How to Transfer Aircraft Title Using an Aircraft Bill of Sale

You just bought your first airplane. The keys are in your hand. You're ready to fly. But wait—can you actually take off? Not yet. You need to transfer the aircraft title first, and that means filling out an aircraft bill of sale.

Here's something interesting: the FAA keeps records on more than 357,000 registered aircraft, but experts say about one-third of these records have mistakes or missing information. That means plenty of people are making errors when they buy or sell planes. You don't want to be one of them.

Transferring aircraft title using an aircraft bill of sale sounds complicated, but it's actually pretty simple once you know the steps. You fill out a form, sign some papers, and send them to the right place. The tricky part is getting all the details correct. One small mistake can ground your plane for weeks or even months.

This article goes through exactly what you need to do so you can get in the air as quickly as possible.

Key Takeaways

When you transfer aircraft title using an aircraft bill of sale, the seller fills out FAA Form 8050-2 in duplicate and gives both copies to the buyer. The buyer then sends one copy to the FAA along with a completed registration application (Form 8050-1) and a $5 fee. The buyer can fly the plane immediately using a copy of the application as temporary authority while waiting 3-4 weeks for the permanent registration to arrive in the mail.

Why Aircraft Sales Are Different From Buying a Car

When you buy a car, the seller hands you a physical title document. It's usually a piece of paper with the car's information and the owner's name printed on it. You both sign it, and boom—you own the car. Simple.

Airplanes work completely differently. There's no physical title that changes hands. Instead, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) keeps track of who owns every plane in the United States. Think of it like a giant address book in Oklahoma City where the government writes down the name of every person who owns a plane.

Here's what makes airplane sales unique:

• No title document exists. The closest thing is your aircraft registration certificate, but that's not actually a title. It's just proof that you registered the plane with the FAA.
• The government must approve the transfer. You can't just hand over keys and call it done. The FAA has to process your paperwork and say yes before the transfer is official.
• Records matter more than anything. With cars, you mostly care about the odometer. With planes, you need complete logbooks showing every repair, every inspection, and every flight hour. Missing logbooks can make a plane nearly worthless.
• You need special forms. The bill of sale for an aircraft isn't something you write yourself on a napkin. You must use official FAA forms or the exact format they require.

The whole system exists because flying is serious business. The government wants to know who owns every plane in case something goes wrong. They also want to make sure stolen planes don't end up in the sky. And they need accurate records to contact owners about safety issues.

When you're selling an aircraft, you're not just passing along a vehicle. You're officially transferring federal registration from one person to another. That's why the process involves more steps than buying a car from your neighbor.

What Happens If You Skip the Paperwork

Let's say you buy a plane and shake hands with the seller. You give them cash. They give you the keys. You skip the FAA paperwork because it seems like too much hassle. What could go wrong?

Everything.

First, you can't legally fly the plane. Federal law says you must have a valid aircraft registration to operate any aircraft in U.S. airspace. If you get caught flying without proper registration, you could face serious penalties. We're talking about possible fines and even suspension of your pilot certificate for 30 to 90 days.

But the problems go way deeper than just breaking rules:

You might not actually own the plane. Without a proper bill of sale filed with the FAA, you have no legal proof of ownership. If someone else claims they own the plane, you could lose both the aircraft and your money. Scammers have literally sold the same plane to multiple people.

Banks could take your plane. Maybe the previous owner had a loan against the airplane. If they didn't pay it off, the bank has a legal claim on that plane—even though you paid for it. Without a proper title search, you wouldn't know about this problem until someone shows up to repossess your aircraft.

Insurance won't cover you. Try calling an insurance company and saying you own a plane but haven't registered it yet. They'll hang up. No valid registration means no coverage. If you crash, you're paying for everything yourself.

You can't sell it later. When you eventually want to sell, the next buyer will do their homework. They'll discover the registration was never properly transferred to you. Now you have to fix years of missing paperwork before anyone will buy your plane.

Safety recalls might miss you. The FAA issues safety directives when they find problems with certain aircraft models. If your plane isn't properly registered in your name, you won't get these notices. You could be flying with a dangerous defect and not even know it.

The registered owner on file with the FAA is the only person who legally owns the plane. If that's not you, then on paper, you're just borrowing someone else's aircraft without permission. The few hours it takes to complete the sale properly can save you from months or years of legal headaches.

The Two Most Important Forms You Need to Know

You only need to remember two forms to transfer an aircraft. Both come from the FAA, and both are easier to fill out than your tax return. Let's break them down.

FAA Form 8050-2: The Aircraft Bill of Sale

This is the document that actually transfers ownership. Think of FAA Form 8050-2 (also called AC Form 8050-2) as the handshake that makes the deal official. The seller fills this out to say "I'm giving this plane to the buyer."

Here's what you need to know about it:

• You need two original copies. Not photocopies—two actual forms with real signatures in ink. Both copies go to the buyer. The buyer keeps one and sends one to the government.
• Every blank must be filled in. The form asks for the plane's registration number (the N-number painted on the tail), the make and model, the serial number, and the price paid. Leave nothing blank.
• Names must match exactly. If the seller's name on the current registration says "William Smith" then the bill of sale must say "William Smith"—not "Bill Smith" or "Will Smith." Even tiny differences will cause problems.
• Digital signatures work. You can sign electronically if you use an approved digital signature. But most people still sign with a pen because it's simpler.

You can download this form free from the FAA website. It's one page. No tricks, no confusing legal language. Just fill in the blanks and sign.

Form 8050-1: The Aircraft Registration Application

This is the form the buyer fills out to register the plane in their name. Form 8050-1 tells the government "I'm the new owner, please put my name in your records."

Key points about this form:

• The buyer's name must match the bill of sale exactly. If the AC Form 8050-2 says you're "Jane Doe" then this form must also say "Jane Doe"—not "J. Doe" or "Jane M. Doe."
• You need a physical address. A P.O. Box isn't enough. The FAA wants to know where the plane is actually kept.
• A copy becomes your temporary registration. When you finish this form, make a photocopy before you mail it. Put that copy in the airplane. This copy lets you fly legally while you wait for your permanent aircraft registration certificate to arrive.
• It comes with a $5 fee. That's not a typo. Registering an airplane with the federal government costs five bucks.

Both forms go to the same place: the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City. They have a whole building dedicated to processing these forms. Once they approve your paperwork, they'll mail you a permanent Certificate of Aircraft Registration. That certificate proves you're the legal owner.

One more thing to remember: the airworthiness certificate stays with the plane. This pink or blue certificate shows the aircraft is safe to fly. It doesn't transfer on paper—it just stays in the plane when ownership changes. But the new owner needs to make sure it's still valid. An expired airworthiness certificate means you can't legally fly, even if you have perfect registration paperwork.

These two forms—8050-2 and 8050-1—are the foundation of every aviation sale in America. Get them right, and the transfer goes smoothly. Mess them up, and your plane sits on the ground while you sort out the mistakes.

How to Transfer Aircraft Title Using an Aircraft Bill of Sale

Now let's get into the actual process. We'll walk through every step from start to finish so you know exactly what to do.

Before the Sale: Getting Ready

Before anyone signs anything, both the buyer and seller need to prepare. This isn't like buying something on Craigslist where you show up with cash and drive away. Aircraft sales take planning.

What the seller should do:

• Gather all the plane's paperwork. You need the maintenance logbooks, the current aircraft registration certificate, and the airworthiness certificate. If you can't find the logbooks, that's a major problem. Those books are basically the plane's medical records.
• Download FAA Form 8050-2 from the government website. Print two copies. You'll fill these out on sale day, but have them ready.
• Make sure you're actually the registered owner. Check the FAA registry online to confirm your name matches what's on file. If it doesn't match, you need to fix that before you can sell.

What the buyer should do:

• Get a pre-purchase inspection. Hire a mechanic who knows this type of plane to look it over. This inspection can save you from buying a flying money pit.
• Download Form 8050-1 from the FAA website. Print at least two copies—one to send and one for your records.
• Arrange payment. Most sellers want a wire transfer or cashier's check. Personal checks make people nervous when tens of thousands of dollars are involved. Some people use escrow services (more on that later).
• Call your insurance company. You need coverage before you fly the plane home. Don't wait until after you buy it.

On Sale Day: What the Seller Must Do

The big day arrives. The money changes hands. Now the paperwork dance begins.

Step 1: Fill out the bill of sale (two copies)

Sit down with the buyer and complete both copies of FAA Form 8050-2. Every piece of information must be identical on both forms. Here's what you're filling in:

• The aircraft make, model, and serial number
• The registration number (N-number)
• The date of sale
• The sale price
• Your name and address as the seller
• The buyer's name and address

Use a typewriter or print neatly. The FAA has to read this, and messy handwriting causes delays.

Step 2: Sign both copies

Sign your name in ink. If you own the plane with someone else (like a spouse), both of you must sign. Make sure your printed name appears next to your signature. The FAA wants to see both.

Step 3: Give both originals to the buyer

Both copies go to the buyer. They'll send one to the government and keep one for their records. You should make a photocopy for yourself before handing them over.

Step 4: Remove the old registration from the airplane

Go to the plane and take out the Certificate of Aircraft Registration (the hard card that's been sitting in the plane). Don't throw this away. You need it for the next step.

Step 5: Complete the back of the registration card

Flip the registration certificate over. There's a section on the back for reporting a sale. Fill it out with the buyer's name, address, and the date of sale. Sign it.

Step 6: Mail it to the FAA within 21 days

Put the completed registration certificate in an envelope and mail it to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City. Federal rules say you must do this within 21 days. Don't skip this step—it protects you from liability if something happens with the plane after you sell it.

On Sale Day: What the Buyer Must Do

You just became a plane owner. Congratulations. Now it's your turn to do paperwork.

Step 1: Receive both copies of the bill of sale

The seller should hand you two original, signed copies of the bill of sale. Check that all the information is correct before the seller leaves. Mistakes are much harder to fix later.

Step 2: Fill out Form 8050-1

Time to complete your aircraft registration application. This form has several sections:

• Aircraft information: Write the N-number, make, model, and serial number. Copy this exactly from the bill of sale.
• Owner information: Write your full legal name. If you're registering as a company, put the company's exact legal name. Your address goes here too—and remember, you need a physical address, not just a P.O. Box.
• Citizenship declaration: Check the box that describes you. Most people check "a citizen of the United States."
• Signature: Sign at the bottom and print your name next to your signature.

Step 3: Make a copy to keep in the airplane

Before you mail anything, make a photocopy of the completed Form 8050-1. This copy is gold. It lets you fly the plane legally while you wait for your permanent registration. Put this copy in the aircraft right away.

Step 4: Prepare your mailing package

You're going to mail three things to Oklahoma City:

1. One original signed bill of sale (AC Form 8050-2)
2. Your completed aircraft registration application (Form 8050-1)
3. A check or money order for $5 (yes, really just $5)

The address is: FAA Aircraft Registration Branch, P.O. Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504

Some people send this by certified mail so they can track it. That's a smart move when you're sending important documents.

After the Sale: What Happens Next

You've mailed your paperwork. Now you wait. Here's what happens behind the scenes:

The FAA receives your envelope and opens it. Someone at the registry checks that all your forms are filled out correctly. They verify the plane's serial number matches their database. They confirm the chain of ownership is complete (more on that in a minute).

If everything looks good, they process your application. This means they enter your name into the federal aircraft database as the new registered owner. Then they print your Certificate of Aircraft Registration and mail it to the address you provided.

How long does this take? Under normal circumstances, about 3 to 4 weeks. But during busy times (especially in October through December when people rush to complete the sale before year-end for tax reasons), it can take much longer. We're talking potentially 6 months during really busy periods.

The good news: you don't have to wait to fly. That copy of Form 8050-1 you put in the plane works as temporary authority to operate the aircraft. You can fly anywhere in the United States for up to 90 days while waiting for your permanent certificate.

One important limit: you can only fly within the United States on temporary authority. Want to fly to Canada or Mexico? You need your permanent registration card first.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Registration

Even a tiny error can send your paperwork back to you and add weeks to the process. Let's look at the most common mistakes so you can avoid them.

Names That Don't Match

This is the number one reason the FAA rejects applications. The seller's name on the bill of sale must exactly match the name on the current registration. The buyer's name on the bill of sale must exactly match the name on Form 8050-1.

What causes problems:

• Using nicknames (William vs. Bill)
• Adding or removing middle initials
• Forgetting Jr. or Sr. suffixes
• Spelling errors
• Using a business name without showing the actual owner's names

If you're married and own the plane together, both names must appear on all forms. If you're buying as a company or LLC, use the exact legal name from your incorporation papers.

Missing Signatures or Information

The FAA won't guess what you meant to write. Every blank on the form must be filled in. Common problems:

• Signing but forgetting to print your name next to the signature
• Leaving the address incomplete (no apartment number, missing ZIP code)
• Not putting the date
• Forgetting to include the $5 fee
• Using white-out or correction tape on Form 8050-1 (the registration application must be perfect with no marks)

Fun fact: you can make corrections on the bill of sale with white-out or cross-outs. But the registration application must be clean. If you mess up Form 8050-1, print a new one and start over.

Forgetting About Previous Owners

Here's something that confuses people: you must show the complete chain of ownership from the last registered owner to you. Think of it like a family tree for the airplane.

Let's say the FAA records show John owned the plane in 2020. Then John sold it to Mary in 2022. Now Mary is selling an aircraft to you in 2025. The problem? Mary never registered the plane in her name.

You can't just submit your bill of sale from Mary. You also need Mary's bill of sale from John. You have to show every transfer from the last person on file with the government (John) all the way to you.

This gets messy fast if people didn't do their paperwork properly. Sometimes you have to track down old owners and get them to sign forms years after the fact. Always check the FAA registry online before you buy to make sure the seller's name matches the official records.

Using the Wrong Form Version

The FAA updates forms occasionally. If you download an old version of FAA Form 8050-2 or Form 8050-1 from a random website, the government might reject it. Always get forms directly from the official FAA website to make sure you have the current version.

Should You Use an Escrow Company?

You can handle the paperwork yourself, but many people hire help. Aircraft escrow companies specialize in managing plane sales from start to finish.

What an Escrow Company Does

An escrow company acts as the middle person in the sale. Here's how it works:

1. They hold your money safely. Instead of giving cash directly to the seller, you send it to the escrow company. They keep it in a special protected account.
2. They check that the seller really owns the plane. The company searches the FAA records to verify ownership. They also check for loans or liens against the aircraft. If someone has a claim on the plane, the escrow company finds out before you pay.
3. They make sure paperwork is correct. These companies fill out forms all day, every day. They know exactly what the FAA wants to see. They'll catch mistakes before you mail anything.
4. They file everything with the FAA for you. Most escrow companies have offices in Oklahoma City near the FAA building. They can hand-deliver your documents, which speeds up processing.
5. They release money only when everything is complete. The seller doesn't get paid until the escrow company confirms the plane is legally yours.

When It Makes Sense to Use One

Not every sale needs escrow. If you're buying a small plane from your flight instructor for $20,000 and you know them well, you can probably handle it yourself. But consider professional help if:

• You're spending serious money. Once you're into six figures, the cost of escrow (usually a few hundred dollars) is worth the protection.
• You don't know the seller personally. Scams happen. People have sold planes they don't own, planes with hidden damage, even stolen planes. An escrow company catches these problems.
• The plane has a complex ownership history. Multiple previous owners, corporate ownership, or incomplete records make transfers tricky. Let the experts handle it.
• You're getting a loan. Most lenders require escrow services. They want an independent party to verify the plane's title is clear before they lend you money.
• You want speed. Hand-delivering documents to the FAA can cut processing time from weeks to days. Escrow companies do this as part of their service.

Most aviation escrow companies charge based on the plane's value. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more. Some give discounts if you're a member of groups like AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association).

Special Rules You Should Know

A few situations require extra attention. Here's what to watch for.

The Temporary Registration Rules

Remember that copy of Form 8050-1 you put in the plane? That's your temporary registration. It's valid for up to 90 days after the FAA receives your paperwork. In some cases, it can extend to 12 months, but don't count on that.

Important limitations:

• U.S. only. You can fly anywhere in the United States, but you cannot cross into Canada, Mexico, or any other country. International flights require your permanent Certificate of Aircraft Registration.
• Must be airworthy. Your temporary registration doesn't excuse you from other rules. The aircraft still needs a valid airworthiness certificate, current annual inspection, and proper maintenance entries in the logbook.
• Carry it with you. Keep the copy in the airplane at all times. If you get ramp checked (when an inspector asks to see your documents), you need to produce it.

What to Do About Insurance

Here's something that surprises people: the seller's insurance usually ends the moment they sign the bill of sale. That means if you fly the plane home and crash on the way, you might not be covered.

Call your insurance company before sale day. Tell them exactly when you're picking up the aircraft. Get your coverage to start at that exact moment. Some insurance companies can activate policies instantly over the phone.

Also ask about this: some seller's insurance policies continue for 30 days after a sale. But don't assume. Always check. The few minutes on the phone can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If You're Buying as a Business or LLC

Individual owners have it easy. Company ownership adds paperwork. If you're registering the airplane under an LLC or corporation, you need an extra form called an LLC Statement in Support of Registration.

This form tells the FAA who runs the company and who has authority to sign documents. You must describe whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. You must list who can sign paperwork on behalf of the company.

Why does this matter? Because whoever signs the bill of sale and registration application must have legal authority to do so. If Bob signs the forms but the LLC Statement says only Alice can sign, the FAA will reject your application.

For companies, you also need to prove U.S. citizenship requirements. The company must be organized under U.S. law, and certain percentages of ownership and management must be U.S. citizens.

Quick Checklist: Everything You Need for a Smooth Transfer

Let's put it all together in a simple checklist you can follow.

For Sellers

Before sale day:

• Download and print two copies of FAA Form 8050-2 (bill of sale)
• Gather all logbooks and maintenance records
• Find the airworthiness certificate
• Verify your name matches the FAA registry online

On sale day:

• Fill out both copies of the bill of sale with buyer
• Sign both copies in ink
• Print your name next to your signature
• Give both originals to the buyer
• Make a photocopy for your records
• Remove the old aircraft registration certificate from the plane
• Fill out the back of the registration certificate
• Give all logbooks to the buyer

After the sale:

• Mail the old registration certificate to FAA in Oklahoma City within 21 days
• Call your insurance company to cancel coverage on this aircraft
• Keep copies of all documents for your tax records

For Buyers

Before sale day:

• Arrange pre-purchase inspection
• Download and print two copies of Form 8050-1 (registration application)
• Set up wire transfer or get cashier's check for payment
• Call insurance company to arrange coverage
• Do a title search (or hire escrow company to do it)

On sale day:

• Receive both original copies of the bill of sale
• Verify all information on bill of sale is correct
• Fill out Form 8050-1 completely
• Make a photocopy of completed Form 8050-1
• Put the photocopy in the airplane (this is your temporary registration)
• Receive all logbooks and the airworthiness certificate
• Make sure insurance coverage is active

After the sale:

• Mail one bill of sale + registration application + $5 fee to FAA in Oklahoma City
• Keep one copy of the bill of sale for your records
• Keep tracking number if you send by certified mail
• Wait 3-4 weeks for permanent Certificate of Aircraft Registration
• Fly only in the United States until permanent certificate arrives

This checklist covers 95% of aviation sales. Print it out and keep it with your documents. Check off each item as you complete the sale.

Conclusion

Transferring aircraft title using an aircraft bill of sale is simpler than most people think. You fill out two forms, mail them to the FAA with a $5 bill, and wait a few weeks. The key is getting every detail right the first time.

Remember the big points: seller fills out FAA Form 8050-2 in duplicate, buyer completes Form 8050-1, and both forms go to Oklahoma City. Keep a copy of the registration application in your plane as temporary authority to fly. Make sure names match exactly. Don't skip the paperwork.

The whole process protects everyone involved. The seller proves they transferred ownership. The buyer gets legal proof they own the aircraft. And the government keeps accurate records of who owns every plane in U.S. airspace.

Most sales go smoothly when people follow the steps. Take your time. Double-check everything. And if you're spending big money or the situation feels complicated, hire an escrow company to help.

You worked hard to buy your airplane. Don't let simple paperwork mistakes keep you on the ground.

Ready to list your aircraft for sale? Contact Flying411 today for expert guidance through every step of the selling process. Our team knows exactly how to handle the paperwork so you can focus on finding the right buyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly an aircraft immediately after buying it?

Yes, but only with the right paperwork. You need a copy of your completed Form 8050-1 in the airplane to serve as temporary registration. This copy lets you fly legally within the United States for up to 90 days while waiting for your permanent certificate. Make sure you also have insurance coverage starting the moment you take possession. Without these two things—the temporary registration copy and active insurance—you should not fly the plane home.

What happens if I lose the bill of sale after the purchase?

If you lose your copy of the bill of sale, don't panic. The FAA keeps a record of every document filed with them. You can request a copy of any recorded document from the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch for a small fee. However, this takes time to process. That's why we always recommend making multiple copies of important documents immediately after the sale. Keep one copy in a safe place at home, and maybe scan another copy to store digitally.

Do I need a lawyer to transfer aircraft ownership?

Most simple aircraft sales don't require a lawyer. If you're buying a plane from an individual seller and the ownership history is straightforward, you can handle the paperwork yourself using the official FAA forms. However, consider hiring an aviation attorney if the plane has complex ownership (like corporate ownership or trusts), if there are liens to clear, or if you're spending a significant amount of money and want extra protection. Lawyers cost more than escrow services but provide legal advice that escrow agents cannot.

Can I register an aircraft if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your status. If you're a permanent resident with a green card, yes—you can register an aircraft in your name. You'll need to provide your alien registration number on Form 8050-1. If you're not a U.S. citizen and not a permanent resident, you cannot directly register a plane. However, you can use something called a non-citizen trust, where a U.S. trustee holds the registration while you control and use the airplane. This arrangement is complex and definitely requires professional help from an aviation lawyer.

What should I do if the FAA rejects my registration application?

First, don't worry—it's fixable. The FAA will send you a letter explaining exactly what's wrong. Common issues include name mismatches, missing information, or problems with the chain of ownership. Read their letter carefully and fix the specific problems they mention. You'll need to submit corrected forms to restart the process. Your temporary authority to fly remains valid while you fix the issues, but don't delay—you want your permanent registration before the 90-day temporary period expires. If you're confused about what the FAA wants, call their Aircraft Registration Branch directly at (866) 762-9434 for help.