FAR 61.29 — Replacing Lost Certificates
FAR 61.29 explains how pilots replace lost or destroyed airman certificates, medical certificates, and knowledge test reports, including temporary authority.
In Plain English
FAR 61.29 tells you exactly how to replace a lost or destroyed airman certificate, medical certificate, or knowledge test report. Each request goes to a specific FAA office in Oklahoma City, with a fee, or through an FAA-approved online method (Airmen Services online for pilot certificates).
If you mail a letter, it must include:
- Your name and date and place of birth
- Your permanent mailing address (or current residence if you use a P.O. box)
- Details about the lost item — certificate grade/number/date and ratings, medical class with exam date and AME name, or the knowledge test date
While you're waiting on the duplicate, you can request a temporary authorization from the Airman Certification Branch or Aeromedical Certification Branch. That document lets you legally exercise your certificate privileges for up to 60 days, unless your certificate has been suspended or revoked.
This matters because FAR 61.3 requires you to have your certificates in your possession when acting as a required crewmember — losing one doesn't excuse you from the rule, so knowing the replacement process keeps you legal and flying.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.29§ 61.29 Replacement of a lost or destroyed airman or medical certificate or knowledge test report.
(a) A request for the replacement of a lost or destroyed airman certificate issued under this part must be made:
(1) By letter to the Department of Transportation, FAA, Airmen Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and must be accompanied by a check or money order for the appropriate fee payable to the FAA; or
(2) In any other manner and form approved by the Administrator including a request online to Airmen Services atand must be accompanied by acceptable form of payment for the appropriate fee.
(b) A request for the replacement of a lost or destroyed medical certificate must be made:
(1) By letter to the Department of Transportation, FAA, Aerospace Medical Certification Division, P.O. Box 26200, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and must be accompanied by a check or money order for the appropriate fee payable to the FAA; or
(2) In any other manner and form approved by the Administrator and must be accompanied by acceptable form of payment for the appropriate fee.
(c) A request for the replacement of a lost or destroyed knowledge test report must be made:
(1) By letter to the Department of Transportation, FAA, Airmen Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and must be accompanied by a check or money order for the appropriate fee payable to the FAA; or
(2) In any other manner and form approved by the Administrator and must be accompanied by acceptable form of payment for the appropriate fee.
(d) The letter requesting replacement of a lost or destroyed airman certificate, medical certificate, or knowledge test report must state:
(1) The name of the person;
(2) The permanent mailing address (including ZIP code), or if the permanent mailing address includes a post office box number, then the person's current residential address;
(3) The certificate holder's date and place of birth; and
(4) Any information regarding the—
(i) Grade, number, and date of issuance of the airman certificate and ratings, if appropriate;
(ii) Class of medical certificate, the place and date of the medical exam, name of the Airman Medical Examiner (AME), and the circumstances concerning the loss of the original medical certificate, as appropriate; and
(iii) Date the knowledge test was taken, if appropriate.
(e) A person who has lost an airman certificate, medical certificate, or knowledge test report may obtain, in a form or manner approved by the Administrator, a document conveying temporary authority to exercise certificate privileges from the FAA Aeromedical Certification Branch or the Airman Certification Branch, as appropriate, and the:
(1) Document may be carried as an airman certificate, medical certificate, or knowledge test report, as appropriate, for up to 60 days pending the person's receipt of a duplicate under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section, unless the person has been notified that the certificate has been suspended or revoked.
(2) Request for such a document must include the date on which a duplicate certificate or knowledge test report was previously requested.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40896, July 30, 1997; Amdt. 61-121, 73 FR 43065, July 24, 2008; Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42548, Aug. 21, 2009; Amdt. 61-131, 78 FR 56828, Sept. 16, 2013]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If you lose your pilot certificate the night before a flight, how do you stay legal to fly?
Per FAR 61.29(e), I can request a document from the FAA Airman Certification Branch conveying temporary authority to exercise my certificate privileges, which I can use for up to 60 days while waiting on the duplicate.
Q2Where and how do you request a replacement medical certificate?
Under FAR 61.29(b), the request goes by letter to the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division in Oklahoma City with the appropriate fee, or through another method approved by the Administrator.
Q3What information must be included in a letter requesting a replacement airman certificate?
FAR 61.29(d) requires the letter to include your name, permanent mailing address (or residence if using a P.O. box), date and place of birth, and the grade, number, date of issuance, and ratings of the lost certificate.
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Related Sections in Part 61