What happens if I don't have a US address on my FAA certificate?

Your certificate privileges are suspended after 30 days, so you cannot legally exercise pilot privileges. You may miss critical FAA correspondence such as enforcement actions and renewal notices, reinstatement becomes complicated because you must update your address and possibly verify certificate status, and flying with an invalid certificate may void your aviation insurance.

How does the FAA verification process work for foreign pilots?

Submit Form 8060-71 via IACRA at iacra.faa.gov. The FAA Airmen Certification Branch contacts your country's Civil Aviation Authority to verify your license, the CAA confirms validity, and a verification letter is uploaded to your IACRA account, valid for 6 months. You then schedule an FSDO appointment. Total processing time is 45-90 days.

Which countries have special FAA verification requirements?

Pilots from Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom must complete additional CAA forms before the FAA can process their verification. These additional forms are submitted directly to your CAA, not to the FAA. The FAA's Form 8060-71 is still submitted separately to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch.

Can I use my foreign medical certificate with an FAA license?

Yes, with conditions. Under 14 CFR 61.75, pilots with a US certificate issued based on a foreign license may use their foreign medical certificate, provided the medical was issued by the same country that issued your foreign pilot license, it is current and valid, and you carry it in your physical possession when flying.

How do I update my address with the FAA?

Online, log into FAA Airmen Services, select Change your address, enter your new permanent mailing address, and submit. By mail, complete Form AC 8060-55 and send it to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082. Remember you have 30 days from an address change or your certificate privileges are suspended.

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

Q: Do foreign pilots need a US address for their FAA certificate?

Yes. Under 14 CFR 61.60, 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 notify the FAA in writing. When foreign pilots return home after training, this 30-day rule applies to their new address.

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.

Aero Agent focuses on FAA U.S. Agent for Service support for people and aviation businesses outside the United States that need a dependable U.S. contact point for FAA communications.

Customers can use Aero Agent for U.S. agent details, FAA mail receipt, document scanning, timely alerts, forwarding options, storage, disposal support, and secure portal access.

Important FAA mail can involve notices, address questions, certificate issues, or other time-sensitive communications, so the agent workflow should make receipt and delivery status clear.

Aero Agent content is written for foreign FAA certificate holders, international pilots, mechanics, drone operators, aircraft owners, and aviation companies comparing compliance options.

The official FAA designation process and the customer account workflow are separate: Aero Agent supplies the service details and mail-handling support, while the customer completes any required FAA designation step.

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.

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

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Related details

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
— 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)