Can I submit the form electronically?

Yes. AMEs commonly submit medical certificates electronically to the FAA. Ensure the platform produces an unalterable signed PDF and preserves an audit trail for verification.

What if I forget to list a medication?

Notify the AME immediately. Omitting medications can prompt reassessment and may require supplemental information or delay certification until clarification is received.

Does the form need notarization?

No notarization is generally required for FAA medical certification; the AME's signature and certificate number authenticate the medical examination.

How long does FAA special issuance take?

Processing time varies by condition and documentation complexity. Special-issuance reviews commonly take weeks; submit full medical records to expedite review.

Who keeps the original signed form?

The AME retains required medical records; applicants should keep a copy. Employers may request certified copies when verifying fitness for duty.

Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states; follow consumer-disclosure rules when applicable.

FAA Form 8500-8

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

What FAA Form 8500-8 Is and when it matters

The FAA Form 8500-8, Application for Airman Medical Certificate, is the official federal form used to document a pilot's medical history and examination results for issuance of FAA medical certificates. Completed by an applicant and the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), the form records personal identification, medical history, medications, examination findings, and the AME's certification. FAA medical certificates determine fitness to operate aircraft under Part 67 of the Federal Aviation Regulations; accurate completion is required for initial and recurrent medicals and for special issuance reviews.

Why accurate completion matters

Completing FAA Form 8500-8 accurately ensures an applicant's medical fitness is properly evaluated, reduces processing delays, and documents conditions that may require special issuance. Accurate records support safety and regulatory compliance under FAA medical standards.

Primary users and stakeholders

Primary users include airmen completing or renewing medical certificates, Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), and aviation employers.

Private and recreational pilots needing initial or recurrent medical certification.
Aviation Medical Examiners who complete, sign, and submit medical evaluations.
Air carriers, flight instructors, and flight schools verifying pilot medical status for operations.

Who typically fills and signs this form

Private Pilot

A private pilot applying for an initial or recurrent medical certificate. They must disclose full medical history, current medications, and prior diagnoses; errors or omissions can delay issuance or trigger special-issuance processes with the FAA.

Aviation Medical Examiner

An FAA-authorized AME who examines the applicant, documents findings, and signs the form. The AME certifies fitness or refers cases for special issuance review, and retains records per FAA guidance and applicable medical privacy laws.

Security, privacy, and compliance for handling the form

Encryption in transit: TLS 1.2/1.3 transport encryption

Encryption at rest: AES-256 encrypted storage

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001

HIPAA support: HIPAA-compliant (BAA available)

Audit trail: Complete signing and access logs

FDA / 21 CFR: 21 CFR Part 11 capabilities available

Key legal and operational risks

Deliberate falsification: Criminal charges possible

Incomplete disclosure: Certification delays likely

Unsigned pages: Application considered invalid

Identity mismatch: Processing and verification failures

Privacy breach: HIPAA or state exposure risk

Failure to follow AME: May trigger special issuance

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Failing to list current prescription and over-the-counter medications which may prompt AME follow-up and delay certification.
Providing inconsistent name or date-of-birth information that causes identity verification failures and slows processing.
Leaving required medical-history sections blank or answering ambiguously, leading to referrals for additional testing or FAA review.
Submitting unsigned or undated signature blocks which AMEs or employers will reject as incomplete documentation.

Step-by-step: completing FAA Form 8500-8

Follow these steps to prepare, complete, and submit FAA Form 8500-8 with an Aviation Medical Examiner to minimize delays.

01

Schedule Exam: Book an appointment with an FAA-authorized AME.
02

Complete Form: Fill applicant sections clearly before the exam.
03

AME Exam: AME documents findings, signs, and dates the form.
04

Submission: AME forwards results to FAA or retains per guidance.

How to set up an online completion workflow

If using an electronic platform, configure fields and routing so applicants fill their sections before the AME signs and archives the final record.

Field	Configuration
Upload PDF	Use a fillable PDF or upload the form as a document.
Add Signature Fields	Place separate signer fields for applicant and AME.
Assign Signers	Set signer order: applicant first, AME second.
Authentication	Enable email or SMS verification for signer identity.

Typical electronic submission flow

An efficient digital flow organizes input, signer order, and secure delivery so the AME can certify and preserve the record.

Prepare: Upload the form and pre-fill applicant fields.
Place Fields: Add signature, date, and text fields for AME.
Send to AME: Route the form to the AME for verification and signing.
Archive: Save signed copy with audit trail and secure storage.

Digital platform considerations for FAA Form 8500-8

Choose a platform that supports secure PDF handling, signer authentication, and audit trails aligned with medical privacy obligations.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace support
File formats: PDF and DOCX import/export
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced methods

Timing and processing expectations

Timeframes vary by case. Use the guidance below to set expectations for routine exams, special issuance, and renewal scheduling.

Appointment scheduling:

Schedule in advance; AME availability varies by location.

Immediate issuance:

If qualified, AME can issue certificate at exam completion.

Special issuance review:

FAA review for conditions may take several weeks.

Reexamination intervals:

Follow FAA medical class-specific renewal cadence.

Employer reporting:

Employers should confirm current certificate prior to flight duties.

Key milestones from preparation to certification

Track these sequential milestones to avoid gaps in medical qualification and to document each step for compliance.

01

Pre-Exam Preparation

Applicant completes personal sections and gathers records.

02

Medical Examination

AME performs exam and documents findings on the form.

03

Certification Decision

AME issues certificate or refers to FAA for review.

04

Record Retention

Signed form and logs are archived per policy.

eSignature vendor comparison for completing FAA Form 8500-8

Compare common eSignature vendors on cost and core capabilities relevant to secure medical form completion and storage.

	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	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
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 FAA Form 8500-8

Answers to common questions applicants and AMEs raise when preparing, signing, or submitting FAA Form 8500-8.

Need help? Contact support

Can I submit the form electronically?
Yes. AMEs commonly submit medical certificates electronically to the FAA. Ensure the platform produces an unalterable signed PDF and preserves an audit trail for verification.
What if I forget to list a medication?
Notify the AME immediately. Omitting medications can prompt reassessment and may require supplemental information or delay certification until clarification is received.
Does the form need notarization?
No notarization is generally required for FAA medical certification; the AME's signature and certificate number authenticate the medical examination.
How long does FAA special issuance take?
Processing time varies by condition and documentation complexity. Special-issuance reviews commonly take weeks; submit full medical records to expedite review.
Who keeps the original signed form?
The AME retains required medical records; applicants should keep a copy. Employers may request certified copies when verifying fitness for duty.
Are electronic signatures legally binding?
Yes. Electronic signatures are enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states; follow consumer-disclosure rules when applicable.

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