FAA U.S. Agent FAQ: Foreign Pilot Costs, USAS & 14 CFR 61.60

Quick answers for foreign pilots about FAA U.S. Agent requirements, USAS designation, 14 CFR 61.60 address rules, cost, mail scanning, and compliance next steps.

FAA U.S. Agent FAQ: Foreign Pilot Costs, USAS & 14 CFR 61.60 explains FAA Agent for Service requirements for international FAA certificate holders, foreign pilots, mechanics, drone operators, aircraft owners, and aviation businesses with non-U.S. addresses.

Aero Agent provides a U.S.-based FAA Agent for Service address, FAA mail receipt, document scanning, alerts, forwarding, storage, disposal support, and secure portal access for customers outside the United States.

Use these pages to understand the compliance requirement, compare service options, read related FAA mail and address-rule guidance, and compare Aero Agent pricing when you are ready to appoint a U.S. agent.

FAA U.S. Agent FAQ: Foreign Pilot Costs, USAS & 14 CFR 61.60

FAA U.S. Agent FAQ for Foreign Pilots

Last Updated: February 2026 | Everything you need to know about US Agent requirements for FAA certificate holders living abroad.

Quick answers before you choose an FAA U.S. Agent

Foreign pilots and other covered FAA certificate holders may need a U.S. Agent for Service through USAS.

separately requires pilots to keep permanent mailing address information current within 30 days of a change.

Aero Agent provides a U.S.-based service contact, FAA mail receipt, document scanning, alerts, forwarding options, and secure portal access.

If you are ready to act, compare

USAS designation checklist

What is a US Agent for Pilots?

A US Agent is a registered service that provides foreign pilots with a permanent United States mailing address for FAA correspondence. The agent receives, manages, and forwards official FAA documents on behalf of pilots who live outside the United States.

Unlike a simple mailbox service, a qualified US Agent understands aviation documents, recognizes time-sensitive correspondence, and can assist with FAA compliance requirements.

The FAA maintains an official US Agent designation system at

Do Foreign Pilots Need a US Address for Their FAA Certificate?

Under 14 CFR 61.60 (Change of Address), the holder of a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate who changes their permanent mailing address may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after 30 days unless they have notified the FAA in writing of their new address.

For foreign pilots, this creates a critical problem: when you return home after training in the US, your address changes. Without a permanent US address on file, your FAA certificate becomes invalid after 30 days.

Establish a U.S. Agent for Service and keep your FAA address/contact workflow current before important FAA correspondence goes to an outdated address.

Decision links for foreign pilots

How much does an FAA agent cost?

How do I designate an FAA U.S. agent?

14 CFR 61.60 address rule

What Happens If I Don't Have a US Address on My FAA Certificate?

If you're a foreign pilot without a current US address on file with the FAA:

Your certificate privileges are suspended

Related details

• — You cannot legally exercise pilot privileges after 30 days
• You may miss critical FAA correspondence
• — Enforcement actions, renewal notices, certificate updates
• Reinstatement becomes complicated
• — You'll need to update your address and potentially verify your certificate status
• — Flying with an invalid certificate may void your aviation insurance
• This isn't a theoretical risk. The FAA regularly sends correspondence that requires timely response. Missing a deadline can result in certificate suspension or revocation.
• How Does the FAA Verification Process Work for Foreign Pilots?
• The FAA foreign license verification process involves several steps:
• Step 1: Submit Verification Request
• Submit Form 8060-71 (Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License and Medical Certification) via IACRA (Integrated Airmen Certification and Rating Application) at
• Step 2: FAA Contacts Your CAA
• The FAA Airmen Certification Branch (AFB-720) contacts your country's Civil Aviation Authority to verify your foreign license details.
• Step 3: CAA Provides Verification
• Your country's CAA confirms the validity and currency of your license and medical certificate.
• Step 4: FAA Issues Verification Letter
• A verification letter is uploaded to your IACRA account. This letter is valid for 6 months (or until your foreign license expires, whichever is sooner).
• Step 5: Schedule FSDO Appointment
• Contact your selected Flight Standards District Office to schedule an in-person appointment. Expect at least 2 weeks wait time due to security procedures.
• 45-90 days (per FAA guidance)
• Do NOT schedule travel or checkrides until you have received your verification letter.
• What Regulations Govern US Address Requirements?
• 14 CFR 61.60 - Change of Address
• The primary regulation requiring pilots to maintain a current address with the FAA: