How to Replace a Lost or Destroyed Aircraft Registration Certificate

Lost your pink slip? You can't legally fly without it. Here's exactly how to request a replacement aircraft registration certificate from the FAA, including the form, fees, and processing times.

How to Replace a Lost or Destroyed Aircraft Registration Certificate

Your aircraft registration certificate — the pink slip — is a required document that must be carried in the aircraft at all times under 14 CFR 91.203. If it's been lost, destroyed, or stolen, you need a replacement before you can legally fly.

Can You Fly Without It?

No. 14 CFR 91.203(a)(2) requires the current registration certificate to be aboard the aircraft during flight operations. A ramp check without it can result in a violation, and if you're operating in controlled airspace, ATC can ask you to verify registration.

Some pilots carry a digital photo as a backup — this is not a legal substitute for the physical certificate.

How to Request a Replacement

Step 1: Write a replacement request letter

The FAA does not have a specific form for lost certificate replacement. You submit a written request letter to the FAA Civil Aviation Registry containing:

  • Aircraft N-number
  • Aircraft make, model, and serial number
  • Your name and address as registered owner
  • A statement that the original certificate was lost, destroyed, or stolen
  • Your signature

Step 2: Mail to the FAA Civil Aviation Registry

The request goes to: FAA Civil Aviation Registry Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-750 P.O. Box 25504 Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Step 3: Pay the $2 replacement fee

Include a check or money order payable to "Federal Aviation Administration" for $2. The FAA will not process the request without payment.

Processing Times

Replacement certificates typically take 4-8 weeks to arrive by mail. There is no expedited processing option for standard replacements.

Can You Fly While Waiting?

Yes, with conditions. Once you've submitted the replacement request, you can operate the aircraft if you carry:

  • A copy of your replacement request letter (with proof of mailing, such as a USPS tracking confirmation)
  • Other documentation establishing your ownership (bill of sale, insurance documents)

This is not an indefinite workaround. If you're flying regularly, get the replacement processed and keep a digital copy of the certificate somewhere accessible as a reference.

Generate the Request Letter Automatically

Aeradex generates a properly formatted replacement request letter at aeradex.com/pilot/documents, pre-filled with your aircraft and owner information from your Hangar. Print it, sign it, and mail it with your $2 check. Free for all Hangar account holders.

Preventing This in the Future

  • Take a high-resolution photo of your pink slip and save it to cloud storage (not as a legal substitute, but as a reference for quickly completing any paperwork)
  • Keep a physical copy at home separate from the aircraft
  • If you store the certificate in the aircraft's document sleeve, make sure it's secure and protected from water damage

Losing your registration certificate is annoying, not catastrophic. But the replacement process takes weeks, so start the request immediately — don't wait until your next flight.