How To Update Your Address On Your Private Pilot Certificate

How To Update Your Address On Your Private Pilot Certificate

If you’re a private pilot who needs to update the address on your certificate, the process is easy. You simply need to fill out an application and submit it to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA will then update your records and mail you a new certificate with your updated address.

Ways to Notify the FAA of Address Change

There are a few different ways that you can notify the FAA of a change in your permanent address.

  • Online: Log into the FAA’s website and update your contact information. This is a convenient and quick way to update your address.
  • Direct Contact: Contact the FAA directly at 1-866-835-5322 to update your address. This allows for personal assistance and ensures that your address change is properly processed.
  • USPS Change of Address Form: File a change of address form with the United States Postal Service. This will help ensure that any mail sent to your old address is forwarded to your new address, including important FAA correspondence.

Change of Address Form

Importance of Reporting Permanent Addresses

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires airmen to keep them informed of their permanent addresses as per Regulation FAR 61.40. While there is no specific definition of permanent mailing addresses or residential addresses, the FAA wants an address where it can be certain that any information sent to it will reach the airman. For most airmen, this address serves as their home base.

Note: Failure to report a change in address can result in penalties imposed by the FAA.

Airman Address

Enforcement Actions for Address Violations

According to FAR 61.60, the FAA has the authority to impose penalties on violators who fail to report address changes. Many airmen have faced suspension or revocation of their certificates for unrelated FAR violations without a hearing. In order to initiate an enforcement action, the FAA must serve the airman with a proposed certificate action or civil penalty notice. The airman then has 20 days to select and pursue one of the alternatives provided.

Note: Failing to file a timely appeal due to a court not issuing an order to the most current permanent mailing address in the FAA’s record does not qualify as good cause.

Enforcement Action

How Long Does It Take for the FAA to Update a Certificate?

After you have obtained your permanent certificate, it will take about six to eight weeks for the FAA to process and send the updated certificate to you. It is advisable to check the FAA website for the most recent processing and issue dates to get an accurate estimate.

FAA’s Airman Certification Branch Updates Registry Every Six Weeks

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airman Certification Branch (ACB) regularly updates the aircraft registry’s certificates and ratings for pilots, aircrew, aircraft operators, and repair stations. The registration of new applicants typically takes four to six weeks. The ACB has the capability to fax copies of the registry records for up to 60 days, allowing applicants sufficient time to have their records permanently updated. The ACB process for aircraft registration usually takes 16 to 20 working days after receiving the necessary documents.

Airman Certification

How Do I Change My Name with the FAA?

If you want to change your name on your pilot certificate, you must follow certain steps:

  1. Visit an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for positive identification.
  2. Bring a copy of your marriage license or court order that authorizes the name change.
  3. Provide a new legal document, such as a valid driver’s license, reflecting your new name.

Name Change

Aircraft Must Pass Safety Inspection to Be Cleared for Flight

It is important to note that an aircraft owner or operator must not return an aircraft to service unless all safety concerns have been addressed in the aircraft’s safety inspection report. Safety is paramount in aviation, and proper inspections ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Aircraft Inspection

How Do I Change My Name on My Pilot Certificate?

There are a few different ways to change your name on your pilot certificate:

  1. Online Form: Fill out a form available on the FAA’s website. Provide your current name, new name, and date of birth. Include a copy of your current pilot certificate.
  2. In-Person Visit: Visit an FAA office in person. Bring your current pilot certificate, a form of identification with your new name, and your date of birth.

Pilot Certificate

Pilot Certificate Expiration: Myth or Fact?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to deactivate a student pilot certificate. Once a student pilot certificate is issued, it remains active until it is replaced by a higher-level certificate or revoked.

FAA Change of Address Form

The FAA has a specific form that must be used to notify the agency of any change of address. The form can be found on the FAA’s website and must be completed and submitted to the FAA within 30 days of the address change.

Change of Address Form