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Change of Name

FAR 61.25 — Change of Name

FAR 61.25 explains how pilots change the name on their airman certificate, including required documents like the certificate and proof of name change.

In Plain English

FAR 61.25 tells you exactly what to submit when you need to update the name printed on your airman certificate — for example, after marriage, divorce, or a legal name change.

To apply for the change, you must send in:

  • Your airman certificate, and
  • A copy of the marriage license, court order, or other document that verifies the name change.

The FAA will inspect these documents and then return them to you.

Why it matters operationally: your airman certificate must accurately identify you. If your legal name no longer matches what's on your certificate, you should update it promptly so your certificate, logbook, medical, and government-issued ID all align. Mismatched names can create headaches during ramp checks, checkrides, TSA screening for training, and international operations. Keeping your certificate current under § 61.25 is a simple but important piece of staying legal and professional as a pilot.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.25
§ 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. [Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42548, Aug. 21, 2009]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If you got married and changed your last name, how would you update your pilot certificate?
Per FAR 61.25, I'd submit an application to the FAA along with my airman certificate and a copy of my marriage license (or other document verifying the name change). The FAA returns those documents after inspection.
Q2What documents must accompany an application to change the name on an airman certificate?
FAR 61.25 requires the applicant's airman certificate plus a copy of the marriage license, court order, or other document verifying the name change.
Q3After you send in your certificate and supporting documents for a name change, do you get them back?
Yes. FAR 61.25(b) states the documents submitted under paragraph (a) are returned to the applicant after the FAA inspects them.
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Related Sections in Part 61
§ 61.1
Part 61 Definitions
§ 61.100
Island-Based Pilots
§ 61.101
Recreational Pilot Privileges
§ 61.102
Private Pilot Applicability
§ 61.103
Private Pilot Eligibility
§ 61.105
Private Pilot Knowledge Areas
§ 61.107
Flight Proficiency Areas
§ 61.109
Private Pilot Aeronautical Experience
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FAR 61.25 — Change of Name on Airman Certificate