The short answer
To reserve an N-number, first confirm it's not already assigned or reserved, then reserve it with the FAA for $10 per year. You don't need to own an aircraft, and you can hold the reservation indefinitely as long as you renew it annually.
The reservation process, step by step
- 1
Check availability.
A tail is unavailable if it's assigned to a registered aircraft or already reserved. Check it against both lists before you spend time filing.
- 2
Reserve it with the FAA.
Reserve online through the FAA's Civil Aviation Registry or by mail. The fee is $10 per year.
- 3
Renew every year.
The reservation lasts one year. Renew it annually for $10, or it lapses and the tail returns to the public pool.
- 4
Assign it when ready.
When you buy or re-register an aircraft, assign your reserved N-number to it as part of the registration paperwork.
What you need to know
- The reservation fee is $10 per year, renewable indefinitely.
- You do not need to own an aircraft to hold a reservation.
- A reserved tail is unavailable to everyone else until it's released.
- If a reservation isn't renewed, the FAA sets a purge date and releases the tail on that date.
- Popular tails get re-reserved quickly, so check availability on the purge date itself.
Finding a tail to reserve
If your first choice is taken, two tools help you find one:
Use the availability checker to test any tail instantly, or browse N-numbers scheduled to free up by month to find a reserved tail whose reservation is about to lapse — then reserve it the day it's released.
Note: This page is general guidance, not an official FAA determination. Always confirm current fees and procedures with the FAA before filing.
Find an available N-number
Check any tail against the FAA registry and reserved list, or browse the ones scheduled to free up.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to reserve an N-number?
Reserving an N-number costs $10 per year, paid to the FAA. The reservation must be renewed annually for the same fee, or it lapses and the tail number returns to the public pool.
Do I need to own an aircraft to reserve an N-number?
No. Anyone can reserve an available N-number without owning an aircraft. You hold the reservation and renew it yearly until you're ready to assign it to an aircraft during registration.
How do I know if an N-number is available?
A tail number is unavailable if it's assigned to a registered aircraft or already on the FAA's reserved list. You can check any tail against both lists on Maggneto's N-number availability checker before you file.
How long can I keep a reserved N-number?
Indefinitely, as long as you renew the reservation every year for $10. If a renewal is missed, the FAA assigns a purge date and releases the tail back to the public if it isn't renewed by then.
Can I reserve an N-number that's about to be released?
Yes — reserved tails that aren't renewed are released on their purge date. You can browse tails scheduled to free up by month and reserve one the day it becomes available.