Status: 2 June 2025 - Background to the new regulation
On 11 October 2024, the FAA published the Advisory Circular AC 3-1which provides detailed instructions on how to comply with the new regulations. The aim is to improve communication between the FAA and foreign licence holders and to ensure that important documents are delivered reliably.
Options to fulfil the requirements
There are two main ways to meet the new requirements:
- Specification of a US private address:
If you have a physical address in the USA, you can notify the FAA of this. It is important that mail sent to this address is reliably received and processed. The appointment of a "U.S. Agent for Service" is then not required. Changes of address can be reported online via the FAA website. - Appointment of a "U.S. Agent for Service":
Persons without their own US address have the option of commissioning a service provider. Established providers include, for example Valiair and Qualit Air. Members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) can receive discounts from some providers.
A particularly convenient solution can be found here: DesignatedFAAAgent.com. This was specially developed for pilots outside the USA. The provider is aimed specifically at general aviation and commercial pilots and takes care of all the formalities involved in registering as an official U.S. agent with the FAA. The website also contains up-to-date information and practical instructions on how to comply with the new regulations.
Use of the "U.S. Agent for Service System" (USAS)
The FAA has developed a centralised online tool called "U.S. Agent for Service System (USAS) The system has been in place since the introduction of the new system. The system has been in place since 2 April 2025 available.
Website: https://usas.faa.gov
Important deadlines and transitional provisions
- New applicants (certificates, authorisations, approvals):
The deadline for appointing a US representative was extended from 6 January to 2 April 2025 extended. - Existing licence holders:
The transition period ends on 7 July 2025. As of this date, persons without a US representative may no longer exercise their FAA certificate privileges.
Requirements for the US address
The specified address must be in a US statethe District of Columbia or a US territory lie. Mailboxes, military APO/FPO addressesbusiness or letterbox addresses without a residential function are not accepted. The decisive factor is that the delivery of important FAA notifications is ensured.
Conclusion
The new FAA regulations are intended to ensure that important messages also reach international pilots reliably. Anyone living outside the USA should act in good time:
- Either enter a valid US address,
- or a qualified "U.S. Agent for Service" commission - e.g. via DesignatedFAAAgent.com.
This is the only way that FAA licences will remain valid without restriction after 7 July 2025.
Source references:
AOPA
