What Is an Aircraft Bill of Sale?
An aircraft bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale and transfer of an aircraft from one party to another. It serves as the primary evidence of ownership transfer and is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update the aircraft's registration from the seller to the buyer.
Unlike vehicle or boat bills of sale, aircraft transactions are governed primarily at the federal level through the FAA. The FAA's official bill of sale form is AC Form 8050-2, though any document containing the required information may be accepted. The bill of sale must include the aircraft's N-number (registration number), manufacturer, model, serial number, and the signatures of both parties.
In addition to federal FAA requirements, individual states may impose sales tax, use tax, or personal property tax on aircraft purchases. Some states offer exemptions for aircraft used in interstate commerce, flight training, or agricultural operations. Understanding both the FAA registration process and your state's tax obligations is essential for a smooth aircraft transaction.
FAA Required
Required by the FAA to transfer aircraft registration to a new owner
N-Number Verification
Includes aircraft N-number, serial number, and airworthiness status
Title Protection
Documents lien status and protects both buyer and seller legally
Aircraft Bill of Sale by State
While aircraft registration is handled federally by the FAA, each state has different tax rules for aircraft purchases. Some states charge full sales tax, others offer exemptions or reduced rates for aircraft, and a few have no sales tax at all. Select your state below for state-specific tax information and a template that covers both FAA and state requirements.
How to Write an Aircraft Bill of Sale
An aircraft bill of sale must contain specific information to satisfy FAA requirements and protect both parties. Follow these steps to ensure your document is complete and will be accepted by the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch.
Identify the Aircraft
Record the aircraft's N-number (FAA registration number), manufacturer, model designation, and serial number. The N-number is displayed on the aircraft's exterior and appears on the registration certificate. Verify this information matches the FAA registry at registry.faa.gov. Include the aircraft type (fixed-wing, rotorcraft, glider) and number of engines.
Record Seller and Buyer Information
Include the full legal names and current mailing addresses of both buyer and seller. The seller's name must exactly match the name on the current FAA registration certificate. If the aircraft is owned by a corporation, LLC, or trust, include the entity's legal name and the name and title of the authorized signer. Both parties should provide phone numbers and email addresses for the FAA's records.
Document the Sale Price and Terms
State the agreed purchase price in both numerals and written form. Specify what is included in the sale — the airframe, engine(s), propeller(s), avionics, and any spare parts or accessories. Note the payment method and whether the sale is contingent on a pre-purchase inspection. If the aircraft is a gift, indicate "$0 — Gift" as the sale price. The stated price determines sales tax obligations in most states.
Verify Airworthiness and Maintenance Records
Confirm the aircraft has a valid Standard Airworthiness Certificate (FAA Form 8100-2) and a current annual inspection or progressive inspection program. Record total airframe hours, engine hours (time since major overhaul), and propeller hours. Reference the aircraft's maintenance logbooks and any applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that have been complied with.
Disclose Liens and Encumbrances
The seller must disclose any liens, security interests, or encumbrances on the aircraft. The FAA records liens through its Aircraft Registration Branch, and a title search can reveal any existing claims. If there is a lien, arrangements must be made to satisfy it at or before closing. An aircraft escrow company is recommended for transactions involving liens.
Sign, Date, and Submit to the FAA
Both buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. The FAA requires original signatures — photocopies and digital signatures are not accepted for registration purposes. The buyer submits the original bill of sale along with AC Form 8050-1 (Application for Registration) and the $5 fee to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City. Keep copies for both parties and for state tax filing purposes.
Key Components of an Aircraft Bill of Sale
An aircraft bill of sale must include specific information to be accepted by the FAA and hold up legally. Missing any of these elements could delay your registration transfer.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| N-Number | FAA registration number (e.g., N12345) displayed on the aircraft |
| Manufacturer & Model | Aircraft manufacturer and model designation (e.g., Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP) |
| Serial Number | Manufacturer's serial number from the aircraft data plate |
| Buyer & Seller Names | Full legal names and addresses — seller must match FAA registration |
| Sale Price | Purchase amount in numerals and words, including what is conveyed |
| Date of Sale | Exact date the transaction occurs |
| Airworthiness Status | Current airworthiness certificate type and annual inspection status |
| Lien Statement | Seller confirms aircraft is free of liens and encumbrances |
| Original Signatures | Hand-signed by both parties — FAA does not accept photocopies |
FAA Registration Requirements
The FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City handles all aircraft registration transfers in the United States. Here's what you need to know to complete the process.
Important: Original Signatures Required
The FAA requires original ink signatures on the bill of sale and registration application. Photocopies, faxes, and digital/electronic signatures are not accepted. The seller's name on the bill of sale must exactly match the name on the current registration certificate. Any discrepancy will cause the FAA to reject the filing.
- Bill of Sale (AC Form 8050-2): Original signed by the registered owner, identifying the aircraft by N-number, manufacturer, model, and serial number
- Application for Registration (AC Form 8050-1): Completed and signed by the new owner with $5 registration fee
- Evidence of Citizenship: U.S. citizens provide a signed statement; corporations provide articles of incorporation or equivalent
- Prior Registration Certificate: The seller should return or include the current registration certificate
Aircraft Types Covered
Our aircraft bill of sale templates work for all FAA-registered aircraft categories:
Single-Engine Piston
Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, Beechcraft Bonanza, and other fixed-wing piston aircraft
Multi-Engine Piston
Piper Seneca, Beechcraft Baron, Cessna 310, and other twin-engine piston aircraft
Helicopter / Rotorcraft
Robinson R22/R44, Bell 206, and other rotary-wing aircraft
Ultralight
FAR Part 103 ultralight vehicles — single-seat, under 254 lbs empty weight
Glider / Sailplane
Unpowered gliders and motorgliders used for soaring and recreation
Experimental / Homebuilt
Amateur-built aircraft under FAR Part 21.191 — Van's RV series, Zenith, Sonex, and more
Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
S-LSA and E-LSA aircraft meeting FAA light sport category — max 1,320 lbs gross weight
Turboprop / Jet
Turbine-powered fixed-wing aircraft including King Air, Pilatus PC-12, and light jets
Sample Aircraft Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our aircraft bill of sale template based on FAA AC Form 8050-2. Your customized document will include all fields required by the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch.
AIRCRAFT BILL OF SALE
For Filing with the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch
This Aircraft Bill of Sale is entered into on[Date]between:
SELLER (Registered Owner):
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Seller Address]
BUYER (New Owner):
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Buyer Address]
1. AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION
N-Number: N[Reg #] Manufacturer: [Mfr]
Model: [Model] Serial No.: [S/N]
Year Built: [Year] Total Time: [Hours] hrs
2. SALE PRICE
$[Amount]([Amount in Words] Dollars)
3. AIRWORTHINESS STATUS
Certificate Type: [Standard/Experimental/LSA]
Last Annual Inspection: [Date]
Frequently Asked Questions
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