What Is an Aircraft Bill of Sale? A Plain Guide for Buyers

An aircraft bill of sale is the paper that transfers ownership of a U.S. aircraft from the seller to the buyer. You use it with the FAA to register the aircraft in the buyer's name.

What is an aircraft bill of sale?

In the United States, the FAA treats the bill of sale as evidence of ownership when the buyer applies to register the aircraft. The FAA publishes AC Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale, for this purpose. The FAA will also accept another bill of sale or conveyance if it meets the registry's rules. Many deals use a longer purchase agreement for the business terms and the short FAA form to transfer title.

What goes in it

The FAA bill of sale identifies the aircraft and the parties. It should include:

• Aircraft make and model
• Manufacturer's serial number
• U.S. registration number, the N-number
• Seller's name
• Buyer's name and address
• Seller's signature
• If the seller is a company, the signer states their title

Names must match the FAA records. If they do not, the registry can send the papers back.

What happens after you sign

Signing the bill of sale does not register the aircraft. The buyer files AC Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application, with the FAA Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City, together with the bill of sale. The registration fee is US$5. The FAA registers the aircraft to the person who appears to be the owner from the papers. A certificate of registration is not proof of ownership.

Since January 23, 2023, a new U.S. aircraft registration certificate is valid for 7 years. Before that it was 3 years.

Temporary authority while the FAA processes your filing

While the FAA processes the application, the buyer can carry the second copy of AC Form 8050-1 in the aircraft as temporary authority to fly, for an aircraft last registered in the United States. This authority is only for flights within the United States. It ends when the certificate arrives or the FAA denies the application. It cannot be used once 12 months have passed since the application. It also cannot be used if no registration number has been assigned.

Key documents at a glance

Document	Purpose	Who signs or provides it	Filed with FAA	Proof of ownership?
Bill of Sale (AC Form 8050-2 or other conveyance meeting rules)	Transfers ownership	Seller, with title if signing for a company	Yes, with the registration application	Used as evidence for registration
Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1)	Requests registration in buyer's name	Buyer	Yes, with fee and bill of sale	No
Certificate of Registration	Shows aircraft is registered to a person	Issued by FAA	Issued by FAA	No
Lien Release (if any)	Shows a recorded lien was released	Lienholder	Filed separately	No
Purchase Agreement	Sets the business terms of the deal	Buyer and seller	Usually no	No

Liens and title checks

A bill of sale does not remove a loan or lien. Releases of earlier liens are filed separately. A title search before closing shows what is recorded against the aircraft. For a plain guide on what a search covers and how it helps your risk, see our guide to aircraft title searches.

Practical steps for a clean closing

• Check the serial number on the aircraft data plate against the papers. Make sure the make, model, and N-number match.
• Sign only after the money is safe. Many buyers use an escrow agent to hold funds and documents. If you want to learn how escrow works, read our guide to aircraft escrow.
• Keep originals and copies. Store them in a safe place. Share copies with your insurer and your maintenance shop.
• Remember that the bill of sale is about legal ownership. It does not speak to the aircraft's condition. Plan a pre-purchase inspection to understand the aircraft you are buying. Here is our guide to the pre-purchase inspection.
• When ownership changes, the seller's registration certificate is no longer valid. The seller should report the sale to the FAA Registry.

After the sale, moving the aircraft

Once you have the signed bill of sale and have filed the registration application, you may need to move the aircraft. If you are arranging a dedicated move, learn what a ferry flight is and how it is planned in our ferry flight explainer.

Buying or selling outside the United States

Outside the United States, each country has its own aircraft register and paperwork, so use a local aviation lawyer.

Questions to ask a provider

• Will you prepare AC Form 8050-2 and check that names match FAA records?
• How will you verify the serial number and N-number on the aircraft and in the papers?
• Who will hold funds, and how are they protected?
• Will you file AC Form 8050-1 and the bill of sale with the FAA Aircraft Registry?
• Can you confirm what liens are recorded, and collect any releases?
• How will you handle originals and copies, and when will we receive them?
• What is the plan if the FAA returns the papers?
• Can you coordinate the pre-purchase inspection and any repairs?
• Can you coordinate a title search?
• Can you help set up a ferry flight or delivery schedule?

Sources: 14 CFR Part 47 (47.5, 47.11, 47.17, 47.31, 47.41); FAA Aircraft Registry (AC Form 8050-2 and AC Form 8050-1); FAA rule extending registration to 7 years (2023).

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