Registering Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with the FAA (Traditional Mail-in Process)

Registering Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with the FAA (Traditional Mail-in Process)

Introduction

This guide details the traditional mail-in registration process for Unmanned Aircraft (UA) under 14 CFR Part 47. This process is required for certain UA, primarily those weighing 55 pounds or more. UA weighing less than 0.55 pounds and operated exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers are exempt from registration. UA weighing less than 55 pounds can be registered online via FAADroneZone.

When Mail-in Registration is Required:

• UA weighing 55 pounds or more.
• UA owned by a trustee under a trust agreement.
• When the UA owner uses a voting trust to meet U.S. citizenship requirements.
• All UA owned by U.S. government agencies, offices, or subdivisions (excluding U.S. Armed Forces), including those of states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories or possessions.

When Mail-in Registration is Available (Optional):

• UA requiring an N-number for operation outside the U.S.
• When public recording of a UA loan, lease, or ownership document is desired.

Required Documentation and Information:

1. Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1):

   • Use the original form: Aircraft Registration Application
   • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): LLC applicants must also provide documentation regarding their organization, management authority, and how they meet U.S. citizenship requirements. Consult the Limited Liability Companies Info Sheet

2. Notarized Affidavit: The affidavit must include the following:

   • UA Description:
     • Full Legal Name of Manufacturer or Builder
     • Model Designation
     • Serial Number (For UA with Remote ID, use the Remote ID serial number. For UA without Remote ID, use the manufacturer's serial number. This must match the serial number on AC Form 8050-1.)
     • Class (Airplane, Airship, Rotorcraft, Glider, Hybrid Lift, Ornithopter, Air Taxi)
     • Maximum Takeoff Weight (including all items on board or attached)
     • Number of Engines
     • Engine Type (2 or 4 Cycle Reciprocating, Electric, Turbo - Fan/Prop/Shaft/Jet)
     • Number of Seats (For Air Taxi only)
   • Proof of Ownership:
     • Preferred: Aircraft Bill of Sale (AC Form 8050-2): Aircraft Bill of Sale or an equivalent ownership transfer document for each change of ownership.
     • If a bill of sale is unavailable: Provide a detailed explanation of how, from whom, and where the UA was obtained, why a bill of sale is unavailable, and attach any supporting evidence (receipts, invoices, etc.).
   • Statement of Non-Registration in Another Country:
     • For new, off-the-shelf purchases: "I purchased this UA as a new off-the-shelf item from [Manufacturer/Vendor Name], located in [City, State, Country] on [Date]."
     • For previously registered UA: A statement from the exporting country's Civil Aviation Authority confirming termination of registration is required.
   • Affirmation Statement (Above Signatures): "I affirm the information and statements provided herein are correct, the aircraft (UA) is not registered under the laws of any foreign country, and I am the owner."
   • Affidavit Link 

3. N-Number:

   • Enter a pre-reserved special N-number, if applicable.
   • To request a special N-number, include a letter with several choices and the $10 fee.
   • If the N-number section is left blank, a random N-number will be assigned at no cost.

Fees:

• $5.00 registration fee (check or money order payable to the Federal Aviation Administration).
• $10.00 for a special N-number.
• Fees are waived for Federal, State, and local government entities.

Eligibility for Registration:

• U.S. Citizen
• Foreign citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
• A corporation (not a U.S. citizen) lawfully organized under U.S. law, with the UA based and primarily used in the U.S.
• A U.S. governmental unit.
• The UA cannot be registered in any foreign country.

Where to Send Registration Documents:

• Send all registration documents to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch.
• Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Registration Branch P.O. Box 25504 Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Selling a U.S. Registered UA:

• Seller: Execute a bill of sale, provide the original to the buyer, complete the applicable items on the reverse side of the Certificate of Aircraft Registration (AC Form 8050-3), and return it to the FAA.
• Buyer: Submit the signed bill of sale, a completed AC Form 8050-1, and the $5.00 fee to the FAA.
• All signatures on all forms must include the typed or printed name of the signer.