Frequently asked questions.
Everything about buying, transferring, and renewing FAA N-numbers.
What exactly am I buying?+
You're buying an active FAA reservation for the N-number listed. Buy N Numbers currently holds the reservation, and at sale, we file a Relinquish-and-Transfer Letter with the FAA naming you as the new holder.
How long does it take to receive my N-number?+
The FAA processes Relinquish-and-Transfer Letters in 2–4 weeks. We mail certified the same business day you complete e-signing, and we email you at every step — signed, mailed, and confirmed. Premium-tier numbers (when held in an LLC) can transfer by assigning you the LLC — no FAA wait.
Can someone else grab my number while it's being transferred?+
No. The FAA Relinquish-and-Transfer Letter moves the reservation directly from us to you inside the registry. The number is never publicly released during transfer. Canceled reservations also sit on a 5-year FAA hold before becoming public, eliminating the sniping concern entirely.
Do I need to own a plane to buy an N-number?+
No. You can hold a reserved N-number for up to one year at a time, renewing for $10/year, without owning an aircraft. When you do have a plane, you assign the number to it via FAA Form 8050-64.
What happens if the FAA rejects the transfer?+
Money-back guarantee. If the FAA rejects the transfer for any reason on our end, we refund 100% of your purchase. See our refund policy for details.
Can I put the number on a plane I already own?+
Yes. Once the reservation is in your name, you file FAA Form 8050-64 (we send you a pre-filled copy) to assign the number to your aircraft. The FAA processes that in another 2–3 weeks.
How is the price set?+
Pricing reflects desirability — character length, pattern, repeating digits, recognizable letters or initials, and historical demand for similar numbers. Listed prices are firm; we don't negotiate, which is part of the reason we can be faster than traditional brokers.
What's the difference between Default and Premium tiers?+
Default tier numbers transfer via the standard FAA letter (2–4 weeks). Premium tier numbers are held inside a single-purpose LLC, and you receive the LLC at purchase — no FAA wait. Premium is reserved for our highest-value numbers, typically priced $5,000+.
Is this affiliated with the FAA?+
No. Buy N Numbers is an independent marketplace. We hold our own FAA reservations and resell them. The FAA does not endorse or affiliate with private resellers.
Can I sell my own N-number through you?+
Not yet. We're focused on our own inventory at launch. If you have a number you'd like to sell, email us — we may add a listing service in the future.
Still have questions?
Email us — we usually answer within a few hours.
northboundcapitalllc@gmail.com →