The FAA Civil Aviation Registry Online
The Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services (CARES) is a new online tool that provides web-based services for registration of all U.S. aircraft for individual U.S. aircraft owners. On December 5, 2022, individual aircraft owners will be able to:
- Complete and digitally sign self-guided aircraft registration applications;
- Upload legal and supplemental documents;
- Receive auto-generated notifications;
- Request aircraft registration N numbers; and
- Make online payments.
Future releases will expand the online services to include aircraft registration by third parties and enable the certification of all U.S. airmen and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Future phases of the Congressionally mandated initiative will serve FAA certificate-holders such as pilots and mechanics.
Getting Started
You may sign up for an individual CARES account at https://cares.faa.gov/home. For detailed instructions on how to register, click here.
You will need the following:
- An email address
- An official government identification
- A mobile phone
- Free download and approved authenticator app
- Method of payment
The preferred method of authenticating you for access is using the last 4 digits of your Social Security number and downloading the free Google Authenticator application. An authenticator app provides an additional layer of security that protects you and your data.
You may use other forms of government identification to verify your identity; however, the process may take a little longer. These methods will require you to upload pictures of your government documents using your mobile phone. You may also use a different authenticator app, such as OKTA Verify. FAA accepts multiple electronic payment methods for aircraft registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features are available in this first release?
Individual aircraft owners will be able to complete and digitally sign self-guided aircraft registration applications, upload legal and supplemental documents, receive auto-generated notifications, request aircraft registration N-numbers, use modernized online payment options, and receive instant notification of payment.
What features will be available in future releases?
The FAA will next expand the online services to corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and non-citizen trusts. Future phases of the Congressionally mandated initiative will serve FAA certificate-holders such as pilots and mechanics.
Will I still be able to submit paper registration documents?
Yes. FAA will still accept paper submissions as it builds out the platform.
When will fees be updated and how will they change?
There will be no fee changes at this time. As the system is deployed, the FAA will perform a cost analysis. If the cost analysis warrants any changes in fees, that will be communicated to stakeholders (and may require rulemaking).
What are the future plans for IACRA?
The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) will continue to be available and supported until all the new capabilities related to airmen certification are fully deployed.
Can I use the system without downloading an app to my mobile phone?
No. The use of the authenticator app provides multi-factor authentication of your account (an additional layer of security for your access to your data). If you are not already familiar with it, you will start seeing it more as many organizations that use secure accounts adapt to its use.
What if I have more questions?
You can review our quick start guide on setting up your account, read our user guide that covers features in more detail, or contact the help desk.