The FAA published a final rule last week that allows online submission of aircraft registration documents. Previous regulations required registrants to submit original documents and ink-signed documents to register aircraft but the new rule does away with almost all of that. In some cases, certified or true copies will be needed. It's hoped the modernization move will speed up the process and chip away at the months-long delays in processing aircraft registrations. A companion rule also allows the FAA to email the completed registration certificates.
Both of these rules, although final, will not be fully implemented until the Civil Aviation Registration Electronic System (CARES) comes online. Which is currently slated for some time in autumn of 2025.
I registered and was on the Cares site last week. It looks functional for registration items. I was trying to renew an N number reservation. It wanted a form that does not appear to exist yet. However the drop down menus had all the other forms.
I’m going to be applying for a Cub project and will see how it goes using Cares. If I get it done prior to closing of comments I’ll swing back.
Thanks Stsmark and please do. According to a notice distributed last Friday (Jan 24th), the Registry will be unable to accept some types of signatures nor distribute registration and dealer certificates electronically through CARES but there may be some options available to the public now.
I used the system to register an airplane last night and it was seamless. I also had to contact the help desk for an unrelated problem and I had a response waiting this morning. Seems like a great system and I look forward to the airman services section to be activated.