and legal proceedings usually require certified copies. They cost the regular record fee plus an extra $10 for the certification.

Think about it this way: A replacement certificate is like getting a new driver's license when yours gets lost. Complete aircraft records are like ordering your entire driving history from the DMV. Both serve different purposes. Both have their place. You just need to know which one you actually need.

Most people just need the $2 replacement certificate. If you're buying or selling a plane, or if you're involved in legal matters, that's when you need the complete records. Don't pay for more than you need, but don't shortchange yourself either. The Aircraft Registration Branch can help you figure out which option works best for your situation if you're not sure.

How to Get Your Aircraft Registration Copy

Getting your aircraft registration copy is simpler than most people think. The Federal Aviation Administration has streamlined the process over the past few years. You have several ways to submit your request, and most of them are quick and easy. Let's walk through each step so you know exactly what to do.

Step 1: Figure Out What Type of Copy You Need

Before you start filling out forms or writing letters, take a minute to think about what you really need. Are you replacing a lost certificate so you can fly? That's a $2 replacement. Are you researching a plane you want to buy? That's complete records. Are you preparing for a court case? That's certified records. Getting this right the first time saves you money and hassle. If you're still not sure, call the Aircraft Registration Branch at 1-866-762-9434. The staff can help you figure out which type of copy fits your situation.

Step 2: Gather Your Aircraft Information

You can't request a copy without the right details about your plane. Here's what you need to have ready:

• N-number (your aircraft's registration number, like N12345)
• Make (the manufacturer, like Cessna or Piper)
• Model (the specific model, like 172 or Cherokee)
• Serial number (the unique number assigned by the manufacturer)
• Owner's name (exactly as it appears on the current registration)
• Current address (where the certificate should be mailed)

Find this information on your current certificate if you still have it. You can also look it up for free on the FAA aircraft registry website. We'll talk more about that free option in a minute. Write everything down before you start your request. Having it all in front of you makes the process go faster.

Step 3: Choose How to Submit Your Request

The FAA gives you several options for sending in your request. Pick the one that works best for you:

Online through CARES: The Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services system is the newest and fastest option. You can create an account, fill out your request, upload documents, and pay your fee all in one place. The system is available 24/7. You'll get automatic notifications when the FAA receives your request and when your certificate is ready. This is the method most people prefer now.

Email: Send your request to 9-avs-ar-electronic-submittals@faa.gov. This works well if you've already paid your fee online or if you're mailing a check separately. Attach any documents as PDFs. Make sure your email clearly states what you need and includes all your aircraft information.

Regular mail: Write a letter with your request and mail it to FAA Aircraft Registration Branch, P.O. Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504. Include a check or money order for the fee. This takes longer than electronic options, but some people prefer doing it the old-fashioned way.

Fax: You can fax your request if you need to. Call the Aircraft Registration Branch first to get the current fax number and make sure they're still accepting fax requests.

In-person: If you live near Oklahoma City, you can visit the Registry Building at 6425 South Denning, Oklahoma City, OK 73169-6937. Call ahead to schedule an appointment. U.S. citizens need to schedule at least two days in advance. Foreign nationals need three weeks' notice. Bring a current government-issued photo ID.

Step 4: Write Your Request (For Replacements)

If you're requesting a replacement aircraft registration certificate, you need to write a simple letter. Keep it short and clear. Here's what to include:

• State that you're requesting a replacement certificate
• Explain why you need it (lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated)
• List your aircraft's N-number, make, model, and serial number
• Write your name as the registered owner
• Include your mailing address
• Sign the letter in ink (or use a digital signature if submitting online)
• Type or print your name below your signature
• Include your title if you're signing on behalf of a company

Here's a simple example:

"I am requesting a replacement Certificate of Aircraft Registration for my aircraft. The original certificate was lost. Aircraft N-number: N12345, Make: Cessna, Model: 172, Serial Number: 12345. My name is John Smith, and my mailing address is 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345."

That's it. You don't need fancy legal language. Just be clear about what you need and why you need it. The FAA processes thousands of these requests. They've seen it all. They just need the basic facts.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

Now it's time to pay. The Code of Federal Regulations Section 47.17 sets the official fees:

• Replacement certificate: $2.00
• Complete records on CD-ROM: $10.00 per CD
• Complete records on paper: $0.10 per page
• Certified records: Regular price plus $10.00

The easiest way to pay is online at https://pay.gov/public/form/start/30478340. You can use a credit card or debit card. You'll get an instant receipt. Include a copy of that receipt with your request.

You can also pay by check or money order made out to "Federal Aviation Administration." Mail it with your written request. Don't send cash. Ever. It can get lost or stolen, and you'll have no proof you paid.

If you're ordering complete records, the FAA will send you a billing letter along with your records. You pay after you receive them. That's different from replacement certificates, which require payment up front.

Step 6: Request a Temporary Certificate (If You Need to Fly Soon)

Here's a lifesaver many people don't know about: temporary certificates. Let's say you need to fly your plane next week, but your certificate is missing. You don't have time to wait for a replacement to arrive in the mail. No problem. The FAA can issue a temporary certificate right away.

Call the Aircraft Registration Branch at 1-866-762-9434 or (405) 954-3116 if you're calling from outside the U.S. Explain that you need a temporary certificate. They'll ask for your aircraft information to verify ownership. Then they'll email or fax you a temporary certificate the same day.

This temporary document works just like your regular certificate. You can carry it in your plane and fly legally. It stays valid until your permanent replacement arrives. When your new certificate shows up in the mail, throw away the temporary one and put the permanent certificate in the plane.

Include your email address and phone number in your replacement request if you want a temporary certificate. Write "Please send temporary certificate by email" or "Please fax temporary certificate to (your fax number)." The FAA staff will take care of it.

Many pilots keep the temporary certificate as a backup while they wait. Some frame it as a souvenir after the replacement arrives. You can do whatever you want with it once you have your permanent certificate in hand.

Step 7: Wait for Your Copy to Arrive

After you submit your request and payment, the waiting begins. How long it takes depends on several things:

The Aircraft Registration Branch processes documents in the order they receive them. During busy times, it might take longer. During slow periods, it goes faster. You can check the current processing dates on the FAA website. As of now, they're processing documents received in mid-November 2025. That gives you an idea of how backed up they are.

Mail delivery adds time too. Budget about 6-8 weeks from the day you mail your request until you get your certificate. Electronic submissions through CARES usually go faster because the FAA receives them instantly. There's no mail delay on either end.

Want to check if the FAA received your request? Use the Document Index search on the Aircraft Inquiry page. Go to the FAA aircraft registration website, look for "Search Aircraft Registration Information," and check the Document Index. You can see when your documents arrived and where they are in the processing queue.

You can also call the Aircraft Registration Branch at 1-866-762-9434. Have your N-number ready. The staff can look up your request and tell you its status. They're helpful and used to answering these questions.

If you need your certificate faster, you have options:

• FedEx overnight delivery: Include your FedEx account number on a separate sheet of paper. Add the delivery address and a phone number for the label. The FAA will ship your certificate overnight. Or you can send a prepaid FedEx shipping label with your request.
• Electronic delivery: The FAA now sends some certificates by email. Ask about this option when you submit your request.

Most people just use regular mail. It's free and it works fine if you're not in a rush. But if you absolutely need that certificate tomorrow, overnight delivery is worth the extra cost.

Step 8: What to Do When You Get Your Copy

Your envelope arrives from Oklahoma City. Open it carefully. Inside you'll find your new aircraft registration certificate. Now what?

First, check that all the information is correct:

• Is your name spelled right?
• Is your address accurate?
• Does the N-number match your plane?
• Are the make, model, and serial number correct?
• Is the expiration date seven years from the issue date?

If anything is wrong, contact the Aircraft Registration Branch right away. Don't wait. They can fix mistakes, but you need to tell them as soon as you spot the problem. Small errors can cause big headaches later.

If everything looks good, put the certificate in your aircraft immediately. Don't leave it sitting on your desk. Don't keep it in your flight bag at home. It goes in the plane. Many pilots keep it in a plastic sleeve or document holder to protect it from damage. Some tape it inside a logbook. Others put it in a special pocket in the aircraft. Pick a spot where it's safe but easy to find if an inspector asks to see it.

Make copies of your new certificate. Keep one at home. Put one in your flight bag. Give one to your mechanic or maintenance shop. Having backup copies won't let you fly legally (you need the original in the plane), but they're handy for other purposes. You might need a copy to prove ownership when buying insurance or hangar space.

Update your records. If you changed your address as part of getting the replacement, make sure your insurance company knows. Tell your mechanic. Update your flying club or aircraft partnership paperwork. Keep everything consistent.

Mark your calendar with the expiration date. Set a reminder for six months before it expires. That gives you plenty of time to start the registration renewal process without any last-minute stress. The FAA will send you a reminder, but don't count on it. Technology fails. Mail gets lost. Take responsibility for tracking your own expiration date.

Quick Option: Looking Up Information Online for Free

Not everyone needs a physical copy of their aircraft registration. Sometimes you just need to check basic information about a plane. Maybe you're thinking about buying an aircraft and want to see who owns it. Perhaps you're curious about a plane you saw at the airport. Or maybe you just want to verify that your registration is still active and current.

The Federal Aviation Administration offers a free online tool that lets anyone look up registered aircraft information. It's called the Aircraft Registration Inquiry system. You don't need an account. You don't need to pay anything. Just go to the website and start searching.

Here's what you can do with the free system:

Visit https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/ in your web browser. You'll see a simple search box asking for an N-number. Type in the registration number of any FAA aircraft. Don't include the letter "N" when you type. Just enter the numbers and letters that come after it. For example, if the plane's registration is N12345, just type 12345.

Click search and wait a few seconds. The system will show you:

• Current registration status (is it active, expired, pending, or cancelled?)
• Aircraft make, model, and serial number
• Registered owner's name (unless they've requested privacy)
• Registration address (unless they've requested privacy)
• Certificate issue date and expiration date
• Aircraft type and engine type
• Certification category (normal, utility, acrobatic, experimental, etc.)

The database updates every night at midnight. That means information is current as of the previous business day. If someone just registered a plane yesterday afternoon, it might not show up until tomorrow. But for checking general information, the system works great.

This free lookup tool helps in many situations:

Before buying a plane, search the N-number to see who currently owns it. Make sure the seller's name matches the registration. If it doesn't match, ask questions. There might be a legitimate reason (like a recent sale or ownership through a trust), but you want to know before you hand over money.

After submitting paperwork, check to see if the FAA has processed your new registration or renewal. If the database shows your new information, you know the FAA received and processed your documents. If it still shows old information, your paperwork might be stuck somewhere in the system.

For general research, look up any plane you're curious about. Aviation enthusiasts use this tool to learn about aircraft they see at airshows or fly-ins. Photographers use it to identify planes they've photographed. Airport workers use it to verify aircraft ownership.

To verify expiration dates, check when your certificate expires so you know when to start the renewal process. Don't wait until the last minute. Check a few months in advance and mark your calendar.

The system works for all registered aircraft in the United States. That includes:

• Airplanes
• Helicopters
• Gliders
• Balloons
• Airships
• Drones and unmanned aircraft

You can search by N-number, serial number, or owner name. The N-number search is fastest and most reliable. Serial number and name searches work too, but they're slower and might return multiple results if the information isn't unique.

Privacy note: As of March 2025, aircraft owners can request that their personal information be hidden from public view. If an owner has opted for privacy, you'll still see the aircraft information (make, model, serial number, registration status), but you won't see the owner's name, address, phone number, or email. The N-number and basic aircraft details remain public, but personal information gets blocked.

This privacy option came from the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. Congress required the FAA to create a system that lets private aircraft owners protect their information from stalkers, identity thieves, and people using aircraft data for purposes it wasn't intended for. If you want privacy for your own aircraft, you can request it through the CARES system.

The free lookup tool doesn't replace official documents. You can't print the results and carry them in your plane as proof of registration. You still need the actual aircraft registration certificate inside your aircraft. The online information is just for reference and research. It's not legally valid for operating the aircraft.

But for quick checks and basic information, the free tool is perfect. Bookmark the website so you can find it easily next time you need it. Many pilots keep it in their favorites list right next to weather sites and flight planning tools. It's one of the most useful free resources the FAA provides to the aviation community.

Conclusion

Getting a copy of your aircraft registration doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. You now know the difference between replacement certificates and complete aircraft records. You understand the steps for submitting your request, whether you choose the online CARES system, email, mail, or in-person visit. You know about temporary certificates if you need to fly right away. And you've learned about the free online lookup tool for checking basic information.

The key is knowing what you need and following the right process. Most requests only take a few minutes to submit once you have your aircraft information ready. The FAA has made the system much more user-friendly in recent years. Take advantage of the online options if you can. They're faster and easier than old-school paper forms.

Keep your certificate safe once you get it. Protect it from damage. Check the expiration date and set reminders. Make backup copies for your records. And remember that temporary certificates are available if you're in a bind and need to fly before your replacement arrives.

Ready to take the next step in your aircraft ownership journey? Visit Flying411 for more helpful guides, tips, and resources about buying, selling, and maintaining aircraft. Our community of pilots and aircraft owners is here to help you navigate every aspect of aviation ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement aircraft registration certificate?

Processing times vary depending on how busy the Aircraft Registration Branch is. Typically, you should budget 6-8 weeks from the time you submit your request until the certificate arrives by mail. Electronic submissions through the CARES system may process faster since there's no mail delay. You can check current processing dates on the FAA website. If you need to fly sooner, request a temporary certificate by fax or email, which the FAA can issue the same day.

Can I fly my plane while waiting for a replacement registration certificate?

Yes, but only if you have a temporary certificate. The FAA will issue a temporary certificate by fax or email if you request one. This temporary document is valid until your permanent replacement arrives. Without either the original certificate or a valid temporary certificate in the aircraft, you cannot legally fly. The plane is considered unairworthy without proper registration documentation on board. Always request a temporary certificate if you need to fly before your replacement arrives.

What happens if my aircraft registration expires?

An expired registration makes your aircraft unairworthy, which means you cannot legally fly it. Your airworthiness certificate becomes ineffective when registration expires. You must complete the renewal process before flying again. Aircraft registrations are valid for seven years. The FAA sends renewal notices six months before expiration. You can renew online through CARES or by mailing form AC 8050-1B with a $5 fee. Start the renewal process early to avoid gaps in your registration status.

How do I change the address on my aircraft registration?

You must notify the Aircraft Registration Branch within 30 days of any address change, as required by Federal Aviation Regulation 47.45. You can submit an address change through the CARES system, by email to 9-avs-ar-electronic-submittals@faa.gov, or by mail. The FAA will issue a new certificate with your updated address at no charge. Update your airman certificate address separately through the Airmen Certification Branch. Keep your insurance company and maintenance providers informed of address changes too.

Are aircraft registration records public information?

Most aircraft registration information has traditionally been public, including owner names and addresses. However, as of March 2025, private aircraft owners can request that their personal information (name, address, phone number, email) be withheld from public view on FAA websites. You submit this request through the CARES system. The aircraft's N-number, make, model, and registration status remain public, but personal owner details get blocked. This privacy option helps protect owners from stalking, identity theft, and misuse of registration data.