New or replacement certificate a click away

Proud that you're a pilot? Always wanted something a little more substantial than that tattered piece of paper to show? Now you can get a shiny new plastic pilot certificate to replace the old paper one in a lot less time. Through the FAA's Internet site, you can request and pay for a new certificate and receive it in about a week compared to six or seven weeks by using standard mail. Also, for pilots who have lost certificates, temporary authority to continue flying can be faxed or e-mailed in minutes. AOPA pushed for the new certificates on behalf of pilots who for years had wanted more durable and attractive certificates. The new plastic certificate is also much harder to counterfeit. And when used in conjunction with a government-issued photo ID (as now required by regulation), securely identifies legitimate pilots.

If your FAA Pilot Certificate currently uses your SS# as the certificate number, you may also request to have your social security number removed from your certificate and replaced with an FAA number.  A new certificate will be issued at no charge in two weeks.