FAA Finally Discovers Email, Stops Mailing Plane Certificates
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 17, 2025, the FAA will issue aircraft and dealer registration certificates electronically instead of mailing paper copies. This change makes the process faster, cheaper, and easier for aircraft owners and dealers. If you own or sell aircraft, get ready for a smoother, digital experience with no extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FAA makes certificates electronic
Starting January 17, 2025, the FAA will make electronic issuance the primary way it delivers Certificate of Aircraft Registration and Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificates instead of mailing paper copies. If you own or sell aircraft, the FAA will issue certificates by email or other electronic means, though you may still request a paper certificate.
Get certificates 7–10 business days faster
The FAA estimates registrants using the electronic system will receive certificates on average 7 to 10 business days sooner than the prior mail delivery. This reduces waiting time for aircraft owners and dealers when registration documents are issued.
CARES portal coming late 2025
The FAA is implementing the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) system, with full implementation expected by late 2025, which will let users submit applications, upload documents, pay fees online, and digitally sign applications through a personal portal.
No need to return or destroy digital certificates
If your Certificate of Aircraft Registration is issued electronically, you will not be required to return or destroy the electronic certificate; instead you must notify the FAA by email or other acceptable electronic means within the existing timeframes when a change in status occurs. Only paper copies must be returned or destroyed when required.
Replacement and temporary certificates go digital
If your original Certificate of Aircraft Registration is lost, stolen, or mutilated, the FAA will send replacement certificates by email or other electronic means, or by mail only if electronic means are unavailable. You may request a temporary certificate to carry until the replacement arrives.
FAA saves about $58,575/year
The FAA distributes about 60,324 certificates per year and estimates a unit printing and mailing cost of $0.971; if all registrants use electronic certificates, the FAA estimates potential annual savings of about $58,575 from reduced printing and postage.
Electronic certificate may be carried onboard
The rule emphasizes that a Certificate of Aircraft Registration must still be carried on the aircraft; the FAA anticipates the certificate will be permitted to be carried in electronic or digital format, subject to security and authentication features within CARES and international standards.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00763, Aircraft Registration and Recordation Procedural Updates: Original Documents and Stamping
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!
Next: 2025-00961, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
Starting January 17, 2025, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adding or tweaking rules based on new tech, obstacles, or air traffic needs. No big costs here—just smarter skies and safer flights for everyone flying under instrument rules.