Frequently asked questions.
Everything about buying, transferring, and renewing FAA N-numbers.
What exactly am I buying?+
You're buying the service of getting the N-number reserved in your name. Buy N Numbers does not hold the number in advance — we confirm it's obtainable, reserve it with the FAA on your behalf, and file the paperwork naming you as the holder. If we can't secure it, you're refunded in full.
How long does it take to receive my N-number?+
Once we secure the reservation, the FAA reservation itself is immediate and the confirmation follows. If a number needs to be transferred rather than reserved fresh, the FAA processes that paperwork in 2–4 weeks and we email you at every step — signed, mailed, and confirmed.
Can someone else grab my number before you reserve it?+
It can happen — desirable numbers are contested, and we don't hold inventory in advance. That's why availability is confirmed with the FAA at checkout and why the refund is unconditional: if we can't secure the number, you get 100% of your money back. Once the reservation is in your name it's yours, and nobody can take it while it's active.
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?+
Pricing tiers reflect desirability, not a different process. Every number is reserved in your name with the FAA. Premium is simply our highest-value band, typically $5,000+.
Is this affiliated with the FAA?+
No. Buy N Numbers is an independent service that reserves N-numbers on your behalf. The FAA does not endorse or affiliate with private services.
Can I sell my own N-number through you?+
Yes. We value it from comparable sales, bring the buyer, and handle the FAA transfer — commission only when it sells. Start at buynnumbers.com/sell.