The FAA Airman Address Change Form isn’t just another piece of paperwork—it’s a mandatory legal requirement that applies to all certificated pilots in the United States. According to FAA regulations (14 CFR § 61.60), every airman must notify the FAA within 30 days of an address change.
Failing to file the FAA Airman Address Change Form on time can lead to serious consequences, including delays in certification processing, missed safety notices, or even enforcement action.
Whether you’re a student pilot, a commercial flyer, or an ATP holder, your pilot certificate is only valid if your information is up to date. That makes the FAA Airman Address Change Form a crucial part of staying compliant with federal aviation law. Unfortunately, many airmen either forget to submit the form, don’t know how, or assume it’s optional—it’s not.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to fill out and submit the FAA Airman Address Change Form correctly, avoid common mistakes, and stay compliant even if you live outside the United States. Let’s make sure your certification stays active—and legal.
What Is the FAA Airman Address Change Form?
The FAA Airman Address Change Form is the official method for notifying the Federal Aviation Administration when your residential mailing address changes. It applies to all certified airmen, including student pilots, private pilots, commercial pilots, flight instructors, and ATP certificate holders. Regardless of your rating or experience level, the FAA requires your contact information to remain current in their Airmen Registry database.
This form isn’t optional. Under 14 CFR § 61.60, every pilot must inform the FAA within 30 days of any permanent address change. If you don’t, your airman certificate technically becomes noncompliant—and that can cause serious problems. You may not receive critical safety bulletins, regulatory notices, or even renewal updates, which can lead to delays in certificate issuance or worse, enforcement actions.
The FAA Airman Address Change Form exists to ensure the aviation authority can reach you for official communication. It’s quick to fill, free to submit, and available both online and in printable PDF format. But despite how simple it is, many pilots either forget or don’t know they’re legally obligated to submit it.
Understanding what the FAA Airman Address Change Form is—and why it’s so important—is the first step to staying in full regulatory compliance as an active airman.
When Are You Required to Submit It?
The moment your residential address changes, the clock starts ticking.
According to FAA regulation 14 CFR § 61.60, you are legally required to submit the FAA Airman Address Change Form within 30 days of moving to a new address. This isn’t a guideline or a recommendation—it’s a hard federal rule. If you fail to meet this deadline, your pilot certificate becomes technically invalid, and you may be subject to penalties under FAA enforcement policy.
Here are some situations that require immediate submission of the FAA Airman Address Change Form:
- Moving to a new home, even within the same state.
- Relocating to another state or region.
- Transitioning from a campus or training facility to permanent housing.
- International airmen switching U.S.-based mailing services or addresses.
Keep in mind that the FAA will continue sending critical communication—such as medical certification updates, airworthiness directives, and enforcement letters—to whatever address is listed in their database. If your FAA Airman Address Change Form hasn’t been filed, you could miss vital information and face delays that affect your flying privileges.
Don’t leave it to chance. File the form as soon as your new address is active. The process takes just a few minutes, and it keeps you in full alignment with FAA compliance requirements.
3 Easy Ways to Submit Your FAA Address Change
You have multiple ways to submit your FAA Airman Address Change Form—online, by mail, or via fax. Each option is valid and accepted by the FAA, but the online method is the fastest and most efficient.
Here’s how to complete the process using any of the three methods:
1. Submit Online via the FAA Airmen Services Portal
The quickest and most recommended method is filing the FAA Airman Address Change Form online through the FAA’s Airmen Certification portal.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the official FAA website: faa.gov/licenses_certificates
- Click “Change Address” under Airmen Services.
- Log in or create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Select “Change of Address” and enter your current and new information.
- Review and submit.
Once submitted, your new address is updated in the FAA’s Airmen Registry within 24 to 72 hours. You’ll receive confirmation on-screen and via email (if enabled). This method ensures accuracy and speed, and you can double-check your updated info anytime through the online portal.
2. Submit by Mail Using the Printed FAA Airman Address Change Form
If you prefer a physical paper trail, you can download and print the official FAA Airman Address Change Form (AC Form 8060-55), fill it out manually, and mail it to the FAA.
Steps:
- Download the form here: FAA Change of Address Form (PDF)
- Fill in your full name, airman certificate number, old address, and new mailing address.
- Sign and date the form.
Mailing Address:
FAA Airmen Certification Branch
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
USA
Make sure the form is clear, legible, and complete. While this method takes longer (5–10 business days to process), it’s still a valid and accepted option.
3. Submit via Fax (Yes, the FAA Still Accepts It)
The FAA still allows address changes to be submitted via fax if you prefer to skip mailing and don’t want to use the online portal.
Steps:
- Fill out the same FAA Airman Address Change Form (PDF).
- Fax it to: (405) 954-4105
Include a cover sheet with your name and contact information in case there are any issues. This method typically processes within 2–5 business days, depending on submission volume.
No matter which method you choose, always double-check your information before submitting the FAA Airman Address Change Form to avoid unnecessary delays.
Common Mistakes Airmen Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even though the FAA Airman Address Change Form is straightforward, airmen frequently make small errors that delay updates—or worse, cause compliance issues. Here’s what to avoid:
Mistake #1: Submitting Incomplete Information – Missing certificate numbers, unsigned forms, or wrong mailing addresses are among the most common problems. Always double-check that all fields are filled out correctly before submitting.
Mistake #2: Using an Invalid Address – You must use a physical U.S. mailing address—not a P.O. Box. The FAA uses this address to send time-sensitive documents. International airmen often overlook this and risk having their certificate flagged or delayed.
Mistake #3: Thinking Email Is Enough – The FAA doesn’t accept informal notifications or emails in place of the FAA Airman Address Change Form. You must use one of the three official methods—portal, mail, or fax.
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to File – Remember: you have 30 calendar days to notify the FAA after your move. Even a short delay can result in noncompliance, especially if there’s an audit or certificate action underway.
Mistake #5: Assuming It’s Not Mandatory – Some airmen mistakenly believe the form only applies to commercial or ATP holders. In reality, every airman certificate holder is required to keep their contact information updated.
By avoiding these common mistakes and filing your FAA Airman Address Change Form correctly the first time, you’ll ensure uninterrupted communication with the FAA and full compliance with federal aviation regulations.
Sample Filled FAA Airman Address Change Form (Visual Breakdown)
A major pain point for many pilots—especially student and international airmen—is not knowing exactly how to fill out the FAA Airman Address Change Form. The FAA instructions can feel vague, and mistakes can lead to processing delays.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of a correctly filled form, using mock details. This example helps you understand what goes where, and why it matters.
Sample Completed Form (AC Form 8060-55)
Key Fields You Must Fill:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Full Legal Name | Exactly as it appears on your airman certificate |
| Airman Certificate Number | 7-digit number (starts with your certificate level code) |
| Previous Address | The last address FAA had on record |
| New Mailing Address | Must be a current, physical U.S. address |
| Email & Phone | Optional but helps in case of follow-up |
| Signature & Date | Always required—no digital-only versions unless filed online |
Pro Tip: Make sure your handwriting is legible if submitting by mail or fax. Illegible forms are a leading cause of processing delays. If you’re using the online version of the FAA Airman Address Change Form, most fields are auto-validated to help avoid errors.
Use this visual guide to save time, reduce form rejections, and get your update processed correctly on the first try.
International Pilots – What If You Don’t Have a U.S. Address?
If you’re a foreign-based pilot or an international student flying under FAA certification, you’re still required to submit the FAA Airman Address Change Form—with a valid U.S. mailing address.
That’s where most international pilots run into problems.
The FAA does not accept international residential addresses for certification records. They require a verifiable U.S. address that the Airmen Certification Branch can use to deliver regulatory notices, mail your updated certificate, or follow up on safety or enforcement issues.
Your Solution: Use an FAA-Compliant Mail Forwarding Service
Instead of risking rejection by listing a friend’s house, flight school, or temporary Airbnb, international pilots can use a FAA-compliant mail forwarding address. This gives you a stable, permanent U.S. location to use on the FAA Airman Address Change Form, while ensuring that all critical FAA mail gets delivered securely.
How it works:
- You register for a virtual U.S. address through a compliant service.
- Use this address in your FAA Airman Address Change Form submission.
- Any mail sent by the FAA is scanned or forwarded to you internationally—on your terms.
This is fully legal, widely used, and the easiest way for non-U.S. based airmen to remain in full FAA compliance.
Avoid This Mistake: Do not list your home country address or a temporary hotel. If the FAA flags your address as invalid or undeliverable, your certificate may be suspended without notice.
For international airmen, using a trusted FAA mail forwarding provider is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity for protecting your certification and flight privileges.
Need a Physical Address? How Mail Forwarding Services Help
If you’re a pilot without a permanent U.S. address—whether you’re an international student, expat airman, or simply relocating—FAA mail forwarding services are the most reliable solution to stay compliant when submitting your FAA Airman Address Change Form.
The FAA does not accept P.O. boxes or foreign addresses. Every airman must list a physical U.S. mailing address to receive official notices, certificate updates, and regulatory alerts. If you don’t have one, your submission may be rejected or your certificate suspended without warning.
How Mail Forwarding Keeps You Compliant
A professional FAA-compliant mail forwarding service (like Dba FAA Mailforwarding) gives you:
- A real, physical U.S. address accepted by the FAA
- Secure handling of your FAA mail and regulatory documents
- Scanned mail access from anywhere in the world
- Optional mail forwarding to your international or temporary address
- A trusted contact point for FAA certification and registry purposes
Using a reliable forwarding service ensures your FAA Airman Address Change Form includes an address the FAA will approve—and that you’ll never miss an important notice. For international pilots or remote-based operators, it’s the most efficient and compliant way to maintain your certification without living full-time in the U.S.
Reminder: You still need to submit the form within 30 days of any address update, even if your forwarding address changes. Don’t risk losing your certification. A small step like setting up mail forwarding now can save you from major administrative headaches later.
What Happens After You Submit the Address Change?
Once your FAA Airman Address Change Form is submitted, what comes next? Here’s what to expect—and how to verify your update went through successfully.
Processing Time
- Online Submission: Updates appear in the FAA’s Airmen Registry within 24–72 hours.
- Fax or Mail Submission: Processing can take 5–10 business days, depending on backlog.
If your form was incomplete, illegible, or submitted using an unapproved address (e.g., P.O. Box or non-U.S. location), the FAA may return or reject your submission without notice. That’s why accuracy is critical.
How to Confirm Your Address Has Been Updated
You can verify your address change using the FAA Airmen Inquiry system:
- Visit: FAA Airmen Registry Inquiry
- Enter your name and certificate number.
- Review the address on file under your certificate listing.
This allows you to confirm that the FAA Airman Address Change Form was processed correctly and that the FAA now has your most current address on file.
Keep a Copy for Your Records
Always retain a screenshot or PDF of your submission confirmation—especially if you’re applying for upgrades, renewals, or medical exams. It’s your proof of compliance if any questions arise.
When You Should Resubmit
If you move again, you’ll need to submit another FAA Airman Address Change Form within 30 days of your new address becoming active. There is no limit to how many times you can update it, but every address change must be filed separately.
With the correct steps, a valid mailing address, and timely submission, the entire FAA address update process is smooth, fast, and hassle-free.
Conclusion
The FAA Airman Address Change Form may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in maintaining the validity of your pilot certificate. Whether you’re flying recreationally, building hours, or managing an ATP career, keeping your contact info current is non-negotiable.
It’s simple: if the FAA can’t reach you, they can’t warn you, certify you, or legally recognize you. Submitting the FAA Airman Address Change Form—on time, with the right address—is your responsibility as an airman.
If you don’t have a U.S. address, or you’re moving internationally, don’t leave it to chance. Services like Dba FAA Mailforwarding provide a compliant U.S. mailing address, helping you submit your change correctly and receive all FAA correspondence without delay.
Take 5 minutes today to check your current address on the Airmen Registry. If it’s outdated, file your FAA Airman Address Change Form now and protect your airman status.
