What Happens to Your FAA Airman Certificate Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Priority
High
Certificate
Non-transferable
Aircraft
Ownership transferred separately
Step-by-Step Guide
Notify the FAA
Contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch to report the death. The airman certificate and medical certificate are non-transferable and must be surrendered.
Address aircraft ownership
If the individual owned aircraft, the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch must be notified separately. Aircraft title transfers through the estate independently of the pilot certificate.
Cancel medical certificate
Notify the FAA's Aerospace Medical Certification Division to cancel any active medical certificate on file.
Document Now Checklist
- FAA certificate number and type (ATP, commercial, private)
- Aircraft owned (N-numbers and registration)
- Medical certificate class and expiration
- Flight school or employer if commercial pilot
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Start your vault — free for 30 daysLast verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with FAA Airman Certificate. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Social Security
Social Security must be notified of death immediately. Benefits paid after death must be returned. Survivor benefits may be available.
IRS / Tax Returns
A final individual tax return must be filed for the year of death. Estates over $13.61M may owe federal estate tax.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans are entitled to burial benefits, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate — all at no cost.
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