FAA Extends U.S. Agent for Service Rule Deadline: What Foreign Certificate Holders Need to Know

If you're keeping up with FAA regulations, you've likely already heard about the new FAA regulation requiring all FAA Certificate holders residing outside the U.S. to designate an U.S. Agent for Service. Now, there's an important update: The FAA has just announced an extension to the compliance deadline, giving international FAA certificate holders additional time to appoint a registered agent for service.

The aviation community has been preparing for the January 6, 2025 deadline, but the FAA's recent announcement brings welcome news for those still working toward compliance. Let's break down what this extension means for you and discuss possible options on how to proceed in order to stay compliant and avoid any interruption to your privileges associated with your current FAA certificates.

The Extended Timeline: What has Changed

The FAA has officially pushed back the compliance dates:

• Initial compliance deadline for prospective certificate, rating, or authorization applicants under 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107 parts : January 6, 2025
• New extended deadline for prospective certificate, rating, or authorization applicants under the same parts : April 2, 2025
• Existing certificate holders' deadline under the same parts : July 7, 2025 (unchanged)

This extension was announced by the FAA on December 30, 2024, primarily to ensure the successful launch of the U.S. Agent for Service System (USAS) website - the only authorised platform for Registered Agent for Service designation.

Failing to comply with the new FAA ruling on having an U.S. Agent for Service in a timely manner can have negative implications on your applications for FAA certificates, ratings and authorisations, meaning the FAA will withhold issuance of new certificates or ratings.

Existing holders of FAA certificate, ratings or authorisations, are equally subject to these new requirements. Failure to designate a U.S. agent for service within the stipulated timeframe will result in the suspension of privileges associated with their aviation credentials.

What You Need to Know About USAS

The USAS website will be the cornerstone of this new system. When it launches on April 2, 2025, it will be:

• The exclusive platform for designating a U.S. Registered Agent for Service
• The only acceptable method for Agent for Service registration
• Compliant with FAA Advisory Circular 3-1 requirements

Your Compliance Options

The FAA has provided two clear paths for compliance:

1. Provide a U.S. Physical Address

If you have access to a U.S. physical address, you can update your records through standard FAA processes for Airmen or Aircraft Owners. This eliminates the need for an U.S. agent.

2. Designate an U.S. Agent

If you don't have an U.S. address, you must designate an U.S. agent through the upcoming USAS (U.S. Agent for Service) website, which will be the only acceptable method for agent designation.

Valiair: A Solution for International Aviation Professionals

For those needing to designate a U.S. agent, Valiair offers a specialized service designed specifically for aviation professionals.

Our comprehensive solution includes:

• Dedicated U.S. Address: Your exclusive U.S. mailing address ensures all FAA correspondence reaches you reliably.
• Real-Time Notifications: Instant alerts when FAA mail arrives, so you never miss important communications.
• Secure Document Handling: Professional management of your sensitive aviation documents with options for scanning, forwarding, or secure shredding.
• 24/7 Dashboard Access: Monitor your FAA correspondence from anywhere in the world through a user-friendly online platform.
• Affordable Annual Fee: All services included for just $75 per year, with no hidden costs or additional charges.

The process is straightforward:

1. Quick Account Setup - Register in minutes and gain immediate access to your personalized dashboard for tracking all FAA communications.
2. Appoint Valiair as your U.S Registered Agent for Service
3. Prompt U.S. Address Assignment - Within 24 hours of registration, receive your dedicated U.S. address
4. Digital Mail Management - All FAA mail is securely forwarded to your dashboard and email
5. Flexible Mail Handling Options - Choose how you want your physical mail securely handled

Taking Action

With the FAA's deadline extension, you now have additional time to make arrangements, but it's wise to act early. Whether you choose to provide your own U.S. address or work with a U.S. agent service like Valiair, ensuring compliance before the deadline is crucial for maintaining your FAA certifications.

Remember, the USAS website will be the only acceptable way to designate a U.S. agent when it launches on April 2, 2025. Planning ahead will help you avoid any last-minute complications and ensure your aviation operations continue smoothly.

This new requirement represents an important change in how the FAA manages communications with international aviation professionals. By understanding and meeting these requirements early, you can ensure your compliance and focus on what matters most – your FAA certificate and aviation future.