FAA Agent for Service – Did you know that missing an FAA change of address update could lead to serious consequences for pilots and aircraft owners? Moving to a new location often involves a long checklist of notifications, and your Federal Aviation Administration records might easily slip through the cracks.
Consequently, pilots risk missing critical airworthiness directives, medical certificate renewals, and other important communications. The good news? Updating your address with the FAA doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Whether you’re a pilot who recently relocated, an aircraft owner with new contact information, or someone with an FAA certificate who’s moved abroad, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process. We’ll cover everything from accessing the USAS portal to verifying your update was successful, ensuring you maintain uninterrupted communication with the FAA.
Let’s dive into what you need to know about updating your FAA address – a simple but crucial administrative task that helps keep your aviation credentials current and compliant.
Who Needs to Update Their FAA Address FAA Agent for Service
Several categories of aviation professionals must promptly notify the FAA when they relocate. Federal regulations establish clear requirements about who needs to update their address and the timeframes for doing so.
Foreign address holders with FAA certificates FAA Agent for Service
Approximately 115,000 individuals holding FAA certificates, ratings, or authorizations have foreign addresses with no U.S. physical address on record 1. Beginning in 2025, these certificate holders face new requirements. Under recently implemented regulations, individuals with foreign addresses must designate a U.S. agent for service of FAA documents 2.
This requirement applies to people holding or applying for certificates under Parts 47, 61, 63, 65, 67 or 107 2. Current certificate holders must comply by July 7, 2025, while new applicants must designate a U.S. agent at the time of application, with a compliance date of January 6, 2025 3.
The designated agent must be either an entity or an adult over 18 with a U.S. address 2. Furthermore, any changes to the agent’s information must be reported to the FAA within 30 days 2. This rule helps the FAA accomplish prompt and cost-effective service of safety-critical documents to individuals abroad 3.
Applicants without a U.S. physical address FAA Agent for Service
Under federal regulations, FAA certificate holders who cannot provide a permanent residence address face specific requirements. For instance, individuals living in motor homes or in transition between residences may use a parent’s or friend’s permanent address as their official address 4.
Additionally, newly hired airline pilots often use this provision when they’re domiciled in a different city from where they’ll ultimately live 4. Some airmen attempt to use a post office box as their permanent mailing address to avoid frequent updates.
However, regulations specifically address this scenario – if you use a P.O. box as your mailing address, you must also provide your current residential address 4. The FAA is explicit that a Post Office Box alone is not acceptable as a residence address 5. For those with a residence listed as General Delivery, Rural Route, or Star Route, you must provide directions or a map for locating the residence 5.
Medical certificate holders and aircraft owners
In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 61.60, pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors who change their permanent mailing address must notify the FAA in writing within 30 days 6. The legal effect of this regulation is significant – failing to update your address within the mandated timeframe means you cannot exercise the privileges of your certificate 6.
Aircraft owners must also keep their address information current. When changing an address on a registration certificate, owners can mail or fax a letter containing:
- Aircraft N-Number identification
- Manufacturer name
- Model designation
- Serial number
- New mailing address
- Signature of the registered owner 7
For aircraft owners who fail to comply with these requirements, their registration certificates will be deemed ineffective 2. This can have serious implications for aircraft operation and ownership.
The fastest and most accurate way to update contact information is through the Airmen Certification On-Line Services site 6. Alternatively, airmen can update their address with the FAA by mail using Form AC 8060-55 6.
What You Need Before Updating Your Address FAA Agent for Service
Before starting your FAA change of address process, gathering the right information saves time and prevents frustrating delays. The Federal Aviation Administration requires specific details to process your update correctly and maintain accurate records for all certificate holders.
FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
Your FAA Tracking Number is a unique identifier that remains associated with you throughout your entire aviation career. Beginning January 13, 2020, all applicants must establish an FTN within the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system before taking any FAA airman knowledge test 8.
Prior to this requirement, applicants were tracked primarily by name, leading to processing errors and delays when documents didn’t match exactly. The FTN system resolves these issues by:
- Replacing the old Applicant ID number
- Creating a permanent identifier for all certification processes
- Appearing on your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR)
- Streamlining the application process
To obtain your FTN, visit the IACRA website and register for a new account. Once registered, your FTN will be clearly displayed on your profile page and sent to your email. If you already hold an airman certificate, you have been assigned an FTN even if you’re unaware of it 9. Simply log into your IACRA account to find it in the User Information section.
Aircraft registration details (N-Number, Serial Number)
Aircraft owners must provide specific identifying information when updating their address with the FAA. Before initiating the process, collect these essential details:
- Aircraft N-Number (registration number)
- Manufacturer name
- Model designation
- Serial number
- Your signature as the registered owner 7
According to FAA regulations, aircraft owners must update their registration address within 30 days of any change 10. Failure to maintain current contact information could result in your aircraft registration being suspended or revoked and your N-number assignment canceled.
Valid U.S. physical address
Perhaps the most crucial requirement for an FAA change of address is providing a valid physical address. The FAA explicitly states that a Post Office Box is not acceptable as a residence address 5. Even though this rule exists, you can still use a P.O. Box as your mailing address if you provide both your physical residence and P.O. Box.
For special cases where your residence is listed as General Delivery, Rural Route, or Star Route, you must provide directions or a map for locating your residence 5. This ensures the FAA can physically locate you if necessary.
Foreign address holders face additional requirements. Beginning January 6, 2025, individuals with foreign addresses who hold or apply for certain certificates must designate a U.S. agent for service of FAA documents 11. This agent must be either an entity or an adult (18 or older) with a U.S. physical address—not a P.O. box, military P.O. box, mail drop box, or commercial address that isn’t also a residential address 11.
Furthermore, the FAA requires the agent’s full name, phone number, and a working email address 12. This requirement helps the FAA overcome challenges with international service of documents, which can delay communications for months and impose additional costs on the agency.
Once you’ve gathered all necessary information—your FTN, aircraft details if applicable, and a valid physical address—you’re ready to proceed with updating your FAA address.
How to Use the USAS Portal to Update Your Address
The USAS (United States Agent Service) portal serves as the central hub for completing your FAA change of address and agent designation needs. Understanding how to navigate this system effectively ensures your aviation records remain current and compliant with federal regulations.
Accessing the USAS portal
The USAS portal is accessible directly through its official website at https://usas.faa.gov 13. Unlike other FAA systems, this dedicated platform was specifically designed for address updates and U.S. agent designations. First-time users should note that the portal functions as a standalone system, separate from other FAA applications you might already use.
Importantly, the USAS portal is the only acceptable method to designate a U.S. agent for service, as specified in Advisory Circular (AC) 3-1 2. Although other FAA systems exist for various functions, none can substitute for USAS when updating your address or designating an agent.
Logging in with FTN or aircraft details
The login process varies depending on your certification type:
- For medical or airmen certificate holders:
- Enter your FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
- Provide your date of birth (DOB) 14
- For aircraft registration holders:
- Enter your aircraft N-Number
- Provide the aircraft’s serial number 13
Aircraft registered owners should note they don’t need an FTN to access USAS 13. Conversely, if you’re a certificate holder without an FTN, you must first register with IACRA to create one before attempting to log into USAS 2.
Following security protocols, after 60 minutes of inactivity, the system automatically logs you out 15. This security measure protects your personal information, although it requires signing in again to resume your session.
Navigating the dashboard
Once logged in, the USAS dashboard serves as your control center. From here, you can:
- View your current address information
- Check if you already have a designated U.S. agent on file
- Make changes to existing agent information
- Add a new U.S. agent if none exists
For those adding or modifying agent information, the system requires entering the agent’s name, address, email address, and optionally their phone and fax numbers 14.
Throughout the dashboard, the system offers guidance on required fields and information formats. After making changes, the portal sends an automated confirmation email verifying your update was successfully processed 2.
Remember that any changes to your agent’s information must be reported within 30 days. The dashboard simplifies this process by providing a straightforward interface for managing these time-sensitive updates.
Step-by-Step: Updating Your Address in the FAA System
Once you’ve accessed the USAS portal, updating your FAA address involves three straightforward phases. This essential process ensures your aviation documents reach you without delays.
Entering new address information
After logging into the system, you’ll need to complete several specific fields:
- Enter your complete new residential address
- Indicate if you want to use this as your mailing address
- If using a P.O. Box for mail, provide both your physical residence and P.O. Box information
Remember that a Post Office Box alone is not acceptable as a residence address. You must furnish a physical location where you can be found. For those with residences listed as General Delivery, Rural Route, or Star Route, you must provide directions or a map for locating your residence.
There are two primary methods for submitting your FAA change of address:
- Online submission: The fastest and most accurate method through the Airmen Certification On-Line Services site
- Mail submission: Using Form AC 8060-55 or a signed written request including your name, date of birth, social security number or certificate number, and new address
If submitting by mail, send your request to: Federal Aviation Administration Airmen Certification Branch P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082
Certifying the update
Upon completing the address form, you must certify that the information provided is accurate. This certification has legal implications – under federal regulations, certificate holders must notify the FAA within 30 days of obtaining a new address.
During this phase, you’ll need to:
- Review all entered information for accuracy
- Acknowledge understanding of the 30-day notification requirement
- Electronically sign or physically sign (for mail submissions) the form
Receiving confirmation email
Unlike many other government services, the FAA does not automatically send replacement certificates showing your new address. Additionally, they do not immediately confirm receipt of your change of address.
To verify your update was successfully processed, you have several options:
- Wait for the system-generated confirmation email (for online submissions)
- Call the Civil Aviation Registry at 1-866-878-2498 or 405-954-3261
- Press #1 for Airmen Certification, then #0 to speak with an examiner
- Press #2 for Aircraft Registration
- Email the FAA directly
Interestingly, when an update is made through the online system, it generally processes immediately. Nevertheless, industry experts recommend verifying the change through one of the methods above since confirmation is not automatically provided.
What to Do After Updating Your Address
After submitting your FAA change of address, a few additional steps ensure your aviation records stay synchronized. These follow-up actions protect your certification status and maintain compliance with federal regulations.
Verify your update was successful
The FAA does not automatically confirm receipt of your change of address notification or send replacement certificates showing your new address. To verify your update was processed correctly, you must take proactive steps.
The most reliable verification method is calling the Civil Aviation Registry at 1-866-878-2498 or 405-954-3261. Once connected, press #1 for Airmen Certification, then press #0 to speak with an examiner. Alternatively, press #2 for Aircraft Registration matters. This direct confirmation provides immediate peace of mind that your records have been updated successfully.
Notify your U.S. agent if applicable
For certificate holders with foreign addresses who have designated a U.S. agent, immediately inform your agent about your address change. Subsequently, ensure this updated information is reflected in the FAA’s system by visiting the USAS portal at https://usas.faa.gov.
Moreover, you remain personally responsible for ensuring that any changes to information included in your online certification are updated promptly. This includes changes to your agent’s contact details, which must be reported within 30 days of any modification.
Update related FAA records if needed
Your change of address automatically applies to all certificates maintained in the Airmen Certification Branch and your medical certificate. Henceforth, if you want an updated physical certificate showing your new address, you must specifically request one. This requires:
- Submitting a replacement request online or via Form AC 8060-56
- Including a $2.00 fee for processing
- Specifying that you want the new address printed on the certificate
Aircraft owners with 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) must simultaneously update their ELT registration information at https://beaconregistration.noaa.gov/RGDB/. This registration is free yet crucial—it provides search and rescue teams with vital information during emergencies.
Finally, consider updating your email preferences through the FAA Safety Program Airmen Notification System (SPANS) website to ensure you receive important safety notifications at your new email address.
Conclusion
Maintaining Current FAA Contact Information: Why It Matters
Updating your FAA address remains a critical responsibility for all certificate holders and aircraft owners. Throughout this guide, we’ve walked through the entire process, from identifying who needs to update their information to verifying successful changes in the system.
Remember, federal regulations clearly mandate notifying the FAA within 30 days of any address change. Failure to comply can result in serious consequences, including losing the ability to exercise your certificate privileges or having your aircraft registration deemed ineffective.
The process itself requires minimal effort – gather your FTN or aircraft details, access the USAS portal, enter your new information accurately, and verify the update afterward. This simple administrative task ensures you receive vital communications about airworthiness directives, medical certificate renewals, and other critical notices.
Foreign address holders face additional requirements beginning in 2025, specifically the designation of a U.S. agent. This change helps the FAA deliver important safety documents promptly and efficiently regardless of your location worldwide.
Following your address update, make sure you verify the change with the Civil Aviation Registry. Additionally, aircraft owners should update their ELT registration information for safety purposes.
Ultimately, keeping your contact information current with the FAA protects your certification status and ensures you never miss important communications. This small investment of time prevents potentially significant disruptions to your aviation activities and maintains your compliance with federal aviation regulations.
References
[1] – https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_8900.719.pdf
[2] – https://aopa.de/wp-content/uploads/USAS-FAQs.pdf
[3] – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/08/2024-22000/us-agents-for-service-on-individuals-with-foreign-addresses-who-hold-or-apply-for-certain
[4] – https://midwestflyer.com/are-you-moving-changing-your-address-better-let-the-faa-know/
[5] – https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/update_address
[6] – https://pilot-protection-services.aopa.org/news/0001/january/01/addressing-change
[7] – https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/change_of_address
[8] – https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/acts/ftn.pdf
[9] – https://pilotinstitute.com/faa-tracking-numbers/
[10] – https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/buying-an-aircraft/aircraft-registration-and-re-registration
[11] – https://dperesources.com/u-s-faa-certificate-holders-will-be-required-to-have-a-u-s-physical-address-on-record-after-january-6-2025/
[12] – https://ops.group/blog/faa-license-holders-abroad/
[13] – https://usas.faa.gov/faq
[14] – https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-04/Privacy%20-%20FAA%20-USAS%20Portal%20-%20PIA%20-%202025.pdf
[15] – https://usas.faa.gov/signin
