When you buy an aircraft, you're not done until it's registered in your name with the FAA. That process starts with FAA Form 8050-1 — the Aircraft Registration Application. It's the buyer's half of the title transfer package, and without it, you don't legally own the aircraft in the FAA's eyes regardless of what the bill of sale says.
This guide covers exactly what Form 8050-1 is, how to fill it out correctly, and what happens after you mail it.
What Is FAA Form 8050-1?
Form 8050-1 is the Aircraft Registration Application. It's filed by the buyer (new owner) to register an aircraft in their name with the FAA Civil Aviation Registry.
Every civil aircraft operated in the United States must be registered with the FAA under 14 CFR Part 47. Registration is tied to the N-number on the tail — and that N-number must be associated with a valid, current owner in the FAA registry. When you buy an aircraft, the previous owner's registration doesn't transfer automatically. You have to file Form 8050-1.
How to Fill Out Form 8050-1: Field by Field
Block 1: Aircraft Nationality and Registration Mark
Enter the N-number exactly as it appears on the aircraft and in the FAA registry. Include the "N" prefix, no dashes.
Correct: N4572X Wrong: N-4572X or 4572X
Block 2: Aircraft Make and Model
Enter the manufacturer name and model exactly as recorded in the FAA registry. Not the marketing name — the registry name.
- The aircraft marketed as a "Piper Cherokee" is registered as "PIPER" / "PA-28"
- A "Beechcraft Bonanza" is registered as "BEECHCRAFT" / "A36" (or the specific variant)
Search the N-number at registry.faa.gov to find the exact make and model the FAA has on record.
Block 3: Aircraft Serial Number
Copy the serial number character for character from the FAA registry or the aircraft's data plate. This is typically stamped on a metal plate on the firewall, door frame, or instrument panel.
Block 4: Type of Registration
Check the box that applies to your ownership situation:
- Individual — You're registering as a private person
- Partnership — Two or more individuals co-owning the aircraft
- Corporation — A legally formed corporation is the owner
- Co-Owner — Multiple individuals with undivided ownership interest
- Government — Federal, state, or local government entity
- Non-Citizen Corporation — Foreign-organized entities with specific eligibility
For most private buyers, this will be Individual or Co-Owner.
Block 5: Name of Applicant
Your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government ID, or the exact legal name of the entity if registering under a corporation or LLC.
Block 6: Telephone Number
Your contact telephone number. The FAA may call if there are questions about your application.
Block 7: Address
Your full mailing address. This is where your registration certificate will be mailed. Use a permanent address — registration certificates are not forwarded by the postal service.
Block 8: Certification
You must certify that the aircraft is not registered under the laws of any foreign country, that you are the owner of the aircraft, and that the aircraft has been purchased from the registered owner.
Read this section carefully. Signing false information on a federal registration application is a federal offense.
Block 9: Signature
The applicant's original signature. If registering under a corporation or LLC, an authorized officer must sign with their title.
The $5 Fee
Form 8050-1 must be submitted with a $5.00 registration fee, payable to the FAA. Send a check or money order — the FAA does not accept cash or credit cards by mail.
Make the check payable to: FAA
Include the N-number in the memo line so the FAA can match your payment to your application if they get separated in processing.
Where to Mail It
Submit Form 8050-1 together with Form 8050-2 (the seller's bill of sale) to:
FAA Civil Aviation Registry P.O. Box 25504 Oklahoma City, OK 73125
If using FedEx, UPS, or another carrier that requires a physical address:
FAA Civil Aviation Registry 6425 S. Denning Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73169
Important: Mail both forms together in the same envelope. Sending them separately creates processing delays.
The Pink Slip Rule: Flying Before Your Certificate Arrives
FAA registration processing typically takes 3–5 weeks. The pink copy of Form 8050-1 serves as a temporary operating authorization and must remain in the aircraft until the permanent registration certificate arrives.
Key rules for the pink slip:
- It's only valid for 90 days from the date of application
- It must be in the aircraft at all times when flying
- It does not replace the bill of sale or any other ownership documentation
If your permanent registration hasn't arrived within 90 days, call the FAA Civil Aviation Registry at (405) 954-3116 to check on your application status.
Co-Ownership Situations
If two or more people are buying the aircraft together, each co-owner's name and address must appear on Form 8050-1. All co-owners must sign the form. The FAA registers the aircraft under all listed owners.
Flying clubs that take formal ownership of aircraft typically register under a corporation or LLC rather than as individual co-owners — which keeps the registration cleaner when membership changes.
Renewing Aircraft Registration
Aircraft registrations are valid for three years under the current FAA renewal system. The FAA sends renewal notices approximately 6 months before expiration. Renewals can be completed online at registry.faa.gov.
Flying with an expired registration is a violation of 14 CFR 47.3. The penalty is up to $25,000 per violation.
How Aeradex Handles Form 8050-1
When you initiate an aircraft title transfer at aeradex.com/hangar/transfer, Aeradex generates a complete, pre-populated Form 8050-1 automatically:
- Aircraft data is pulled directly from the FAA registry
- You enter your name and address once
- Aeradex generates a print-ready PDF ready for your signature
- The completed form is emailed to you with step-by-step mailing instructions
- The previous owner's maintenance history transfers to your account automatically as "Pre-ownership records"
Title transfers are free with Aeradex Pro ($175/year) or $149 as a standalone.
Auto-Fill Your Form 8050-1 →
Form 8050-1 vs. Form 8050-2: Quick Reference
| | Form 8050-1 | Form 8050-2 | |---|---|---| | Who files it | Buyer (new owner) | Seller | | Purpose | Register aircraft in buyer's name | Transfer ownership to buyer | | Required signature | Buyer | Seller (original ink) | | Fee required | $5.00 | None | | Pink slip | Yes — included as operating authorization | No |
Both forms are filed together. Neither is valid without the other in a standard title transfer.
For complex ownership situations involving estates, trusts, foreign citizens, or aircraft with outstanding liens, consult a qualified aviation attorney before filing.