FAA Registered Agent Service: Instant Setup & Expert Support

A new requirement introduced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), now requires all individuals with foreign addresses and no US physical address on file with the FAA who hold or apply for certain certificates, ratings, or authorizations to appoint a US registered agent to receive FAA documents.

Your FAA certificate privileges and authorizations could be suspended without a designated US agent. Current certificate holders must pick their US agent by July 7, 2025, and new applicants need to complete this by April 2, 2025.

Want to set up your FAA registered agent service for smooth communication with the FAA? Let's look at what you need to get started.

Understanding FAA Registered Agent Requirements

If you apply for or currently hold a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under certain parts of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and have no US physical address on file with the FAA, you must appoint an agent. Your agent must be a company or someone at least 18 years old with a valid US address.

• Part 47: Deals with the process of applying for and maintaining a medical certificate required for pilots.
• Part 61: Defines the requirements for obtaining pilot certificates, including flight hours, knowledge tests, and training needed to become a certified pilot.
• Part 63: Covers certification for flight crew members other than pilots, including specific requirements for flight engineers and navigators.
• Part 65: Relates to certification for airmen other than flight crew members, such as ground instructors and mechanics.
• Part 67: Outlines the medical standards that pilots must meet to hold a medical certificate.
• Part 107: Specifically regulates the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for non-recreational purposes.

Your US agent acts as your main contact to receive important FAA documents. These documents usually include:

• Enforcement action letters and notices
• Reexamination letters
• Letters of investigation
• Medical certificate-related communications
• Aircraft registration notices

Your agent’s address must be within the United States, District of Columbia, or US territories. Post office boxes, military post office boxes, and mail drop boxes won’t work as agent addresses.

Current certificate holders must appoint their US agent by July 7, 2025. New applicants need to complete this by April 2, 2025. Missing these deadlines means you can’t use your FAA certificate privileges.

Quick Setup Process for FAA Agent Service

You can set up your FAA registered agent service through the new US Agent for Service System (USAS) at usas.faa.gov. The process starts when you create your account and complete these important steps:

Provide your personal information:

• Full name and email address
• Physical location and mailing address
• Date of birth and certificate number
• FAA tracking number (if applicable)

Enter your agent’s details:

• Full name and type (entity or individual)
• US physical address
• Email address
• Optional: fax and telephone numbers

After submitting the information, you need to confirm that your chosen agent has accepted the responsibility. Your agent’s address must meet FAA requirements – post office boxes, military post office boxes, and mail drop boxes are not acceptable.

Your agent should understand their role in receiving and forwarding FAA documents to you quickly. You should establish a clear communication method with your agent that includes scanning, email, or fast mail delivery.

The USAS portal serves as your main platform to manage US agent designations. The system lets you update agent information, change designations, and maintain your registration. Note that you must update any changes to your agent’s information within 30 days.

Managing Your FAA Registered Agent Service

At the most basic level, your FAA registered agent service must ensure you receive your documents and notifications timely. The agent should know how to handle time-sensitive FAA documents and must have reliable ways to share these materials with you. Some FAA documents, such as medical certificates and health records, require responses within two days.

Accurate agent records help you exercise your FAA privileges effectively. An aircraft owner’s registration certificate could become invalid with an ineffective agent designation.

You need to designate a new agent quickly if your current agent can’t perform their duties or moves outside the United States. The FAA treats service to your US agent the same as direct service to you. A trustworthy and reliable agent is vital to keep proper communication channels open.

Conclusion

Your FAA privileges and authorizations depend on meeting agent requirements, managing documentation, and following compliance rules.

USAS’s digital processes simplify agent designation, but you must choose your representative carefully. Your selected agent serves as a crucial link to FAA communications and handles time-sensitive documents that affect your certification status.

Order online your FAA Registered Agent instantly with Harbor Compliance. You can streamline aircraft registration and receive documents on the same day they are received. Start now!

References

[1] https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_3-1.pdf [2] https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023-08/Privacy - FAA - PIA - NPRM US Agent - 2023_0.pdf