US AUTO HISTORY

Free Tail Number Lookup

Enter an aircraft's tail number to instantly verify its basic manufacturer and model information for free.

What Is an Aircraft Tail Number?

An aircraft tail number, also known as an N-number in the United States, is an alphanumeric string that serves as the registration mark for a civil aircraft. Just like a license plate on a car, it uniquely identifies the aircraft and is required by law to be visibly displayed on the exterior of the aircraft.

What Can a Tail Number Tell You?

By entering a tail number into our free decoder, you can retrieve the basic public registry data tied to that specific registration mark. Typically, this identifies the aircraft's manufacturer, model designation, and the year it was manufactured. This is a crucial first step when considering an aircraft purchase or verifying what model an aircraft actually is.

How to Look Up an Aircraft by Tail Number

1

Find the N-Number

Locate the large alphanumeric code painted on the tail or fuselage of the aircraft.

2

Enter the Tail Number

Type the N-number into our free tail number lookup tool above.

3

Click Look Up

Submit the form to securely query the national aircraft registry database.

4

Review the Results

Instantly view the aircraft's year, manufacturer, and exact model.

Tail Number Lookup vs. Aircraft History Report

Free Tail Number Lookup: Checks the registration database to confirm the basic manufacturer and model of the aircraft associated with that N-number. It helps you verify the identity of the aircraft.

Aircraft History Report: A comprehensive paid investigation into the aircraft's records. When available, this report can uncover historical data regarding previous registered owners, reported incidents or NTSB accident records, registration status, and major alterations.

Where Can I Find an Aircraft Tail Number?

For U.S. registered civil aircraft, the N-number is usually very easy to find:

  • Painted in large letters on both sides of the fuselage (the main body of the aircraft).
  • Painted on both sides of the vertical stabilizer (the tail).
  • Listed prominently on the FAA Certificate of Aircraft Registration carried aboard.
  • In the aircraft's maintenance logbooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

An aircraft tail number (or N-number in the US) is a unique alphanumeric registration mark assigned to a specific civil aircraft by the national aviation authority.
Yes, our basic tail number lookup tool is completely free. It extracts the aircraft manufacturer and model. For comprehensive historical data, an Aircraft History Report must be purchased.
No, the free lookup only provides the aircraft's year, manufacturer, and model. Detailed registration details, including ownership, are only available in the paid Aircraft History Report.
It is generally painted on the rear fuselage or the vertical tail section of the aircraft. It is also documented in the aircraft's logbooks and registration certificate.
Yes, unlike a car's VIN (which is physically stamped onto the chassis), an aircraft's registration mark can be changed by the owner, or it will change if the aircraft is exported and registered in a different country.