How to Change Your Address on FAA Aircraft Registration

Moved recently? FAA regulations require you to update your aircraft registration address within 30 days. Here's exactly how to do it and what happens if you don't.

How to Change Your Address on FAA Aircraft Registration

FAA regulations are specific on this: if you move, you're required to update the address on your aircraft registration within 30 days. Most pilots don't realize this is a legal requirement — not a suggestion. Here's how to do it correctly.

The Legal Requirement

14 CFR 47.40(b) requires aircraft owners to notify the FAA of any change in their address. The 30-day window starts from the date you move, not from when you remember to do it. Flying with an address that doesn't match FAA records is technically a violation, and more practically, it means your renewal notices and permanent certificates go to the wrong place.

What Information You Need

To process an address change you need:

  • Your N-number
  • Your old address (as currently on file with the FAA)
  • Your new address
  • Your name as it appears on the registration

How to Update Your Address

There are two ways to update your address with the FAA:

Option 1 — CARES System (Preferred) Log into the FAA's CARES portal and locate your aircraft by N-number. The address update option is available in your aircraft's registration details. Updates through CARES are processed faster than mail-in requests.

Option 2 — Mail You can also submit a written notification to the FAA Civil Aviation Registry in Oklahoma City. This takes significantly longer to process.

Does an Address Change Cost Money?

A standalone address change notification is free. If you're within your renewal window, it may make sense to process the renewal and address change simultaneously, which costs the standard $5 renewal fee.

What About Corporations and LLCs?

If your aircraft is registered to a business entity rather than an individual, an address change may require additional documentation depending on whether the entity's registered address, principal place of business, or mailing address has changed. The FAA may request a copy of updated state registration documents for the entity.

The Faster Way

If your aircraft is in your Aeradex Hangar, the Address Change tool at aeradex.com/pilot/documents pre-fills your current FAA address and walks you through updating it. The tool generates a pre-filled change notification you can submit yourself (free) or processes the submission for you (Pro subscribers and $29.99 paid option).

Why This Actually Matters

Beyond the technical compliance issue, an outdated address creates real practical problems:

  • Renewal notices go to the wrong place — you miss your 6-month reminder and potentially your registration expiry
  • Permanent certificates are mailed — if you're not at that address, your certificate never arrives and you're flying with a temporary or expired document
  • Title search complications — if you ever sell the aircraft, a stale address on FAA records can slow the title search and transfer process

It's a 10-minute task. If you've moved in the last year and haven't updated your FAA registration address, do it now.