`[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5567-5572]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-00764]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 47

[Docket No.: FAA-2024-2765; Amdt. No. 47-36]
RIN 2120-AM08


Electronic Issuance of Aircraft Registration and Dealer 
Certificates

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rulemaking amends FAA regulations pertaining to aircraft 
registration and dealer's registration certificates to facilitate the 
electronic issuance of these certificates. Electronic issuance of the 
certificates is more efficient and cost effective than the traditional 
agency procedure of printing paper registration certificates and 
mailing them to aircraft owners and dealers.

DATES: Effective January 17, 2025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wendolynn Hendrick, Aircraft 
Registration Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, 6500 S MacArthur 
Blvd., Bldg 29, Oklahoma City, OK 73169; telephone (405) 954-3131; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in 
Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.). Subtitle I, section 
106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the FAA's 
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described 
in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), which establishes the authority of the 
Administrator to promulgate regulations and rules; and 49 U.S.C. 
44701(a)(5), which requires the Administrator to promote safe flight of 
civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations and setting 
minimum standards for other practices, methods, and procedures 
necessary for safety in air commerce and national security.
    This rulemaking is also promulgated pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 44101-
44106 and 44110-44113, which require aircraft to be registered as a 
condition of operation and establish the requirements for registration 
and registration processes. The FAA Civil Aviation Registry is 
responsible for the registration and recordation of civil aircraft.
    The regulations in this rule are within the scope of that authority 
because they provide for the electronic issuance of aircraft 
registration and dealer's registration certificates.

II. Immediate Adoption of Final Rule

    The notice and comment procedures required under section 553(b) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553) do not apply to 
rules of ``agency organization, procedure, or practice.'' Under this 
section, an agency may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior 
to the rulemaking. This rulemaking updates the regulations for aircraft 
registration and recordation in part 47 of title 14 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to provide for the electronic issuance of 
aircraft registration and dealer's registration certificates. This rule 
does not alter the substantive rights or obligations of persons 
applying for aircraft registration or dealer's certificates, only the 
procedures by which the FAA issues such certificates. Therefore, the 
FAA has determined that this rulemaking is a rule of agency procedure 
or practice for which notice and public comment are not required.
    Accordingly, because this is a rule of agency practice or procedure 
for which notice and public comment is not required, the FAA also finds 
good cause to waive the delay of the effective date as set forth in 5 
U.S.C. 553(d). This rule will be immediately effective upon 
publication.

III. Background

A. Background and Current Processes

    The Civil Aviation Registry, FAA Aircraft Registration Branch 
(Registry) is responsible for developing, maintaining, and operating 
the Federal registration and recordation system for United States civil 
aircraft. Within these functions is the statutory requirement for 
issuance of aircraft registration and dealer's registration 
certificates. Currently, the Registry issues certificates in the 
physical form of a 4'' x 9'' document printed on card stock. The 
Registry delivers both aircraft registration certificates and aircraft 
dealer certificates in paper form. The Registry issues over 5,000 of 
these certificates per month. These certificates are then delivered as 
bulk mail to registrants in approximately 7-10 business days.
    Due to the long delivery time required by using regular mail, the 
Registry has had to create special priority processes to meet the 
demands of a changing fast-paced environment of the aviation industry. 
Costs involved in this process

[[Page 5568]]

include printing, supplies, mailing, and manpower needed for sorting 
and distribution.

B. Developing the CARES System

    Section 546 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-
254) \1\ requires that the FAA complete covered upgrades of the Civil 
Aviation Registry. The required upgrades include digitization of 
Registry functions and business operations ``by leveraging digital 
technologies and a broader use of digitized data,'' as well as 
expansion of electronic and remote access to the Registry by members of 
the public.
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    \1\ 132 Stat. 3376 (Oct. 5, 2018).
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    Following this Congressional direction, the Registry began 
exploring alternatives to the legacy system and developed a 
modernization plan. As of 2022, the Aircraft Registration Branch 
started implementing a new system of registration and recordation 
called the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services, or ``CARES.'' 
The project implements a web-based electronic system that allows the 
aviation community to securely submit applications, upload 
documentation, and provide the data necessary for the Registry to 
perform aircraft registration and airman certification services. For 
registrants using the system, CARES allows more comprehensive 
functionality, including a personal portal for users to view their 
submissions, pay fees online, and digitally sign their applications. 
Full implementation of the CARES system is expected by late 2025. 
Ultimately, CARES will become the central and legal repository of all 
aircraft registration and will fully replace the existing service.

IV. Discussion of the Final Rule

A. Electronic Issuance of Aircraft Registration and Dealer Certificates

    The federal statutes that authorize the FAA to issue aircraft 
registration and dealer's registration certificates do not prescribe 
the manner in which the certificates are to be issued.\2\ As discussed, 
the FAA has traditionally issued aircraft registration and dealer's 
registration certificates, including replacement certificates, in paper 
form by mail. This process results in costs to the FAA to print the 
certificates, for supplies and associated labor hours, and for postage 
costs required to deliver the certificates by mail, which takes 
approximately 7 to 10 business days to arrive. With the capability to 
utilize electronic delivery means, such as email, and the future 
implementation of the CARES system, the FAA has determined that the 
traditional agency procedure of printing and mailing aircraft 
registration and dealer's registration certificates should be replaced 
with the electronic issuance of these certificates.
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    \2\ See 49 U.S.C. 44103(a) and 44104.
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    A feature of CARES will allow the Registry to electronically issue 
and deliver a registration certificate, enabling almost instant 
delivery of the certificate to the registrant without the normal 7-10 
business day wait time for regular mail delivery. Regardless of the 
timeline of CARES implementation, the Registry will still be able to 
send electronic certificates by email either through the legacy 
registration system or through alternate means.
    Electronic delivery of certificates will provide a streamlined and 
expedited delivery service while also reducing the cost and labor 
burden of mailing for the Registry. However, if a traditional paper 
certificate is still desired, an applicant may request a paper 
certificate be issued instead of an electronic certificate.
    This final rule effectuates this change in the FAA's procedures for 
the issuance of aircraft registration and dealer's registration 
certificates, from traditional paper form to electronic issuance as the 
primary delivery method.
    The FAA emphasizes, however, that the issuance of a registration 
certificate in electronic form does not, in any way, obviate or affect 
the need to comply with statutory, regulatory, or other requirements 
involving aircraft registration or dealer's registration certificates. 
Notably, in general, a Certificate of Aircraft Registration must still 
be carried on the aircraft.\3\
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    \3\ See 49 U.S.C. 44103(d); Article 29 of the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation (the ``Chicago Convention''); and 14 
CFR part 91, Sec.  91.203(a)(2). The FAA anticipates that the 
Certificate of Aircraft Registration will be permitted to be carried 
in electronic or digital format on the aircraft, subject to 
implementation of security and authentication features within CARES 
and international standards.
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B. Discussion of Affected Regulations

    For the reasons discussed in the preceding section, in this final 
rule the FAA is making several additions and revisions to the 
regulations in 14 CFR part 47. These amendments are designed to enable 
and facilitate the FAA's electronic issuance of aircraft registration 
and dealer's registration certificates. Applicants for these 
certificates will continue to be able to receive paper certificates 
upon request.
    The FAA is adding language to the end of Sec.  47.1, which sets 
forth the applicability of part 47. The additional regulatory language 
expressly provides that part 47 applies to the issuance of a 
Certificate of Aircraft Registration or a Dealer's Registration 
Certificate, whether by mail, electronic, or other means.
    The FAA is revising Sec.  47.41(b) to address the return or 
destruction (in the case of Sec.  47.41(b)(3)) of aircraft registration 
certificates that are issued in electronic form. Currently, Sec.  
47.41(b) requires an aircraft registration certificate be returned to 
the Registry within specified timeframes under the circumstances set 
forth in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4). For paper certificates, the 
holder of the certificate must notify the FAA of the reasons for a 
change in status by completing the reverse side of the certificate and 
returning it.
    The FAA has determined that it is unnecessary and impractical to 
require the ``return'' of an electronically issued aircraft 
registration certificate. The FAA does not expect certificate holders 
to have to permanently delete the originating email sent by the FAA, or 
other electronic or digital method used by the FAA, that transmitted 
the registration certificate. This rule amends Sec.  47.41(b) to 
maintain only the requirement that the holder of an electronically 
issued certificate notify the FAA by email or other acceptable means 
within the existing timeframes, in lieu of completing the reverse side 
of a paper certificate, when any of the changes specified in Sec.  
47.41(a) occurs, regarding the status of the registered aircraft or 
registered owner. The revised language of Sec.  47.41(b) provides 
flexibility for holders of electronically issued certificates to notify 
the FAA of a change in status in the most practicable manner.
    This rule also clarifies that only the paper or printed copies of 
the aircraft registration certificate need to be destroyed when 
required under Sec.  47.41(b)(3). A requirement to ``destroy'' an 
electronic certificate is impractical because the certificate, even if 
no longer effective, can be repeatedly printed, copied, and 
electronically duplicated. However, even though an electronic 
certificate may potentially exist in electronic form indefinitely, the 
use of an invalid or ineffective certificate remains unlawful. The 
registration status of civil aircraft is publicly available online and 
searchable by N-number for those persons who may need to ascertain the 
aircraft's current registration status.\4\
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    \4\ https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/.
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    The FAA is also amending Sec.  47.43(b), which currently requires 
that the holder

[[Page 5569]]

of an invalid aircraft registration return the registration certificate 
to the Registry as soon as possible, to clarify that only a certificate 
issued in paper form must be returned.
    Similarly, the FAA is amending Sec.  47.49, which prescribes the 
procedures for requesting a replacement aircraft registration 
certificate, to enable the Registry to send replacement certificates 
electronically.
    Finally, the FAA is revising several regulations in part 47 to 
remove the references to FAA form numbers ``AC Form 8050-3'' and ``AC 
Form 8050-6,'' which are the form numbers designated by the FAA for the 
Certificate of Aircraft Registration and the Dealer's Aircraft 
Registration Certificate, respectively. The affected sections of part 
47 include the following: Sec. Sec.  47.1; 47.5(c); 47.7(d); 47.8(c); 
47.11(e); 47.13(b) 47.15(a), (f), and (i); 47.16(a); 47.31(a); 47.39; 
47.40(b); 47.41(a), and (b); 47.43(b); 47.45; 47.47(a); 47.49(a); 
47.61(a); 47.63; 47.65; 47.67; 47.69, and 47.71. These form numbers are 
associated with the issuance of traditional paper certificates. 
Removing the form numbers from the regulations will reduce the need to 
amend the regulations should new aircraft registration forms be 
introduced in the future. The FAA will benefit from the administrative 
flexibility provided to more efficiently implement the digitization 
requirements contained in section 546 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018, among other purposes. In addition, some regulations in part 47 
include the form numbers when referring to the registration 
certificates, while other regulations do not. Removing the form numbers 
will maintain consistency in the regulatory language used throughout 
part 47.

V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses

A. Regulatory Evaluation

    Executive Orders 12866 (``Regulatory Planning and Review'') and 
13563 (``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'') require agencies 
to regulate in the ``most cost-effective manner'' to make a ``reasoned 
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its 
costs,'' and to develop regulations that ``impose the least burden on 
society.'' The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this 
final rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined in section 
(3)(f)(1) of Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order 
14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory Review.''
    The rule enables the FAA to distribute registration certificates 
electronically. It also amends language to ensure that such electronic 
certificates may be used in a similar fashion to printed certificates. 
Paper certificates may still be issued upon request. The FAA does not 
know or estimate how many registrants will opt for a paper certificate.
    Prior to this rulemaking, the Registry's practice had been to mail 
out paper copies of the certificates. The legacy registration system is 
scheduled to be replaced by the newer CARES system separate from this 
rulemaking, and the CARES system has the capability to distribute such 
certificates electronically. However, without this rule, the FAA would 
continue distributing paper certificates.
    The FAA estimates that registrants using the new system will 
receive their certificates 7 to 10 business days sooner on average 
under this rule.
    The rule will have minimal to no costs, as the infrastructure is 
scheduled to be deployed with or without the rulemaking. Furthermore, 
the rule is expected to result in cost savings for the FAA by reducing 
the postage and printing costs associated with mailing a paper 
certificate. It may also result in reduced costs for the FAA by 
reducing the time employees spend handling paper documents and 
preparing them to mail.
    The FAA distributes an average of 60,324 certificates each year. 
These are printed on card stock and sent out via bulk mail. The FAA 
estimates the unit cost of printing and mailing each certificate is 
$0.971.\5\ Therefore, if all future registrants use electronically 
issued certificates, the cost savings to the FAA may be about $58,575 
per year (60,324 certificates multiplied by $0.971).
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    \5\ Assumes rate for marketing mail flats (bulk). See USPS Price 
List, Notice 123, effective October 6, 2024: https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm?_gl=1*1e8cdrr*_gcl_au*NDY1OTc0MzQwLjE3MzA4MTUxMjQ.*_ga*MTc5MTgzMzg5Ni4xNzMwODE1MTI0*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTczMTA3NTA3NC4yLjAuMTczMTA3NTA3NC4wLjAuMA..#_c119, accessed on November 6, 2024.
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B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), in 5 U.S.C. 603, requires an 
agency to prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis describing 
impacts on small entities whenever 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law 
requires an agency to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking 
for any proposed rule. Similarly, 5 U.S.C. 604 requires an agency to 
prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis when an agency issues a 
final rule under 5 U.S.C. 553 after that section or any other law 
requires publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking. The 
FAA concludes that this is a rule of agency procedure or practice for 
which notice and comment are not required. As 5 U.S.C. 553 does not 
require notice and comment in this situation, 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604 
similarly do not require regulatory flexibility analyses.

C. International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as amended by the 
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing standards or engaging in related activities 
that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United 
States. Pursuant to these Acts, the establishment of standards is not 
considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign commerce of the 
United States, so long as the standard has a legitimate domestic 
objective, such as the protection of safety, and does not operate in a 
manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. The statute also 
requires consideration of international standards and, where 
appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards. The FAA has 
assessed the potential effect of this rule and determined that it 
ensures the safety of the American public and does not exclude imports 
that meet this objective. As a result, the FAA does not consider this 
rule as creating an unnecessary obstacle to foreign commerce.

D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
governs the issuance of Federal regulations that require unfunded 
mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State, 
local, or Tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs 
without the Federal Government having first provided the funds to pay 
those costs. The FAA determined that this final rule will not result in 
the expenditure of $183 million or more by State, local, or Tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector, in any one year.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires 
that the FAA consider the impact of paperwork and other information 
collection burdens imposed on the public. The information collection 
for aircraft registration and recordation is approved under OMB Control 
Number 2120-0042. The FAA has determined that there will be no new 
requirement for information

[[Page 5570]]

collection associated with this final rule.

F. International Compatibility

    In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to conform to 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and 
Recommended Practices to the maximum extent practicable. The FAA has 
determined that these regulations, as amended, do not conflict with the 
ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices pertaining to the issuance of 
a certificate of registration.

G. Environmental Analysis

    FAA Order 1050.1F identifies FAA actions that are categorically 
excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. The FAA has 
determined this rulemaking action qualifies for the categorical 
exclusion identified in paragraph 5-6.6f for regulations and involves 
no extraordinary circumstances.

VI. Executive Order Determinations

A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The FAA has analyzed this final rule under the principles and 
criteria of Executive Order 13132, Federalism. The FAA has determined 
that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on the 
States, or the relationship between the Federal Government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government, and, therefore, will not have federalism 
implications.

B. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    Consistent with Executive Order 13175, Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,\6\ and FAA Order 1210.20, 
American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Consultation Policy and 
Procedures,\7\ the FAA ensures that Federally Recognized Tribes 
(Tribes) are given the opportunity to provide meaningful and timely 
input regarding proposed Federal actions that have the potential to 
have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian Tribes, on the 
relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian Tribes; or to affect uniquely or significantly 
their respective Tribes. At this point, the FAA has not identified any 
unique or significant effects, environmental or otherwise, on Tribes 
resulting from this final rule.
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    \6\ 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 6, 2000).
    \7\ FAA Order No. 1210.20 (Jan. 28, 2004), available at 
www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/1210.pdf.
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C. Executive Order 13211, Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    The FAA analyzed this final rule under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. The FAA has determined that it is not a 
``significant energy action'' under the Executive order and is not 
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy.

D. Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation

    Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation, promotes international regulatory cooperation to meet 
shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security, 
environmental, and other issues and to reduce, eliminate, or prevent 
unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements. The FAA has 
analyzed this action under the policies and agency responsibilities of 
Executive Order 13609 and has determined that this action will have no 
effect on international regulatory cooperation.

VII. Additional Information

A. Electronic Access and Filing

    A copy of this final rule and all background material may be viewed 
online at www.regulations.gov using the docket number listed above. 
Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. 
It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. An electronic 
copy of this document may also be downloaded from the Office of the 
Federal Register's website at www.federalregister.gov and the 
Government Publishing Office's website at www.govinfo.gov. A copy may 
also be found on the FAA's Regulations and Policies website at 
www.faa.gov/regulations_policies.
    Copies may also be obtained by sending a request to the Federal 
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9677. 
Requesters must identify the docket or notice number of this 
rulemaking.
    All documents the FAA considered in developing this final rule, 
including economic analyses and technical reports, may be accessed in 
the electronic docket for this rulemaking.

B. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 
1996 requires the FAA to comply with small entity requests for 
information or advice about compliance with statutes and regulations 
within its jurisdiction. A small entity with questions regarding this 
document may contact its local FAA official or the person listed under 
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT heading at the beginning of the 
preamble. To find out more about SBREFA on the internet, visit 
www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/sbre_act/.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 47

    Aircraft, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements.

The Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends chapter I of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, as follows:

PART 47--Aircraft Registration

0
1. The authority citation for part 47 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 4 U.S.T. 1830; Public Law 115-254, Public Law 108-
297, 118 Stat. 1095 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note, 49 U.S.C. 44101 note); 49 
U.S.C. 106(f), 40113-40114, 44101-44108, 44110-44113, 44701, 44703-
44704, 44713, 45302, 46104, 46301.

0
2. Revise Sec.  47.1 to read as follows:


Sec.  47.1   Applicability.

    This part prescribes the requirements for registering aircraft 
under 49 U.S.C. 44101-44104. Subpart B applies to each applicant for, 
and holder of, a Certificate of Aircraft Registration. Subpart C 
applies to each applicant for, and holder of, a Dealer's Aircraft 
Registration Certificate. This part applies to the issuance by the FAA 
of such certificates, whether by mail, electronic, or other means.

0
3. Amend Sec.  47.5 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.5  Applicants.

* * * * *
    (c) 49 U.S.C. 44103(c) provides that registration is not evidence 
of ownership of aircraft in any proceeding in which ownership by a 
particular person is in issue. The FAA does not issue any certificate 
of ownership or endorse any information with respect to ownership on a 
Certificate of Aircraft

[[Page 5571]]

Registration. The FAA issues a Certificate of Aircraft Registration to 
the person who appears to be the owner on the basis of the evidence of 
ownership submitted pursuant to Sec.  47.11 with the Aircraft 
Registration Application, or recorded at the Registry.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  47.7 by revising paragraph (d) introductory text to read 
as follows:


Sec.  47.7  United States citizens and resident aliens.

* * * * *
    (d) Partnerships. A partnership may apply for a Certificate of 
Aircraft Registration under 49 U.S.C. 44102 only if each partner, 
whether a general or limited partner, is an individual who is a citizen 
of the United States. Nothing in this section makes ineligible for 
registration an aircraft that is not owned as a partnership asset but 
is co-owned by--
* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  47.8 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.8  Voting trusts.

* * * * *
    (c) If the voting trust terminates or is modified, and the result 
is less than 75 percent control of the voting interest in the 
corporation by citizens of the United States, a loss of citizenship of 
the holder of the Certificate of Aircraft Registration occurs, and 
Sec.  47.41(a)(3) of this part applies.
* * * * *

0
6. Amend Sec.  47.11 by revising paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  47.11  Evidence of ownership.

* * * * *
    (e) The executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased 
former owner of an aircraft must submit a certified copy of the letters 
testamentary or letters of administration appointing him executor or 
administrator. The Certificate of Aircraft Registration is issued to 
the applicant as executor or administrator.
    (f) The buyer of an aircraft from the estate of a deceased former 
owner must submit both a bill of sale, signed for the estate by the 
executor or administrator, and a certified copy of the letters 
testamentary or letters of administration. When no executor or 
administrator has been or is to be appointed, the applicant must submit 
both a bill of sale, signed by the heir-at-law of the deceased former 
owner, and an affidavit of the heir-at-law stating that no application 
for appointment of an executor or administrator has been made, that so 
far as he can determine none will be made, and that he is the person 
entitled to, or having the right to dispose of, the aircraft under 
applicable local law.
* * * * *

0
7. Amend Sec.  47.13 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.13   Signatures and instruments made by representatives.

* * * * *
    (b) When one or more persons doing business under a trade name 
submits an Aircraft Registration Application, a document submitted as 
supporting evidence under this part, or a request for cancellation of a 
Certificate of Aircraft Registration, the application, document, or 
request must be signed by, or on behalf of, each person who shares 
title to the aircraft.
* * * * *

0
8. Amend Sec.  47.15 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text, 
paragraph (f), and paragraph (i)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.15   Registration number.

    (a) Number required. An applicant for aircraft registration must 
place a U.S. registration number (registration mark) on the Aircraft 
Registration Application, AC Form 8050-1, and on any evidence submitted 
with the application. There is no charge for the assignment of numbers 
provided in this paragraph. This paragraph does not apply to an 
aircraft manufacturer who applies for a group of U.S. registration 
numbers under paragraph (c) of this section; a person who applies for a 
special registration number under paragraphs (d) through (f) of this 
section; or a holder of a Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificate 
who applies for a temporary registration number under Sec.  47.16.
* * * * *
    (f) The Registry authorizes a special registration number change on 
the Assignment of Special Registration Numbers, AC Form 8050-64. The 
authorization expires one year from the date the Registry issues an 
Assignment of Special Registration Numbers unless the special 
registration number is permanently placed on the aircraft. Within five 
days after the special registration number is placed on the aircraft, 
the owner must complete and sign the Assignment of Special Registration 
Numbers, state the date the number was placed on the aircraft, and 
return the original form to the Registry. The duplicate of the 
Assignment of Special Registration Numbers and the present Certificate 
of Aircraft Registration must be carried in the aircraft as temporary 
authority to operate it. This temporary authority is valid until the 
date the owner receives the revised Certificate of Aircraft 
Registration showing the new registration number, but in no case is it 
valid for more than 120 days from the date the number is placed on the 
aircraft.
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (2) Following the expiration date shown on the Dealer's Aircraft 
Registration Certificate, for any aircraft registered under Subpart C 
of this part, when the certificate has not been renewed, and the owner 
has not applied for registration in accordance with Sec.  47.31; or
* * * * *

0
9. Amend Sec.  47.16 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.16  Temporary registration numbers.

    (a) Temporary registration numbers are issued by the FAA to 
manufacturers, distributors, and dealers who are holders of Dealer's 
Aircraft Registration Certificates for temporary display on aircraft 
during flight allowed under Subpart C of this part.
* * * * *

0
10. Amend Sec.  47.31 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec.  47.31  Application.

    (a) Each applicant for a Certificate of Aircraft Registration must 
submit the following to the Registry--
* * * * *

0
11. Revise Sec.  47.39 to read as follows:


Sec.  47.39  Effective date of registration.

    An aircraft is registered on the date the Registry determines that 
the submissions meet the requirements of this part. The effective date 
of registration is shown as the date of issue on the Certificate of 
Aircraft Registration.

0
12. Amend Sec.  47.40 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.40  Registration expiration and renewal.

* * * * *
    (b) Renewal. Each holder of a Certificate of Aircraft Registration 
containing an expiration date may apply for renewal of a Certificate of 
Aircraft Registration by submitting an Aircraft Registration Renewal 
Application, AC Form 8050-1B, and the fee required by Sec.  47.17 
during the six months preceding the expiration date for the Certificate 
of Aircraft Registration.
* * * * *

[[Page 5572]]


0
13. Amend Sec.  47.41 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text, 
paragraph (b) introductory text, and paragraph (b)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  47.41  Duration and return of certificate.

    (a) Each Certificate of Aircraft Registration issued by the FAA 
under this subpart is effective, unless registration has ended by 
reason of having been revoked, canceled, expired, or the ownership is 
transferred, until the date upon which one of the following events 
occurs:
* * * * *
    (b) The FAA must be given notice of, and the reason(s) for, any 
change in status of the registered aircraft or registered owner 
specified under paragraph (a) of this section. In the case of an 
electronically issued Certificate of Aircraft Registration, notice must 
be provided by email or other means acceptable to the Administrator, 
and, in the case of a certificate issued in paper form, the 
certificate, with the reverse side completed, must be returned to the 
Registry--
* * * * *
    (3) Within 21 days of the termination of the registration, by the 
holder of the Certificate of Aircraft Registration in all other cases 
mentioned in paragraph (a) of this section, except in the case of 
expired certificates, the holder must destroy the expired certificate, 
if in paper or printed form.
* * * * *

0
14. Amend Sec.  47.43 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.43  Invalid registration.

* * * * *
    (b) If the registration of an aircraft is invalid under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the holder of the invalid Certificate of Aircraft 
Registration, if issued in paper form, must return it as soon as 
possible to the Registry.

0
15. Revise Sec.  47.45 to read as follows:


Sec.  47.45  Change of address.

    Within 30 days after any change in a registered owner's mailing 
address, the registered owner must notify the Registry in writing of 
the change of address. If a post office box or mailing drop is used for 
mailing purposes, the registered owner also must provide that owner's 
physical address or location. Upon acceptance, the Registry will issue, 
without charge, a revised Certificate of Aircraft Registration 
reflecting the new mailing address. When a post office box or mailing 
drop is used for mailing purposes, and the registered owner's physical 
address or location changes, the registered owner must notify the 
Registry in writing of the new address or location within 30 days.

0
16. Amend Sec.  47.47 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec.  47.47  Cancellation of Certificate for export purpose.

    (a) The holder of a Certificate of Aircraft Registration or the 
holder of an irrevocable deregistration and export request 
authorization recognized under the Cape Town Treaty and filed with the 
FAA who wishes to cancel the Certificate of Aircraft Registration for 
the purpose of export must submit to the Registry--
* * * * *

0
17. Revise Sec.  47.49 to read as follows:


Sec.  47.49  Replacement of Certificate.

    (a) If the original Certificate of Aircraft Registration is lost, 
stolen, or mutilated, the registered owner may submit to the Registry a 
written request that states the reason a replacement certificate is 
needed and the fee required by Sec.  47.17. The Registry will send a 
replacement certificate to the registered owner by email or other 
electronic or digital means, or, if such means are unavailable, to the 
registered owner's mailing address or to another mailing address if 
requested in writing by the registered owner.
    (b) The registered owner may request a temporary Certificate of 
Aircraft Registration pending receipt of a replacement certificate. The 
Registry issues a temporary Certificate of Aircraft Registration that 
must be carried in the aircraft until receipt of the replacement 
certificate.

0
18. Amend Sec.  47.61 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec.  47.61  Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificates.

    (a) The FAA issues a Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificate to 
U.S. manufacturers and dealers to--
* * * * *

0
19. Amend Sec.  47.63 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec.  47.63  Application.

    (a) A manufacturer or dealer that wishes to obtain a Dealer's 
Aircraft Registration Certificate must submit--
* * * * *

0
20. Revise Sec.  47.65 to read as follows:


Sec.  47.65  Eligibility.

    To be eligible for a Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificate, 
the applicant must have an established place of business in the United 
States, must be substantially engaged in manufacturing or selling 
aircraft, and must be a citizen of the United States, as defined by 49 
U.S.C. 40102 (a)(15).

0
21. Revise Sec.  47.67 to read as follows:


Sec.  47.67  Evidence of ownership.

    Before using a Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificate for 
operating the aircraft, the holder of the certificate (other than a 
manufacturer) must send to the Registry evidence of ownership under 
Sec.  47.11. An Aircraft Bill of Sale, AC Form 8050-2, or its 
equivalent, may be used as evidence of ownership. There is no recording 
fee.

0
22. Amend Sec.  47.69 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  47.69  Limitations.

    A Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificate is valid only in 
connection with use of aircraft--
* * * * *

0
23. Amend Sec.  47.71 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  47.71  Duration of Certificate; change of status.

    (a) A Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificate expires 1 year 
after the date it is issued. Each additional certificate expires on the 
date the original certificate expires.
* * * * *

    Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 44701(a), 
and 44101-44106 in Washington, DC
Michael Gordon Whitaker,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2025-00764 Filed 1-16-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P`