Applying for a Student Pilot Certificate
To apply for your student pilot certificate, you must create an account on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
IACRA, is an online system used by the FAA to process applications for airman certification and rating.
- IACRA provides a platform for pilots, mechanics, flight instructors, and other aviation professionals to apply for certifications and ratings electronically.
- The system integrates with other FAA databases and offers a paperless workflow for the entire certification process, from application submission to final issuance of the certificate
- The system validates data entered by users, ensuring it complies with regulatory requirements. This helps reduce errors and incomplete applications.
- IACRA provides secure login and access control. It also tracks the application status, allowing users to monitor the progress of their applications.
Users must first register in order to create an account on the IACRA website. This involves providing personal information and setting up security questions.
On the IACRA website, main page select:
- Select Register (below)
Complete all the steps below in order to successfully apply for your student pilot certificate. It may be easier to be with your CFI when filling out the application. They will be able to assist and guide you through the process, answering any questions you may have. The flight instructor will need to verify and sign your application before it is accepted.
- Applicants then will need complete their application for a student pilot certificate online, entering required information and uploading necessary documents, if required.
Log into your IACRA account then select “Start New Application”
Complete the following steps (below)
- Application Type = Pilot
- Certifications = Student Pilot
- Start Application – Select
- If you require any information about certification requirements – a link is provided to FAR 61.83
Click the “Start Application” and complete the following:
- Ensure all field and information is filled out correctly with the required personal information matching your Gov’t issued ID!!
- Carefully review and submit the application.
- You will be issued a unique FAA tracking number called the FTN – make a note of this and keep it safe (write it in your flight logbook for example)
- Your CFI will need your application ID and FTN in order to log into IACRA to review and process your application. They will endorse your application, confirming that you meet all the requirements.
- Once submitted, the application is reviewed by FAA officials who ensure all requirements are met before issuing the certification.
- Initially, you will be issued a temporary student pilot certificate, with the permanent one being mailed to you later. Print the temporary certificate and keep it with your logbook.
- You will receive your permanent, plastic pilot certificate in the mail in a few weeks.
Before being permitted to begin training you will need to either:
- Provide proof (e.g U.S birth certificate, U.S Passport, with supporting government issued ID) that you are a U.S Citizen. Your flight instructor will endorse your logbook to verify that you have presented this information to your flight school and / or flight instructor.
- Obtain authorization from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to begin training as student pilot, If you are not a U.S Citizen. All non-U.S. citizens apply to train for a pilot certificate must undergo a TSA background check.