How to Fill Out an Aircraft Bill of Sale: Step-by-Step Guide

Buying or selling an airplane is exciting — until you hit a wall of paperwork. And the one document that trips people up more than any other? The aircraft bill of sale.

Here's the thing. One small mistake on this form can delay your deal by weeks or even months. The FAA's Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City rejects incomplete or incorrect bills of sale all the time. In fact, paperwork errors are one of the top reasons aircraft transactions stall at the registry.

The good news is that learning how to fill out an aircraft bill of sale correctly isn't hard. It just takes a little attention to detail. This guide walks you through every section of FAA Form 8050-2 — from aircraft identification to signatures — so you can get it right the first time and keep your transaction moving forward.

Key Takeaways

Filling out an aircraft bill of sale correctly means using the official FAA Form 8050-2, entering the airplane's make, model, serial number, and N-number exactly as they appear on the registration certificate, listing the full legal names and addresses of both the seller and buyer, stating the purchase price or gift terms, and collecting original signatures from all owners. The buyer then submits the original bill of sale along with Form 8050-1 (the registration application) to the FAA within 30 days.

What Is an Aircraft Bill of Sale and Why Does It Matter?

An aircraft bill of sale is the legal document that proves ownership moved from one person (or entity) to another. Think of it like a title transfer when you buy a car — except with stricter rules. Aircraft fall under federal law, so the FAA controls how ownership gets recorded.

The FAA requires this document for every aircraft registration transaction. You simply cannot register an airplane in your name without a valid bill of sale on file with the registry.

Here's what the bill of sale does for you:

• Legal protection — It documents the exact terms of the sale, protecting both the buyer and seller.
• Registration requirement — The FAA won't process your registration application without it.
• Proof of purchase — It serves as evidence that you legally acquired the aircraft.
• Title chain — It maintains the official ownership history in the FAA registry.
• Loan and insurance access — Banks and insurers need it to verify ownership before providing coverage or financing.

The official form is FAA Form 8050-2. You might also see it called "AC Form 8050-2" — they're the same document. You can download it for free from the FAA website.

Important: Even if you've paid for the airplane and taken delivery, you don't officially own it until the FAA processes your paperwork. And they won't do that without a correct bill of sale.

When Should You Sign the Aircraft Bill of Sale?

Timing is everything. You don't want to sign too early, and you definitely don't want to delay once money has changed hands.

The bill of sale should be signed at the exact moment ownership transfers. This usually happens when the buyer makes final payment and takes possession of the airplane.

Before Signing

• Negotiate the price and terms.
• Complete the pre-purchase inspection.
• Arrange financing if needed.
• Verify the current registration and title history.
• Prepare to transfer funds.

At the Time of Signing

• The buyer provides payment (typically by wire transfer or certified check).
• Both parties sign Form 8050-2 on the same date.
• The seller hands over the aircraft keys and logbooks.
• The buyer receives the original bill of sale.

After Signing

• The buyer submits the bill of sale and Form 8050-1 to the FAA.
• Registration must happen within 30 days.
• Both parties keep photocopies for their records.

Pro Tip: Many buyers and sellers use an escrow service to handle the exchange. The escrow company holds both the funds and documents, then releases everything at the same time. This protects both sides and prevents premature signing.

If you're buying from a dealer, their staff usually handles the paperwork. Private sales require more self-management, but the legal requirements are identical.

Where to Get the Correct Aircraft Bill of Sale Form

Using the wrong form — or an outdated version — is a surprisingly common mistake. Here's where to get the right one.

Official Source: The FAA

Visit the FAA website and search for Form 8050-2. Download the PDF, print it, and fill it out. No cost involved. The FAA updates forms periodically, so always grab the latest version rather than using an old copy from a drawer.

Through Aviation Organizations

AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) members can access the form through member resources. Many aviation organizations provide direct links and additional guidance.

From Aviation Professionals

Aircraft brokers, aviation attorneys, and title companies often provide the form as part of their services. They'll also make sure you have the right version.

What to Avoid

Quick Note: The "AC" in AC Form 8050-2 stands for Advisory Circular, which is part of the FAA's numbering system. Don't let the different name confuse you — it's the same form as Form 8050-2.

If you're forming an LLC to own the aircraft, you'll still use the same Form 8050-2. Just list the LLC name as the buyer instead of an individual's name.

How to Fill Out Each Section of FAA Form 8050-2

Now let's get into the details. Every blank space on this form exists for a reason, and the FAA won't accept incomplete submissions.

Aircraft Identification Details

The top section identifies the specific airplane being sold. You need to provide:

Double-check every character. A transposed digit in the serial number will get your paperwork rejected. If this is your first airplane purchase, verify these numbers against the physical data plate on the aircraft itself.

What's an N-Number? It's the unique registration number the FAA assigns to every U.S.-registered aircraft. Think of it like a license plate, but for airplanes. When ownership changes, the N-number stays with the plane — it doesn't transfer to a new aircraft.

Seller Information Section

This section documents who currently owns the airplane and is giving up ownership. Everything here must match the current FAA registration exactly.

What the seller provides:

• Full legal name(s) — Exactly as listed on the current registration. If it says "John Michael Smith," don't write "J.M. Smith" or "John Smith."
• Complete address — Street, city, state, and ZIP code.
• Ownership type — Individual, joint, LLC, trust, corporation, etc.

If there are co-owners on the registration certificate, all names must appear on the bill of sale, and all must sign. You can't have just one co-owner handle it — the FAA requires every listed owner to sign.

Special situations:

• Estate sales — The executor or heir at law signs. Additional documents (death certificate, probate papers) may be required.
• Corporate sales — An authorized officer must sign and indicate their title.
• Trust sales — The trustee signs with documentation showing their authority.

Buyer Information Section

The buyer section tells the FAA who's receiving the aircraft. This information determines how the new registration certificate will read.

Required details:

• Full legal name(s) — For individuals, use your complete legal name. For a business, use the exact legal entity name.
• Complete address — This becomes the registration address for the aircraft. Make sure it's current.
• Entity type — Individual, partnership, corporation, LLC, or trust.
• Citizenship status — You must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific requirements for foreign ownership.

For LLC ownership, include the state where the LLC is registered. Many aircraft owners form LLCs in states like Delaware for liability protection, but the FAA needs to know which state governs your entity.

Heads Up: The address you list is where the FAA sends your registration card and all official mail. If you move after purchasing the plane, you'll need to update your address with the FAA separately.

Purchase Terms and Consideration

This section records the financial terms of the deal.

• Purchase price — Write it in both numbers and words (just like on a check). Example: $85,000 (eighty-five thousand dollars).
• Gift — If the aircraft is a gift, write "GIFT" instead of a dollar amount.
• Trade — If you're trading another aircraft, note the trade-in value and any cash difference.
• Date of sale — The exact date ownership transferred, which is usually when payment was made.

The FAA requires accurate financial information. The dollar amount is not published publicly, but falsifying it is a federal offense. It can also create problems if a title search raises questions about the aircraft's value or ownership history later on.

Signature Requirements

This is where most mistakes happen. Pay close attention.

What about notarization? The FAA doesn't require notarization for a standard bill of sale. However, many sellers choose to notarize anyway for extra legal protection. Notarization proves the signer is who they claim to be and that they signed willingly. For high-value aircraft transactions, it's a smart precaution.

Cost of Ownership Transfer: What to Budget

Beyond the purchase price itself, there are costs associated with transferring aircraft ownership that catch some buyers off guard.

These numbers vary depending on the complexity of your transaction and the aircraft involved. A simple sale of a Cessna 172 between two private individuals will cost far less in professional fees than a corporate jet transaction involving multiple LLCs and an international buyer.

Budget Tip: Even if you're doing a straightforward private sale, investing $75–$200 in a title search is money well spent. It confirms there are no liens, encumbrances, or breaks in the ownership chain before you close the deal.

Additional Documentation for Special Situations

Some transactions need more than just the bill of sale. Here's a quick reference.

Estate Sales

• Death certificate of the previous owner
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration
• Probate court approval (if required by state law)
• Affidavit of heir at law (if no formal probate occurred)

Corporate or LLC Transfers

• Corporate resolution authorizing the sale
• Operating agreement showing who can sign
• Certificate of good standing from the state

Trust Ownership

• Trust agreement naming the trustee
• Documentation showing the trustee's authority

Foreign Ownership

• Citizenship affidavits
• Trust arrangements complying with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
• Special forms for non-U.S. entities

Where to Send the Completed Bill of Sale

Once everything is signed, here's what happens with the paperwork:

1. Original goes to the buyer. The seller hands the signed original to the buyer.
2. Buyer mails original to the FAA. Send it to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City along with Form 8050-1 (registration application) and the registration fee.
3. Make photocopies first. Before mailing anything, photocopy the signed bill of sale for both the buyer and seller.
4. Don't go to your local FSDO. The forms go to the FAA registry in Oklahoma City — not your local Flight Standards District Office. Submitting locally just adds delays as they forward it.

The mailing address is printed on the registration application (Form 8050-1). You must submit within 30 days of the sale date.

Forms That Travel with the Aircraft Bill of Sale

The bill of sale doesn't go alone. Here's the complete submission package:

Temporary Registration

Need to fly the plane before your permanent registration arrives? You can obtain a temporary registration that's valid for 120 days. This lets you fly legally while the FAA processes your paperwork.

Critical Deadlines You Must Meet

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out an Aircraft Bill of Sale

Even experienced aircraft owners slip up on these. Here are the errors the FAA sees most often — and how to prevent them.

1. Name Mismatches

The problem: The name on the bill of sale doesn't match the current registration. This happens with co-owners who go by nicknames or have legally changed their names.

The fix: Use exactly the same name that appears on the existing registration certificate. If the registration says "Robert," don't write "Bob."

2. Missing Signatures

The problem: One co-owner forgets to sign, or someone signs in the wrong place.

The fix: Before mailing anything, confirm that every listed owner has signed in the correct spot.

3. Incomplete Aircraft Description

The problem: The serial number is missing, or the N-number has a typo.

The fix: Triple-check against both the data plate and the registration card.

4. Address Errors

The problem: Wrong ZIP code, missing apartment number, or an outdated address.

The fix: Use your current, complete mailing address — the one where you actually receive mail.

5. Inconsistent Dates

The problem: Different dates appear on different signatures, or the dates don't match the actual transaction date.

The fix: All parties should sign on the same date, which should be the date funds changed hands.

6. Sending to the Wrong Place

The problem: Submitting the paperwork to a local FSDO instead of the FAA registry in Oklahoma City.

The fix: Always mail directly to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch address printed on Form 8050-1.

When to Get Professional Help

Some transactions are simple enough to handle yourself. Others get complicated fast. Here's a decision framework:

Professionals Who Can Help

• Aviation attorneys — Review documents, resolve title issues, and advise on ownership structures.
• Aircraft brokers — Handle paperwork as part of their service and guide you through each step.
• Escrow services — Manage the exchange of funds and documents so everything happens in the right order.
• Title companies — Perform title searches and identify potential problems before closing.
• Your A&P mechanic — Can verify that the aircraft's physical data plate matches the paperwork during inspection.

Organizations like AOPA also offer resources and guidance for members buying and selling aircraft.

Final Checklist Before You Submit

Run through this list before you drop anything in the mail:

• [ ] All aircraft information matches the registration certificate exactly
• [ ] All seller names match the current registration precisely
• [ ] All required sellers have signed with original ink signatures
• [ ] Buyer information is complete and accurate
• [ ] Purchase price or gift notation is included
• [ ] All signatures are dated the same day (the date of sale)
• [ ] You've made photocopies for all parties
• [ ] Form 8050-1 (registration application) is included
• [ ] Registration fee is enclosed
• [ ] You're mailing to the FAA registry in Oklahoma City (not your local FSDO)
• [ ] You're submitting within 30 days of the sale date
• [ ] The aircraft has a current annual inspection
• [ ] Your insurance is arranged

Taking five extra minutes to verify everything now prevents weeks of frustration later. The FAA processes thousands of transactions every month, and they're strict for good reason — accurate records keep the entire aviation community safe.

Conclusion

Learning how to fill out an aircraft bill of sale correctly isn't complicated — it just takes care and attention to detail. Use the official FAA Form 8050-2, match every entry to the current registration certificate, collect original signatures from all owners, and mail the complete package to Oklahoma City within 30 days.

Keep copies of everything. And if your transaction involves an estate, an LLC, or anything out of the ordinary, don't hesitate to bring in a professional. The cost of expert help is small compared to the headache of rejected paperwork.

When you're ready to buy or sell an aircraft with confidence, Flying411 gives you the tools and resources to make your transaction a success. Browse aircraft listings, connect with the aviation community, and find trusted professionals — all in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a handwritten bill of sale instead of the FAA form?

Technically, a handwritten document might be legally binding in some contexts. But the FAA strongly prefers their official Form 8050-2. Using it ensures you include all the required information in the format the registry expects. It dramatically reduces your chances of rejection or delay.

What happens if I discover an error after submitting the bill of sale?

Contact the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch right away. Depending on the error, you may need to submit a corrected bill of sale along with an explanatory letter. For minor clerical mistakes that don't affect ownership identification, the FAA may accept a correction affidavit instead of requiring a brand-new document.

Do I need a bill of sale if I'm inheriting an aircraft?

You won't use a traditional bill of sale showing a purchase. Instead, you'll need an affidavit from the executor or administrator of the estate, along with supporting documents — the death certificate, court documents, and any paperwork establishing your legal right to inherit the aircraft under state law.

Can I register an aircraft in my business name if I bought it personally?

Not directly. The registration must match the name on the bill of sale. If you purchased the aircraft as an individual but want your LLC or corporation to own it, you'll need a second bill of sale transferring ownership from yourself to the business entity. It's an extra step, but it's perfectly legal and very common.

How long does it take the FAA to process aircraft registration?

Expect about 4 to 8 weeks for routine transactions. During busy periods, or if the FAA requests additional documentation, it can take longer. You can check the status of your application by contacting the Aircraft Registration Branch or using their online tracking tools.

Is the aircraft bill of sale the same as a title?

Not exactly. The bill of sale records the transfer of ownership for a single transaction. The FAA doesn't issue "titles" the way your state DMV does for cars. Instead, the FAA maintains a registry of ownership records. If you want something similar to a car title, you can request an abstract of title from the FAA or a title search from a private company — this shows the complete chain of ownership for the aircraft.

Do I need a bill of sale for experimental or homebuilt aircraft?

Yes. The ownership transfer process is the same regardless of the aircraft's category. Whether you're buying a factory-built Cessna or an experimental homebuilt, you use FAA Form 8050-2 to document the sale. The airworthiness category doesn't change the registration paperwork requirements.

Can the buyer and seller sign on different days?

The FAA expects all signatures to be dated the same day — the actual date of the transaction. If logistics make same-day signing impossible, coordinate carefully and consider using an escrow service to manage the process. Inconsistent dates are one of the most common reasons for paperwork rejection.