Welcome to our US Aviation Agency’s USAS FAQ, we serve as an official FAA US Agent for Service USAS provider. Learn how to designate US Aviation Agency as your FAA Agent for Service with step-by-step guidance for FAA certificate holders and aircraft registration owners living outside of the United States. Our services ensure FAA compliance with USAS requirements for FAA License Holders (Pilots, Drone Pilots, Mechanics, etc living abroad) outlined in 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C. Including a physical U.S. address for your FAA legal correspondence. Below, explore detailed answers to common US Agent for Service questions, tailored to your needs. For more resources, visit our Resources page or get aviation insights from our Aviation Blog and stay informed with our Social Media Hub! ✈️

What is an FAA US Agent for Service (USAS) and who needs a U.S. Agent?
A U.S. Registered Agent for Service is a designated company or individual responsible for receiving and forwarding FAA legal correspondence and notices on your behalf.
An official FAA US Agent for Service (USAS) provider must maintain a valid physical U.S. Address (not a Post Office Box) and be available during business hours to receive FAA documents and legal process service. Your US Agent is responsible for timely transmitting of your documents to you and you must certify that they are aware of this responsibility.
The FAA needs a reliable way to deliver legal documents (enforcement notices, certificate actions or compliance orders) to certificate holders who live abroad. Before this rule, the FAA sometimes had to rely on the Hague Convention for the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents to deliver correspondence Internationally. That process took months, created jurisdictional complications and often resulted in certificate holders missing critical deadlines.
Who does the USAS regulation apply to?
Anyone holding an FAA certificate (e.g., pilots, aircraft owners, mechanics, drone operators UAS, etc) without a physical U.S. Address is required to designate an FAA U.S. Registered Agent (USAS) provider in order to legally comply with FAA 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C regarding notifications and process serving. Reference Advisory Circular No: 3-1 for guidance on how to comply with this regulation.
Does the requirement apply to U.S. citizens living abroad?
Yes. The requirement is based on your address of record, not your citizenship. If you are a U.S. citizen with an FAA certificate and your address is outside the United States, you need to designate an FAA Agent.
Does it apply to Part 107 drone (UAS) pilots?
Yes. Remote pilot certificate holders under Part 107 who have a foreign address are required to designate a U.S. Agent for Service. This is one of the most commonly overlooked groups.
So if you hold an FAA Certificate (FAA License) and are living outside of the United States this rule applies to you!
How do I switch my FAA US Agent for Service (USAS) designee from another provider to US Aviation Agency?
Switching your FAA U.S. Agent for Service (USAS) designee is straightforward and fully handled through the official FAA USAS portal—no paper forms or direct FAA submissions needed on your end. Per 14 CFR § 3.303(c), you must notify the FAA of any change to your U.S. Agent designation within 30 days of the change to stay compliant.
Why are Pilots and other FAA Certificate (FAA License) holders switching their USAS provider to US Aviation Agency?
- Agent availability
- Secure document receipt and high-quality digitization
- Proprietary dashboard with instant notifications (dashboard, SMS, WhatsApp, Signal, email)
- Shredding or optional forwarding
- Concierge designation service
- Multilingual support
- 24/7 technical support from aviation pros
- Most competitive USAS provider on the market
Here's the simple step-by-step process:
Sign up with US Aviation Agency first - select the (USAS Annual Plan), enter your required information and complete payment.
*An active annual subscription is required for us to fully activate our services and process any FAA correspondence on your behalf.
Update your designation in the USAS system:
- Go to the FAA USAS portal at https://usas.faa.gov.
- Select the option for Airman/Operator or Aircraft Owner (whichever applies to you).
- Enter your FTN and DOB (Airmen/Operators) or your N-Number and Serial # (Aircraft Owners).
- Select the option to 'Edit or Update' in the upper right corner of the grey box.
- Choose 'Service Agent Company' and enter US Aviation Agency details (full entity name, our U.S. physical address, email and contact person — these are provided for you automatically in your personal dashboard after signup).
- Certify that the Agent has accepted responsibility (this is done electronically in the USAS portal).
- Submit the change.
The FAA processes this electronically and your new designation becomes effective almost immediately. Both parties (you and US Aviation Agency) will receive confirmation via email of the designation. We will upload a copy of the designation email to your US Aviation Agency > My Account > Dashboard, providing you 24/7 access should you need it in the future.
That's it—your old provider is automatically replaced. The FAA only recognizes the most recent valid designation in their system. Once submitted and your subscription is active, US Aviation Agency becomes your official USAS designated provider.
Notify your old provider - when your new designation is confirmed and active, if you have a subscription plan with another provider, request to stop any auto-renewal billing. Most providers have straight forward cancellation processes.
For faster help, our team is available 24/7/365 via SMS, WhatsApp, Signal and email.
After the switch, all future FAA correspondence will route through US Aviation Agency, with same-day digitization uploaded to your dashboard and instant alerts via email and/or optional WhatsApp, Signal, SMS so you never miss time-sensitive notices no matter where you are in the world!
Switching is quick, secure and keeps you fully compliant without downtime. If you run into any hiccups, contact us--we've helped hundreds of pilots and owners make this exact transition smoothly.
Ready to switch? Get Started or shoot us an email for personalized assistance! Safe Flying ✈️
How do I renew my USAS Agent Designation?
The FAA designation itself does not require annual renewal — once properly filed in the USAS system (USAS.FAA.Gov), it remains active until you update or cancel it.
What you do need to maintain is your USAS service subscription with US Aviation Agency. We automatically renew subscriptions each year to ensure uninterrupted service and continuous monitoring of your dedicated U.S. address.
We will send a friendly email reminder 30 days before your renewal date so you have plenty of time to update payment information or make any changes.
How do I designate U.S. Aviation Agency as my U.S. Agent for Service?
Prepare your documentation (aviation credentials and government ID) and information for US Aviation Agency to be designated as your U.S. Agent for Service (USAS):
To ensure a smooth registration process for the US Agent for Service (USAS) annual plan, we provide a step-by-step guide based on your situation during US Aviation Agency registration.
We support applicants who already hold FAA credentials as well as those applying for FAA certificates (e.g., converting from foreign licenses like UK CAA PPL, EASA PPL, Australian PPL, etc.) or even those just starting their aviation journey — without any pilot credentials yet.
If you hold FAA credentials (e.g., Part 61, 63, 65, 67 or 107 certificates, ratings or authorizations):
- Part 47 — Aircraft registration (individual registrants with foreign addresses)
- Part 61 — Pilot certificates (from student pilot through airline transport pilot)
- Part 63 — Flight engineer and flight navigator certificates
- Part 65 — Mechanic, repairman and parachute rigger certificates
- Part 67 — Medical certificates
- Part 107 — Remote pilot certificates (UAS - drone operators)
Have your FTN or Aircraft Documentation Ready
- Airmen: Look-up or create your Federal Tracking Number (FTN)
- IACRA - Click here to look up your FTN number in your IACRA Profile. If you don't have an FTN, you can register with IACRA to create an FTN prior to completing your US Aviation Agency Registration and finalizing your annual subscription plan.
- MedXPress - Click here to look up your FTN number in your MedXPress Profile
- Aircraft Owners: Provide your N-registered aircraft registration
- Aircraft Inquiry - Click here to look up your aircraft information.
Required Contact Information
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number with Country Code
- Billing, Shipping & Physical Address (all or some may be the same)
For airmen (holders or applicants of parts 61, 63, 65, 67 or 107 certificates, ratings or authorizations), the FAA also requires the airmen's:
- Date of Birth
- FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
For individuals who hold or apply for aircraft registration certificates under part 47, the FAA also requires the:
- Aircraft Registration Number
- Make / Model
- Serial Number
US Aviation Agency (USAS) Registration: Register and create your account with US Aviation Agency after selecting the US Agent for Service (USAS) Annual Plan - Select Your Plan Now
- Select your annual plan.
- Create an account during registration and upload your required documentation.
- Pay for the annual subscription plan.
What will happen after I complete my US Aviation Agency Registration and Checkout?
You will get instant access to your US Aviation Agency secure personal Dashboard for monitoring FAA legal correspondence.
In the Dashboard you will find the USAS.FAA.Gov Portal Self-Service Instructions and a link to our “FAA USAS Step-by-Step Visual Guide” for designating US Aviation Agency as your US Agent for Service provider on the USAS web portal. We are happy to assist you at any time (especially if you run into firewall issues, login problems or any other difficulties with the USAS.FAA.Gov website).
You will be notified via email when the Federal Aviation Administration USAS Designation is complete. The FAA USAS compliance confirmation email is sent out to you and your certified US. Agent and will be made available on your USAviationAgency.com | My Account | Dashboard.
The ENTIRE process is complete! US Aviation Agency is now your designated FAA United States Agent for Service.
Questions? We are here to help! Contact us via WhatsApp/Signal/SMS at +1-386-THE-JETS or email [email protected].
When does my U.S. agent for service designation on USAS become effective?
A U.S. Agent for service designation is effective immediately, once the U.S. Agent for Service is designated on the USAS website and submitted. Both you and your designated U.S. Agent will be notified with an FAA Compliance confirmation email. This confirmation document will be uploaded to your US Aviation Agency > My Account > Dashboard within 72 hours of completing your registration.
Why does US Aviation Agency assign a dedicated US Agent for Service to every customer?
Every customer who signs up with US Aviation Agency is assigned a dedicated US Agent for Service (USAS).
Here’s how it works:
- When registered, certified or process-served mail arrives, our on-duty USAS agent immediately digitizes a high-quality pdf and uploads the document to your secure proprietary dashboard on the US Aviation Agency portal.
- The agent then sends you an immediate alert via email and an optional mode of text communication you have elected to receive, such as WhatsApp, Signal or SMS.
- Within 24 hours, your dedicated US Agent for Service checks that you have logged into your US Aviation Agency Dashboard to view your new document.
- If you have not acknowledged the notification, your dedicated US Agent for Service will reach out to remind and encourage you to review the document promptly.
Why this dedicated agent service is the best option:
You get immediate support the moment important mail arrives, plus a reliable safety net. Your personal USAS representative verifies acknowledgment and proactively follows up if needed. This ensures you are always aware of and can quickly respond to any potentially time-critical FAA legal correspondence, giving you greater peace of mind and protection.
How quickly will I be alerted about important FAA communications?
For all FAA-related correspondence, we digitize and deliver your documents to your secure dashboard on the same business day of receipt. You will receive real-time alerts via email and/or WhatsApp, Signal, SMS Text notifications to ensure that you stay informed of any critical communications. Our quick document processing helps you respond promptly and avoid missing important notices from the FAA.
What are the fees for shipping essential items like Pilot's Certificates or Aircraft Registrations?
If you choose to have documents shipped to your address, US Aviation Agency charges a $10 value added service fee per mailing transaction plus the actual cost of shipping. Multiple documents can be included in a single mailing transaction, so you only pay the $10 fee once per shipment, regardless of the number of documents. The shipping cost depends on the carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL or USPS) you select and the destination.
Why is there a $10 value added service fee per mailing transaction?
The $10 value added service fee covers the administrative and handling costs associated with preparing and processing your documents for shipment. This includes securely packaging your essential items, coordinating with the chosen carrier and ensuring compliance with U.S. and International mailing requirements. The fee applies once per mailing transaction, even if multiple documents are included in the shipment.
How is the shipping cost determined?
The shipping cost is the actual amount charged by the carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL or USPS) for delivering your documents to your specified address.
Will I know the total cost before shipping?
Yes, we will provide an estimated total cost, including the $10 service fee and the carrier’s shipping charge, before proceeding with the shipment. You will have the opportunity to approve the estimated cost. The final shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the carrier’s final charges and you will be charged the actual amount, prior to shipping.
Do I have to pay for shipping if I don't want physical documents?
No, shipping is optional. As part of our USAS service, we receive and manage your FAA-related documents at our U.S. address for compliance. All documents are digitized as high-quality PDFs and uploaded to your 'My Account' dashboard. If you do not need physical copies shipped, you can choose to have original documents securely shredded at no additional cost.
How do I request documents be shipped?
Simply, email us at: [email protected] and let us know which documents you would like to have shipped. Please include the shipping address in the email and the following email subject line: Document Shipping Request
A customer service representative will be in touch with you within 24 hours to provide you with your shipping pricing and options based on your chosen destination.
Note: If there is an urgent need for your documents please change your subject line to: URGENT Document Shipping Request
Why has the FAA started requiring a U.S. Agent for Service for individuals and entities with a foreign address?
As of October 8th, 2024, the FAA issued new regulations mandating that all FAA certificate holders with an address outside of the United States, must appoint a U.S. Agent for Service of Process. This applies to pilots, aircraft owners, mechanics, drone pilots and others with FAA credentials. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that official communication, legal documentation and important notifications are securely delivered, regardless of the recipient's overseas location, thereby maintaining compliance with FAA standards.
The FAA needs a reliable way to deliver legal documents — such as enforcement notices, certificate actions, or compliance orders — to certificate holders who live abroad. Before this rule, the FAA sometimes had to rely on the Hague Convention for the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents to deliver papers Internationally. That process often took months, created jurisdictional complications and often resulted in certificate holders missing critical deadlines.
The U.S. Agent for Service requirement solves this by ensuring every foreign-addressed certificate holder has a designated contact point within the United States. The agent’s primary role is to receive your correspondence from the FAA and forward them to you promptly.
Can I submit the U.S. agent for service information on my certificate application to the Airmen Certification Branch or to any other part of the FAA?
The only acceptable method to designate a U.S. FAA agent for service is through the USAS portal, the FAA cannot enter any information on behalf of the airman to the USAS portal.
Once you choose the US Agent for Service (USAS) annual plan with US Aviation Agency and complete your registration/checkout, you will have access to your personal Dashboard where we provide step-by-step guidance to complete the FAA USAS portal designation. When submitted, your FAA confirmation of compliance with 14 CFR Part 3, Subpart C document will be uploaded to your personal US Aviation Agency > My Account > Dashboard. This is where you will have access to all of your FAA correspondence.
I live in the United States can I use the U.S Agent for Service from U.S. Aviation Agency?
While our service ensures FAA compliance for those with a foreign address, even domestic FAA certificate holders requiring a confidential FAA physical address for legal correspondence can use our U.S. Registered Agent address.
U.S. citizens holding FAA credentials that need a confidential FAA US Address because they:
- Lack a permanent home address
- Prefer not to disclose their personal residence address
- Work overseas for extended periods and need a US Agent for Service
FAA certificate or license holder examples:
Pilots, Student Pilots, Flight Instructors, Ground Instructors, Flight Engineers, Navigators, Flight Attendants, Mechanics, Air-Traffic Control-Tower Operators, Aircraft Dispatchers, Parachute Riggers, Drone Operators, First, Second & Third Class Medical Certificate Holders and Aircraft Owners with FAA Aircraft Registrations.
What is the deadline for designating a U.S. agent for service?
October 8, 2024: The final rule took effect. All new applicants for FAA certificates must designate a U.S. Agent for Service (USAS) at the time of application.
July 7, 2025: The compliance deadline for existing FAA certificate holders has passed—and enforcement is now in effect.
Ongoing: The U.S. Agent requirement is permanent. You must maintain an active designation for as long as you hold an FAA certificate and your address of record is outside of the United States of America. If you change Agent, you must update your USAS designation promptly on the USAS.FAA.Gov website portal.
Non-compliance can result in inability to exercise your FAA privileges, ineffective aircraft registrations or potential FAA enforcement actions.
It’s not too late to designate your USAS provider today to restore and maintain full compliance quickly and easily.
Get compliant today—sign up in minutes and avoid any further risks!
What will the consequences of non-compliance be for certificate holders and applicants?
Pursuant to 14 CFR Part3 Subpart C. § 3.303 Designation of a U.S. agent for service (d): No individual shall exercise the privileges of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under part 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107 of this chapter unless the individual has designated a U.S. agent as required under this subpart. Aircraft registration certificates issued to individuals who fail to designate a U.S. agent as required under this subpart will be ineffective.
The FAA has begun enforcement actions related to the agent for service requirement. While the specific consequences depend on individual circumstances, the general enforcement framework includes the possibility of certificate suspension or revocation.
We intentionally avoid speculating about specific penalties, as enforcement policy can change and individual cases vary. What we can say clearly is this: the requirement is active, the FAA is enforcing it and the cost of compliance ($29-$39/year) is negligible compared to the professional and financial impact of losing your FAA certificates.
Note: We recommend checking the FAA’s official guidance directly for the most current information on deadlines and enforcement.
Do I still need to respond to FAA notices myself?
Yes. Your U.S. Agent for Service receives and forwards all FAA correspondence to you promptly. However, you remain fully responsible for reading, understanding and responding to any FAA notices or requirements within the specified timeframes. Our role is to provide reliable mail handling and notification services — we are not a legal representative or substitute for your own timely response.
Is my personal and financial information secure?
Yes. We take the security of your personal and financial information very seriously.
All programming, website development, client dashboard maintenance and core technical tasks — including secure in-house digitization of FAA correspondence — are performed exclusively by vetted members of our company ownership and management team. We do not use any outside programmers, contractors or third-party developers who could access your data.
Your information is stored in our secure server environment and is protected with multiple layers of industry-standard security measures. Payment processing is handled securely by Stripe, our trusted PCI DSS-compliant payment provider.
For full details on how we collect, use and protect your data, please see our Privacy Policy.
How do I cancel my annual service plan if I no longer need it?
Cancelling your US Aviation Agency subscription service is straightforward. Simply reach out to our customer support team at [email protected] and we will guide you through the cancellation process smoothly. It’s important to note that if you cancel, you must provide the FAA with a new U.S. Registered Agent immediately to stay FAA compliant. See our refund policy.
