Regulation Text
§ 61.25 Change of name.
(a) An application to change the name on a certificate issued under this part must be accompanied by the applicant's:
(1) Airman certificate; and
(2) A copy of the marriage license, court order, or other document verifying the name change.
(b) The documents in paragraph (a) of this section will be returned to the applicant after inspection.
Research Notes
Name Change Procedure
Section 61.25 provides the straightforward procedure for updating a pilot certificate after a legal name change — most commonly after marriage or divorce. The process involves mailing the physical airman certificate along with supporting documentation (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal name-change document) to the FAA Airmen Certification Branch.
The FAA returns the original documentation after inspection — you don't permanently surrender your documents. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks. During processing, a pilot may still exercise the certificate privileges using the old-name certificate plus the name-change document together as evidence of identity.
Online name changes are available through IACRA for some certificate holders. Check with the Airmen Certification Branch for current procedures.
Contact: FAA Airmen Certification Branch — P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.