EAA: Beware Offers To Register Your Airplane

Editorial Staff

Monday, November 26, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

EAA is warning aircraft owners against third-party services that charge "hefty fees" for aircraft registration renewals, as these services often duplicate the FAA's own process.
The FAA's direct online registration renewal costs only $5 and is easy to use, making it the recommended method for most aircraft owners.
Aircraft owners should only use third-party renewal services if they are known to be reputable and offer significant added value, such as expedited processing or automatic renewal, beyond what the FAA provides.

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EAA is warning its members, and other aircraft owners, to think twice before signing up for aircraft-renewal services that charge hefty fees. “These businesses essentially duplicate the same process that the FAA directly administers for a mere $5,” EAA said in a post on its website. The FAA’s online registration portal is easy to use and provides a link to the two-page registration form (PDF) required.

“Unless a business is known to be reputable and offers a tangible service above and beyond a simple registration renewal, such as expedited processing or automatic renewal, EAA members [and other aircraft owners] should use the FAA’s online registration portal,” EAA said. Owners must register their aircraft every three years. “Renewal of registration every third year, along with other new tools, enables the registry to keep aircraft registration information current,” says the FAA. “This data is essential for safety, regulatory enforcement and all levels of law enforcement.”