How do I register a purchased aircraft?

Complete the standard registration form, attach a bill of sale showing seller and buyer, include the owner’s government ID or corporate documents, sign the form, and submit to the federal registry per their instructions.

Can the form be signed electronically?

Electronic signatures meet federal validity standards under the ESIGN Act and UETA when intent, consent, signer attribution, and record retention are satisfied. Confirm the receiving agency accepts e-submissions for your transaction type.

Who must sign for a corporate owner?

An authorized corporate officer or agent should sign and print their title. Provide a corporate resolution or evidence of authority if requested by the registry or a title insurer.

What supporting documents are required?

Commonly required items include a notarized bill of sale or equivalent transfer instrument, prior registration data, lien releases if applicable, and identity or formation documents for the owner.

How long does processing typically take?

Processing time varies with completeness of submission and registry workload; allow sufficient lead time for verification and potential requests for additional documentation.

What if the registry asks for more information?

Respond promptly with the requested documents, corrected data, or proof of authority. Timely response reduces the risk of rejection or extended delays in certificate issuance.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Aircraft Registration Application

Aircraft Registration Application

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AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION APPLICATION

Registrant Information

Applicant / Registrant Name Mailing Address

Phone

Email

Entity Type: Individual Partnership Corporation LLC

Owner / Additional Owner (if different)

Owner Name Owner Mailing Address

Owner Phone

Owner Email

Aircraft Identification

N-Number Requested: Manufacturer:

Model: Serial Number:

Year of Manufacture: Category (e.g. Normal, Transport):

Type (Airplane/Rotorcraft/Glider/etc.): Country of Manufacture:

Powerplant & Weights

Engine Make/Model: Number of Engines:

Propeller Make/Model:

Empty Weight (lbs): Maximum Gross Weight (lbs):

Acquisition & Title

Date of Sale/Transfer: Seller Name:

Purchase Price: $ Previous Registration Number (if any):

Lien / Encumbrance

Is there a lien or security interest?

Yes No

If yes, Lienholder Name and Address Amount Secured

Documents Submitted (check all that apply)

Bill of Sale / Proof of Ownership
Previous Registration Certificate
Export Certificate (if applicable)
Statement of Ownership / Affidavit

Certification by Applicant

I hereby certify that I am the owner or authorized agent of the owner of the aircraft described above and that the statements made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that all required documents are attached and that I understand that knowingly making a false statement in this application may subject me to penalties under applicable law.

Printed Name of Person Certifying Title / Relationship to Owner

Registration Services Agreement (If engaging agent)

WHEREAS, Registrant: desires to register the aircraft described above; and

WHEREAS, Agent: is willing to perform registration services on the terms set forth herein.

WHEREAS, the parties agree that Agent will prepare, submit, and follow up on the registration application and related filings as set forth in this Agreement.

Scope of Work

Payment Terms

Fee for Services: $ Payment Schedule:

Late Fee: for payments more than days overdue.

Term and Termination

Term Commencement: Term Termination:

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon days' written notice to the other party. Termination shall not relieve Registrant of obligation to pay for services already performed.

Confidentiality

Each party shall maintain the confidentiality of non-public information disclosed in connection with this application. Confidential information shall not be disclosed except: (a) with prior written consent, (b) as required by law, or (c) to the party's professional advisors bound by confidentiality. The obligations survive termination for a period of two years.

Governing Law

This Agreement and the Applicant's registration obligations shall be governed by the laws of the State of without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

Entire Agreement

This document, together with any attachments or exhibits signed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements, whether written or oral.

Agent Authorization

Registrant hereby authorizes Agent to prepare and submit this registration application and to receive and transmit documents relating to the registration on behalf of the Registrant. Agent shall act only within the scope of authority expressly provided in this application or in a separate power of attorney.

Authorization Granted?

Yes No

Additional Remarks / Notes

Acknowledgment

By signing below the parties acknowledge that they have read and understand this Application and any attached Registration Services Agreement, that the information provided is true and accurate, and that they are authorized to execute this form.

Registrant (Print Name):

By:

Date:

Agent / Registrar (Print Name):

By:

Date:

What the Aircraft Registration Application Is and who it serves

The Aircraft Registration Application is the formal U.S. filing used to record legal ownership and contact data for civil aircraft with the federal registry. It captures owner identity, mailing address, aircraft make/model, manufacturer serial number, and the chain-of-title document reference. For many transactions—sale, lien recording, export, or change of ownership—an accurate registration with supporting documentation establishes priority, enables transfer of title, and allows issuance or update of the FAA registration certificate.

Why accurate registration matters for title and operations

Properly completed aircraft registration protects ownership rights, supports financing or sale, and ensures the aircraft appears on federal records used by operators and authorities. Accurate registration helps avoid title disputes, supports escrow and lienholder interests, and is essential for legal operation and resale.

Who typically completes or relies on this application

Agents, escrow services, and regulatory compliance teams also use the application to maintain accurate owner records and meet federal requirements.

Aircraft owners and buyers completing ownership transfers or initial registrations.
Financiers and lienholders verifying recorded security interests for financing or refinancing.
Title agents and aviation attorneys preparing chain-of-title documentation for closings.

Step-by-step: completing the application

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a clean Aircraft Registration Application for federal filing.

01

Gather Documents: Collect bill of sale, title history, and government ID.
02

Complete Form: Enter owner, aircraft, and contact details accurately.
03

Sign and Verify: Signer confirms authority and signs with date.
04

Submit to Registry: Send package to the FAA Registry or e-file per instructions.

Where the application goes and what happens next

This outlines the typical routing and processing path after submission to the federal registry or a designated agent.

Submission: File by mail or approved electronic channel to the FAA Registry.
Initial Review: Registry staff checks completeness and supporting documents.
Decision: Registry issues or updates the aircraft registration record.
Certificate Issuance: FAA mails or transmits the updated registration certificate.

Configuring an online workflow for the application

Set up a reproducible online workflow to collect owner data, attach supporting documents, and track signatures.

Field	Configuration
Owner Name Field	Required text field with validation rules
N-Number Field	Fixed-format field accepting 'N' + up to 5 alphanumerics
Document Upload	Required attachment field for bill of sale and IDs
Signature & Date	Signer field with date auto-fill and audit trail

Digital submission and authentication considerations

Ensure the chosen platform supports encrypted storage and exportable audit records to satisfy verification and title review needs.

Accepted Formats: PDF or scanned image files
Signer Authentication: Email plus SMS or knowledge-based options
Audit Trail: Timestamps, IP, and action logs

Consequences of incomplete or incorrect applications

Registration Rejection: Submission returned for corrections

Title Uncertainty: Financing or sale may be delayed

Lien Conflicts: Unrecorded interests create disputes

Operational Limits: Insurers may refuse coverage

Legal Exposure: Civil claims over ownership

Record Discrepancies: Difficulty proving prior ownership

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the form

Using an informal or shortened legal name instead of the exact name on government ID or corporate charter causes processing delays.
Failing to attach a complete bill of sale or chain-of-title documentation leads to registration rejection or requests for supplemental evidence.
Entering the wrong manufacturer serial number or N-number produces mismatches that stall registry verification and title searches.
Assuming state tax or local filing is unnecessary; some jurisdictions require separate tax reporting or registration when the aircraft is based there.

Timing and processing expectations to plan for

Understand when to submit and reasonable processing windows to avoid operational or title interruptions.

When to Submit:

File at time of ownership transfer or initial acquisition

Supporting Documents:

Attach bill of sale and ID with initial submission

Processing Time:

Allow time for registry review and possible follow-up

State Tax Filings:

Follow state deadlines where the aircraft is based

Record Updates:

Report address or name changes promptly

Essential information to include on the application

Owner Name: Full legal name

Mailing Address: Street, city, state, ZIP

N-Number: FAA registration identifier

Manufacturer SN: Airframe serial number

Bill of Sale: Date and parties named

Authorized Signer: Printed name and title

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Implement these practices to reduce back-and-forth with the registry and speed issuance of the registration certificate.

Use Verified Identification

Confirm the signer’s government-issued ID matches the name entered on the form; attach a legible copy to prevent identity-related rejections and speed processing.

Prepare Complete Chain of Title

Compile prior bills of sale, lien releases, and prior registration records before filing; missing chain-of-title documents are the most common cause of delays.

Validate Aircraft Data

Cross-check N-number, manufacturer, model, and serial against the aircraft data plate and maintenance logbook to avoid mismatches that require supplemental verification.

Standardize Workflow

Use a reusable digital template with required field checks and an audit trail so each filing uses the same validation steps and reduces human error.

Who may lawfully sign the application

Individual Owner

An individual owner signs in their legal name. If the owner is acting through an agent, attach a notarized power of attorney or evidence of authority to bind the owner.

Corporate Officer

A corporate signer must be an authorized officer or agent. Include printed title and, if requested, corporate resolution or formation documents proving authority.

Typical real-world application examples

Two concise scenarios illustrate common registration situations and their documentation needs.

Private Sale Example

Buyer acquires a piston single from a private seller and prepares an application with bill of sale and ID

Buyer includes a notarized bill of sale and current maintenance log
Outcome: registry updates ownership after verification; lender records a security interest prior to certificate issuance.

Corporate Transfer Example

A corporation transfers an aircraft between affiliate entities and uses corporate resolution to support the transfer

Corporate officer signs and attaches board minutes
Outcome: registry reflects new entity owner; finance department updates insurance and tax records.

eSignature vendor pricing and capability comparison for aircraft registration workflows

Cost and capability differences can affect whether an e-signature solution fits high-volume title workflows or occasional filings.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day free trial	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently asked questions about the Aircraft Registration Application

Answers to common questions about timing, signatures, supporting documents, and electronic submission.

Need help? Contact support

How do I register a purchased aircraft?
Complete the standard registration form, attach a bill of sale showing seller and buyer, include the owner’s government ID or corporate documents, sign the form, and submit to the federal registry per their instructions.
Can the form be signed electronically?
Electronic signatures meet federal validity standards under the ESIGN Act and UETA when intent, consent, signer attribution, and record retention are satisfied. Confirm the receiving agency accepts e-submissions for your transaction type.
Who must sign for a corporate owner?
An authorized corporate officer or agent should sign and print their title. Provide a corporate resolution or evidence of authority if requested by the registry or a title insurer.
What supporting documents are required?
Commonly required items include a notarized bill of sale or equivalent transfer instrument, prior registration data, lien releases if applicable, and identity or formation documents for the owner.
How long does processing typically take?
Processing time varies with completeness of submission and registry workload; allow sufficient lead time for verification and potential requests for additional documentation.
What if the registry asks for more information?
Respond promptly with the requested documents, corrected data, or proof of authority. Timely response reduces the risk of rejection or extended delays in certificate issuance.

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