How to Check if an Aircraft Is Currently Active or Deregistered

Active vs. Deregistered: What It Means

The FAA Civil Aviation Registry contains records for both currently registered aircraft and those that have been removed from the registry. An active registration means the aircraft has a current, valid registration certificate and is legally permitted to operate in U.S. airspace (assuming it also has a valid airworthiness certificate). A deregistered aircraft has had its registration cancelled, expired, or revoked — it may no longer legally fly under that N-number.

Reasons an Aircraft Gets Deregistered

Aircraft leave the active registry for several reasons:

• Sale to a foreign buyer — When a U.S.-registered plane is sold to an owner in another country, the FAA registration is cancelled so the aircraft can be registered under the new country system.
• Registration expiration — Aircraft registrations must be renewed every three years. If the owner fails to renew, the registration lapses.
• Destruction or scrapping — When an aircraft is damaged beyond repair or dismantled for parts, the owner is supposed to notify the FAA and cancel the registration.
• Voluntary cancellation — Owners can request cancellation for various legal or financial reasons.
• FAA administrative action — The FAA can cancel registrations for cause.

How to Check Registration Status

When you look up an aircraft using the tail number search, the record will display the current registration status. Active registrations show a valid expiration date. Deregistered aircraft will show a cancellation date and often a reason code.

You can also browse the deregistered aircraft section of this site to see recently cancelled registrations and explore historical fleet data.

What Happens to the N-Number?

When an aircraft is deregistered, its N-number does not immediately become available for reassignment. The FAA imposes a waiting period — typically five years — before a cancelled N-number can be reused. This prevents confusion and helps maintain the integrity of historical records. Some N-numbers tied to famous aircraft are permanently retired.

Practical Implications for Buyers

If you are considering purchasing a used aircraft, checking the registration status is a critical step in due diligence. An aircraft with a lapsed or cancelled registration cannot legally fly until the registration issue is resolved, and some status issues can signal underlying legal or financial problems with the aircraft history. Always verify active status before completing a purchase.