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Licensing and registration

A small green and white plane waits on the runway.
Department of Transportation

Licensing and registration

Notice: Aircraft registration decals (stickers) have been discontinued and will no longer be distributed.

The State of Michigan regulates aircraft registration and airport licensing.

MDOT Aeronautics is responsible for licensing and registering airports, flight schools, aircraft, and aircraft dealers. Michigan has 66 flight schools, 49 aircraft dealers, and about 5,500 registered aircraft. Public-use airports and heliports are inspected by MDOT staff.

The list of licensed dealers has been updated. To buy, sell, broker, or deal in registered aircraft, a license from the commission is required per MCL - Section 259.82. The Aircraft Dealers section details the licensing conditions, process, and duties of a dealer as required by the Aeronautics code.

How do I...

  • Register an aircraft with the federal government and the State of Michigan

    1. Register with the FAA

    2. Register with MDOT Office of Aeronautics

    Additional information

    Registration exemption

  • Become a flight school

    1. Review Aeronautics code Section 259.85 for compliance.

    2. Complete the MDOT Flight School License Application (Form 4009) and mail with payment and supporting documents (valid operating agreement and surety bond, if required). You may also email an electronic copy of all documents to HooseH@Michigan.gov.

    MDOT Aeronautics will review to:

    • Ensure all aircraft are registered in Michigan
    • Review the operating agreement for validity dates
    • Verify a surety bond if required

    3. After application review, an inspector will visit the flight school for an initial inspection and issue a license if approved.

    Note: Part 141 schools require an application but are not inspected by the State of Michigan.


    Flight school licensing renewals

    Renewal application packages are due by June 1 for processing. Licenses expire annually on June 30.

    Important: Operating without a license or with an expired license will result in penalties per Aeronautics code Section 259.85.