Faa N-Number Lookup (2024)

FAQs

How do I check if an n number is available? ›

Special Registration Numbers

Information about the formation of an N-Number is available. You can check the availability of N-Numbers on the Aircraft Registration Inquiry website.

An N-Number may not begin with zero (0). The first zero in a number must be preceded by at least one of the numbers one (1) through nine (9) (example: N01Z is not valid). Registration numbers N1 through N99 are reserved for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) internal use and are not available.

Public flight tracking websites, including Flightradar24 and FlightAware, allow users to search an aircraft's tail number to see where it is in the world. Tracking apps also show a plane's flight history, such as what routes it has flown or which flight numbers it has previously operated under.

The FAA provides videos, webinars, websites, support staff, and other resources to support public safety. Please contact the FAA at uashelp@faa.gov to request assistance. Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.

You can check to see if the Aircraft Registration Branch received your documents using the Document Index search located on the Aircraft Inquiry page accessed by selecting the Search Aircraft Registration Information link from the main menu or the "Top Tasks" feature.

The procedure is the same as under "How do I Register My Aircraft" except you will also need to include a written request that lists, in order of preference, at least five (5) N-Numbers of choice. A special number of your own choosing will cost $10 plus the $5 registration fee.

FlightAware. FlightAware offers the most advanced yet accurate flight tracking services.

Structure and Significance of Tail Numbers

Unique Alphanumeric Sequence: Following the country code, a sequence of letters and/or numbers is assigned, uniquely identifying the aircraft within that country's registry. This combination ensures that no two aircraft bear the same registration number.

Standing out in the skies, her private jet is an emblem of her identity. For those who couldn't guess, the 'TS' in N898TS stands for Taylor Swift, of course, but what's the number '898'? While some people assume it's like a secret code between Taylor and her true fans, it's actually her birth year reference.

Failure to register an unmanned aircraft that is required to be registered may result in regulatory and criminal penalties. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

How to get in touch with the FAA? ›

Phone: 866-TELL-FAA (866-835-5322) or, for TTY/TDD, use the Federal Relay Service .

In addition to regulating U.S. commercial and private air travel, the FAA plays a critical role in investigating aviation accidents, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to ensure that necessary safety measures are in place and adhered to to prevent future incidents.

Aircraft registration processing takes between 16 and 20 working days from the day the documents are received in the Aircraft Registration Branch.

Initial Certificates of Aircraft Registration will expire seven years from the month issued.

In the United States, the registration number is commonly referred to as an "N" number, because all aircraft registered there have a number starting with the letter N. An alphanumeric system is used because of the large numbers of aircraft registered in the United States.

(2) A temporary registration number may not be used on more than one aircraft in flight at the same time. (3) Temporary registration numbers may not be used to fly aircraft into the United States for the purpose of importation.