What Documents and Endorsements You Need on Your License to Fly

Your license must show a current medical certificate and the right category rating

To fly an aircraft legally, your pilot license needs two things the FAA checks: a valid medical certificate printed on the back or attached to it, and a category rating that matches the aircraft you want to fly. The medical certificate proves you passed a medical exam within the required timeframe. The category rating — such as airplane, helicopter, or glider — is what lets you operate that specific type of aircraft. Without either one, you cannot legally take the controls.

Your license itself is a plastic card issued by the FAA. It shows your name, certificate number, the category you are rated for, and any restrictions or endorsements the examiner added. The medical certificate is a separate document that must be current. If your medical expires, your license becomes invalid for flying even though the card itself does not change.

Key Takeaways

Your pilot license card must display a category rating (airplane, helicopter, glider, or powered lift) that matches the aircraft type you plan to fly.
A current medical certificate is required and must be valid on the date of each flight; it is printed on the back of your license or carried as a separate document.
Class ratings within each category (such as single-engine land or multi-engine sea) determine which specific aircraft you can operate.
Endorsements and limitations printed on your license restrict where, when, or how you can fly based on your training and the examiner's assessment.
If your medical certificate expires, your license becomes invalid for flying until you pass a new medical exam, even though the card itself remains valid.

Medical certificate requirements and expiration timelines

The medical certificate is the document that expires and must be renewed. The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates, and how long each one lasts depends on your age and the class level. A first-class medical, required for airline pilots, lasts six months if you are over 40 and one year if you are under 40. A second-class medical, required for commercial pilots, lasts one year under 40 and six months over 40. A third-class medical, required for private pilots and student pilots, lasts 60 calendar months (five years) if you are under 40 and 24 months (two years) if you are 40 or older.

You obtain a medical certificate by visiting an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), a physician approved by the FAA to conduct these exams. The AME reviews your health history, performs a physical exam, and checks your vision and hearing. If you pass, the AME issues the certificate on the spot. If you fail or the AME defers the decision, you may need to appeal to the FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine. Your medical certificate is printed directly on the back of your license card when it is issued or renewed.

Category and class ratings: what aircraft you can fly

The category on your license tells you the broad type of aircraft you are rated for. The main categories are airplane, rotorcraft (helicopter or gyroplane), powered lift, glider, and balloon. Most student and private pilots hold an airplane category rating. Within each category, you also receive a class rating that narrows down which aircraft you can operate. For airplanes, the classes are single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land, and multi-engine sea. A single-engine land rating, the most common, lets you fly any single-engine airplane on land but not on water or with multiple engines.

If you want to fly a different category or class later, you must take additional training and pass a checkride with an examiner for that rating. The examiner will add the new rating to your license. You cannot legally fly an aircraft outside your rated category and class, even if you have flown similar aircraft before.

Endorsements and limitations on your license

Endorsements are printed restrictions or permissions added to your license by the examiner during your checkride. Common endorsements include limitations on the type of aircraft you can fly (such as "high-performance airplane" or "complex airplane"), restrictions on flying at night, or a requirement that a safety pilot be present during flight. Some endorsements grant permission, such as "approved for tailwheel aircraft," while others restrict your flying until you complete additional training.

If your examiner found a weakness during your checkride — for example, poor performance on short-field landings — they may add a limitation that you cannot conduct short-field operations until you complete additional training and pass a practical test. These endorsements stay on your license until you remove them by demonstrating competency to another examiner or instructor. Limitations are legally binding; flying outside them is a violation of federal aviation regulations.

Type ratings for large or complex aircraft

Some aircraft are so large or complex that the FAA requires a separate type rating before you can fly them. Type ratings are common for jets, large turboprops, and some high-performance piston aircraft. A type rating is not printed on your main license card but is documented in your FAA records and logbook. You obtain a type rating by completing manufacturer-specific training and passing a checkride in that aircraft type.

If you hold a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, you may be required to hold a type rating for the aircraft your employer assigns you. Private pilots rarely need type ratings unless they plan to fly very large or unusual aircraft. Your flight instructor or the aircraft manufacturer can tell you whether a specific aircraft requires a type rating.

Currency and recency requirements that affect your license validity

Your license card does not expire, but your right to fly does if you do not meet currency rules. The FAA requires that you have made at least three takeoffs and landings in the same category and class of aircraft within the past 90 days before you can carry passengers. If you have not flown in more than 90 days, you can still fly solo, but you must complete three full-stop landings before you can take anyone with you. These requirements are not printed on your license but are part of federal aviation regulations you must follow.

If you have not flown for more than 24 calendar months, you must pass a practical test (checkride) with an examiner to restore your flying privileges. This is different from renewing your medical certificate. Both must be current for you to fly legally.

Replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch. You will need to provide your certificate number, date of birth, and a form signed by you stating that the card was lost or damaged. The FAA will mail you a new card with the same ratings and endorsements. During the replacement process, you can continue to fly if you carry a copy of your lost license and your current medical certificate, though this is not ideal and should be resolved quickly.

If your medical certificate expires while you are waiting for a replacement license, you cannot fly until both documents are current. Plan ahead if your medical is approaching expiration and your license needs replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired medical certificate if my license card is still valid?

No. The medical certificate must be current on the date of each flight. An expired medical makes your license invalid for flying, even though the card itself does not expire. You must pass a new medical exam with an AME before you can fly again.

What happens if I fly outside my category or class rating?

Flying outside your rating is a federal violation. The FAA can suspend or revoke your license, and you may face civil penalties or criminal charges depending on the circumstances. Always verify that the aircraft you plan to fly matches your license ratings.

Do I need a type rating to fly a Cessna 172?

No. A Cessna 172 is a single-engine airplane and does not require a type rating. Your single-engine land rating covers it. Type ratings are required only for large jets, turboprops, and certain high-performance aircraft specified by the FAA.

Can I remove an endorsement or limitation from my license?

Yes. You can request removal of an endorsement or limitation by demonstrating competency to a flight instructor or examiner in the area where you were limited. Once they sign off, you can request that the FAA remove it from your records. Some limitations, such as night flying restrictions, require a specific practical test.

What if I let my license expire without renewing it?

If your license card itself expires (which takes several years), you must pass a new checkride to restore it. However, your medical certificate expires much sooner and is what usually stops you from flying first. Renew your medical certificate before it expires to avoid losing your flying privileges.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.