In response to significant delays in aircraft registrations, some reaching up to 190 days in 2022, the FAA has implemented new regulations to streamline the process. Effective January 17, 2025, these rules aim to reduce administrative burdens and expedite registrations for aircraft owners and dealers.
Key Changes to Aircraft Registration
1. Elimination of Original Document Requirement
Previously, applicants were required to submit original documents, creating challenges for aircraft that had changed ownership multiple times. The new rule allows:
Original documents will still be accepted in certain cases but are no longer required in most situations.
2. End of Hand-Stamping Paper Documents
The FAA has also discontinued the practice of manually stamping paper documents to record receipt dates. Instead, the CARES system will:
- Automatically log submission dates and times
- Improve efficiency and accuracy in processing registrations
Benefits of the New System
These updates are part of the FAA’s modernization efforts under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. By enhancing the CARES system, the FAA expects to:
- Reduce registration processing times
- Lower printing and mailing costs
- Provide a more convenient digital submission process
While original documents may still be required in some cases, most applicants will benefit from a faster, more efficient system. For full details, visit the official FAA's Final Rule: FAA-2024-2765-0001.
