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FAA’s New Rule for Certificate Holders Abroad: Stay Compliant with a U.S. Agent

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced a new rule, codified under 14 CFR Part 3 Subpart C, mandating that individuals residing abroad who hold or are applying for certain FAA certificates, ratings, or authorizations designate a U.S.-based agent for service. This rule aims to streamline the FAA’s communication process, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of critical documents to certificate holders worldwide.

Key Compliance Deadlines:

• April 2, 2025: Applicants with foreign addresses seeking new FAA certificates, ratings, or authorizations must have a designated U.S. agent for service in place.

• July 7, 2025: Existing certificate holders with foreign addresses are required to designate a U.S. agent for service by this date to maintain the validity of their FAA-issued credentials.

Scope of the Rule:

This regulation affects individuals with foreign addresses who do not have a U.S. physical address on record and who hold or apply for certificates under specific parts of 14 CFR, including Parts 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, and 107. The designated U.S. agent will be responsible for receiving legal and safety-critical documents from the FAA on behalf of the certificate holder.

Designating a U.S. Agent:

The FAA has developed the U.S. Agent for Service (USAS) system, an online portal where individuals can designate their U.S. agent. The USAS website is scheduled to be operational by April 2, 2025. To comply, certificate holders and applicants must provide the agent’s full name, physical U.S. address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable), phone number, and email address. It’s crucial to select a reliable agent who can promptly forward all FAA communications.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Failure to designate a U.S. agent for service by the specified deadlines will result in the inability to exercise the privileges associated with FAA-issued certificates, ratings, or authorizations. Additionally, aircraft registration certificates for individual owners may become ineffective. The FAA may also pursue enforcement actions, including fines or other penalties, against non-compliant individuals.

How We Can Assist:

At TSH aviation, we understand the importance of staying compliant with the FAA’s new regulations, and we’re here to help. If you’re a certificate holder living abroad and need guidance on selecting a reliable U.S. agent for service, we’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Whether you need assistance understanding the process or finding the right provider, TSH aviation is ready to support you every step of the way.

For more information please contact us.