Regulation Text
§ 61.27 Voluntary surrender or exchange of certificate.
(a) The holder of a certificate issued under this part may voluntarily surrender it for:
(1) Cancellation;
(2) Issuance of a lower grade certificate; or
(3) Another certificate with specific ratings deleted.
(b) Any request made under paragraph (a) of this section must include the following signed statement or its equivalent: “This request is made for my own reasons, with full knowledge that my (insert name of certificate or rating, as appropriate) may not be reissued to me unless I again pass the tests prescribed for its issuance.”
The short answer
(14 CFR § 61.27) A certificate holder may voluntarily surrender a part 61 certificate for cancellation, for issuance of a lower grade certificate, or for another certificate with specific ratings deleted. The request must include a signed statement acknowledging the certificate or rating may not be reissued without again passing the prescribed tests.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What can a pilot voluntarily surrender a certificate for?
A holder may surrender for one of three outcomes: cancellation, a lower grade certificate, or a certificate with specific ratings deleted.
“The holder of a certificate issued under this part may voluntarily surrender it for: (1) Cancellation; (2) Issuance of a lower grade certificate; or (3) Another certificate with specific ratings deleted.” — 14 CFR § 61.27(a)
Is a signed statement required to surrender a certificate?
Yes. The request must include the prescribed signed statement (or its equivalent) acknowledging the certificate or rating may not be reissued without retaking the tests.
“This request is made for my own reasons, with full knowledge that my (insert name of certificate or rating, as appropriate) may not be reissued to me unless I again pass the tests prescribed for its issuance.” — 14 CFR § 61.27(b)
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
Angle of Attack is an aviation flight-training brand founded by Chris Palmer, a two-time Master Aviation Educator and Gold Seal CFI. We decode the FARs so pilots understand not just the words, but what they mean in the cockpit.
AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.