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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

I am a foreign pilot. How do I get a U.S. license (certificate) with an instrument rating?

The following are steps for obtaining a U.S. license with an instrument rating:

If your foreign license has an instrument rating:

You can obtain a U.S. license but we must verify your present license by checking with the civil aviation authority in the country that issued your license. You must fill out the "Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating, and Medical Certification" form and send it with the documents the form requires to:

By Mail:

Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082

By Fax:

Fax the form and required documents to (405) 954-9922.

Confirmation of Your License:

It will take FAA about 45-60 days to confirm your license. We will send you a letter when it’s approved.

Take the Written Test:

The instrument foreign pilot written test is available at any computerized knowledge testing center that gives FAA written tests.

Take These to Your Flight Standards District Office (FSDO):

Contact an operations inspector at your local FSDO.

You must bring:

  • Your license
  • A current medical certificate
  • The confirmation letter from Oklahoma City
  • Another picture ID and
  • Results of the computerized test

Fees in the United States:

There is no fee if you are applying in the United States.

Invalid Medical Certificate Information:

  • If your License and Medical Certificate are ONE Document--You must revalidate the medical portion in your country of origin before you apply for your U.S. license.

  • If your License and Medical Certificate are SEPARATE Documents--You may be able to get a U.S. medical certificate. Contact a U.S. aviation medical examiner.