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How to Register a Drone/UAS Over 55 lbs with the FAA

Picture of AckerSpray By  AckerSpray  ·  5 minute read

Registration for UAS that weighs more than 55 lbs is required by the FAA. Currently, the only way to register a drone of this size is through the U.S. Postal Mail. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Eligibility Requirements

To register your drone, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Be a citizen of the United States.

  2. Be an individual citizen of a foreign country lawfully admitted for permanent residence (Green Card holder).

  3. Be a corporation (not a U.S. citizen) legally organized under U.S. or state laws, provided the aircraft is based and primarily used in the United States.

  4. Be a governmental unit of the United States.

Blog Post FAA Drone Registration

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Complete the Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1)

An original Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1) must be submitted. Follow these guidelines to complete the form:

Field 1: N Number

Leave blank (if you have reserved one, enter it here)

Field 2: Aircraft Manufacturer

Enter drone manufacturer name: DJI, XAG, etc

Field 3: Aircraft Model

Enter aircraft model: Agras T50, Agras T40, etc

Field 4: Aircraft Serial Number

For DJI Drones, the RID can be found in the Remote Control under Device Management > UAS Remote Identification (RID). For all DJI drones, the RID starts with 1581F.

Field 5: Type of registration

Enter your type of business or individual registration

Field 6: Name(s) of Applicant(s)

Enter the name of entity the drone will be registered exactly as shown on incorporation documents. If individual, enter first, middle initial and last name.

Field 7: Telephone number

Enter your phone number

Field 8: Email Address

Enter your email address

Field 9: Mailing Address

Enter your mailing address. Your registration will be mailed to this address.

Field 10: Physical Location

If a P.O. Box is listed in field 9, add a physical address here

Field 11: Change of Address

Only check if you are reporting a change of address from a previous registration

Field 12: Certification

Check the appropriate box of your entity/individual registration

Field 13a: Name of Applicant

Enter your entity name 

Field 13b: Signature

The person signing this form must be a senior manager of the company. I.e. Director, President, Vice President, CEO, COO, Manager, etc.

Field 13c: Date

Enter the date of signature

Field 13d: Name

Type or print the signer’s name

Field 13e: Title

Enter the signer’s title. Please, note that Owner is NOT an acceptable title for the FAA. Enter a title as shown above.

Fields 14-17

Only fill out these fields if you need to use the second page

Fields 18-26

Only fill out these fields if more than 1 person needs to sign the form

Step 2: LLC Documentation (If Applicable)

If registering under a Limited Liability Company (LLC), additional documentation is required to verify compliance with citizenship and organizational requirements under Title 49, U.S.C. § 40102(a)(15). Additionally, its management structure is assessed against § 40102(a)(15)(C), which defines a "citizen of the United States" as follows:

  • (A) An individual who is a citizen of the United States.
  • (B) A partnership in which each partner is an individual who is a U.S. citizen.
  • (C) A corporation or association organized under U.S. laws (including any State, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories/possessions) where:
    • The president and at least two-thirds of the board of directors and managing officers are U.S. citizens.
    • At least 75% of the voting interest is owned or controlled by U.S. citizens.

Option A: Documentation of LLC Organization

Submit a copy of the LLC’s organizational documents (e.g., Certificate of Formation, Articles of Organization, or Operating Agreement). Include:

  • Names and citizenship of all members.

  • Management structure details (member-managed or manager-managed).

  • Roles and responsibilities of members, managers, or officers.

Option B: Written Representation

Submit a written statement signed by an authorized individual that explains how the LLC qualifies as a U.S. citizen. The statement must include:

    1. The full name of the LLC.
    2. The state where the LLC is legally organized.
    3. The date the LLC was formed.
    4. The name and type of entity (e.g., individual, corporation, partnership, LLC) for each member of the LLC.
      • If a general or limited partnership is involved, state whether the partnership is entirely composed of individuals (natural persons).
    5. Whether the LLC is managed by its members, a manager, or officers.
    6. The name and type of entity (if not a natural person) for any manager or officer.
    7. Whether members, managers, or officers may act independently.
      • Note: A non-citizen member or manager may not act independently in a management role.
    8. A detailed explanation of how each legal entity within the LLC structure supports the determination of U.S. citizenship under 49 U.S.C. § 40102(a)(15).
      • If a partnership is involved, include the citizenship details of each partner.

Additional Notes:

  • For nested LLCs (i.e., when an LLC member is also an LLC), provide the same documentation for the member LLC.

  •  If the LLC's management structure changes (e.g., shifting from member-managed to manager-managed), submit written notification of the change. This can include a written statement, meeting minutes, or an amended operating agreement. The document must detail the changes and include the effective date.

Step 3: Submit a Notarized Affidavit of Ownership

A notarized Affidavit of Ownership must be included, detailing the following information:

N Number

Leave blank (if you have reserved one, enter it here)

Class

Rotorcraft

Manufacturer/Builder

Enter the manufacturer’s name: DJI, XAG, etc

Model

Enter the aircraft’s model: Agras T50, Agras T40, etc

Serial Number

Choose Standard Remote ID. Enter the Remote ID. For DJI Drones, the RID can be found in the Remote Control under Device Management > UAS Remote Identification (RID). For all DJI drones, the RID starts with 1581F.

Engine Type

Electric

Number of Engines

Agras T50, T40 & T25: 8; Agras T30: 6;

Number of Seats

0

Max Takeoff Weight

Agras T50: 227.07; T40: 222.67; T30: 171.96; T25: 127.87

The Undersigned Owner Certifies

If purchased from AckerSpray, check 1); Enter date of purchase as shown on invoice; Enter AckerSpray Drone Sales LLC for retail vendor name; Enter Appleton, WI USA for vendor’s location; check box attached (invoice must be attached with registration)

Owner’s Name(s)

Enter the entity or individual’s name

Owner’s Signature(s)

The person signing this form must be a senior manager of the company. I.e. Director, President, Vice President, CEO, COO, Manager, etc.

Printer Name of Signer(s)

Enter the signer’s name. 

Signer’s Title

Enter the signer’s title if signing on behalf of a company. Please, note that Owner is NOT an acceptable title for the FAA. Enter a title as shown above.

Notary

Ensure to sign in front of a notary and have it notarized before mailing it to the FAA.

Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee

Submit the $5.00 registration fee by check or money order payable to the Federal Aviation Administration. Multiple fees can be consolidated into a single payment. Registration fees are waived for Federal, State, or local government entities.

certified-mail-envelope

Step 5: Mail Your Documents

Ensure you have all required documents:

  1. Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1).

  2. LLC documentation (if applicable):

    • Option A: LLC Organizational Documents.

    • Option B: Written Representation.

  3. Notarized Affidavit of Ownership.

  4. Invoice or Bill of Sale (if applicable).

  5. $5.00 registration fee.

Mail your completed application to:

FAA Aircraft Registration Branch
P.O. Box 25504
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504

Step 6: After Submission

Once mailed, you should receive your registration and N Number within 2.5 to 6 weeks. To track the status of your application:

Step 7: Displaying the N Number

The FAA requires the N Number to be clearly displayed on your drone. Use a sharpie or stickers, and place it prominently on the frame or in front of the tank.

Selling a Registered Drone

If you decide to sell your registered drone, follow these steps:

  1. Execute a bill of sale transferring your rights, title, and interest to the purchaser. Use the UA description from the registration certificate or the Search Aircraft Registration Information website to ensure accuracy.

  2. Retain your Certificate of Aircraft Registration (AC Form 8050-3), complete the reverse side, and return it to the FAA.

  3. The purchaser must:

    • Submit the original bill of sale.

    • Complete a new Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1).

    • Pay the $5.00 registration fee.

Important Notes:

  • All signatures must include the typed or printed name of the signer.

  • Payments should be made by check or money order to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps above, you can ensure your drone registration is completed accurately and in compliance with FAA requirements. Though there are several forms, submitting them correctly is the difference between receiving your registrations back quickly and spraying sooner. Not interested in doing this yourself? Hire us and we'll take care of your entire Part 137 process, including the 44807 petition, drone registrations and guidance for your State Pesticide License.