FAA Finally Discovers the Internet, Ditches Paper Stamps
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 17, 2025, the FAA is making it easier for aircraft owners and operators by dropping the need to send original paper documents and stopping the old-school stamping of papers. These changes speed up aircraft registration and recordation using the FAA’s online system, saving time and hassle without extra costs. If you own or manage civil aircraft, get ready for a smoother, more digital process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Online System Features and Timeline
The FAA's CARES online system allows you to upload documents, pay fees online, use an FAA-approved digital signature, and view your submissions via a personal portal; CARES full implementation is expected by late 2025. The January 17, 2025 rule changes enable use of electronic or digital forms compatible with CARES.
No More Mandatory Original Documents
Starting January 17, 2025, the FAA no longer requires you to mail original paper documents for many aircraft registration and recordation submissions. You may submit photocopies, true or certified copies, or digitally signed documents in a form acceptable to the FAA (unless an original is specifically required by law).
Paper Date Stamps Replaced by Digital Records
The FAA is ending its practice of stamping the date and time on incoming paper documents; the Registry will use digital record-keeping (CARES) to track submission date/time. The effective date of registration is the date the Registry determines submissions meet requirements and is shown as the date of issue on the Certificate of Aircraft Registration.
Estimated Mailing Cost Savings for Filers
The FAA estimates that if all 76,440 annual applications and 25,000 conveyances were submitted electronically, registrants could save about $1.50 per mailed submission and up to $152,160 per year in postage. The FAA also estimates its own mailing cost savings could be up to $82,849 per year.
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