Step-by-Step: How to Designate Your U.S. Agent on the FAA USAS Portal

Designating a U.S. Agent for Service on the FAA's USAS Portal is straightforward, but the interface can be confusing if you haven't used FAA's online systems before. This guide walks you through the entire process.

Before you start, you'll need:

- Your FAA certificate number

- Your FAA login credentials (via MyCerts or FAA's login system)

- Your U.S. Agent's details (name, U.S. physical address, email, and contact person)

If you've subscribed to AeroTrust Agency, all agent details are in your welcome email.

## Step 1: Go to the USAS Portal

Navigate to usas.faa.gov in your browser. The FAA recommends using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for the best experience — some features may not work correctly in other browsers.

Click "Sign In" to access the portal.

## Step 2: Log In with Your FAA Credentials

Use your existing FAA account credentials. If you've used MyCerts, IACRA, or any other FAA online service, it's the same login.

If you don't have an FAA online account yet, you'll need to create one. Follow the registration prompts and have your certificate number ready for verification.

Important: The portal will log you out after 60 minutes of inactivity, so have your agent details ready before you start.

## Step 3: Navigate to Agent Designation

Once logged in, look for the option to designate a U.S. Agent for Service. The exact menu location may vary, but you're looking for "Designate U.S. Agent" or similar.

## Step 4: Select Agent Type

You'll be asked whether your agent is an individual or a company. If you're using AeroTrust Agency (or any USAS service provider), select "Service Agent Company."

## Step 5: Enter Agent Details

Fill in the required fields with your agent's information:

- Agent/Company name

- U.S. physical address

- Email address

- Contact person name

If you're an AeroTrust Agency subscriber, copy these details exactly as provided in your welcome email. Accuracy matters — the FAA will use this information for all future correspondence.

## Step 6: Certify and Submit

You'll need to certify that:

- The agent has accepted the responsibility of receiving FAA documents on your behalf

- The information provided is accurate

Review everything carefully, then submit.

## Step 7: Confirmation

Upon successful submission, the FAA sends an automated confirmation email to both you and your designated agent. This confirmation means your designation is now active and effective.

Save this confirmation email — it's your proof of FAA compliance.

## Tips and Common Issues

- Use Chrome or Edge: Safari and Firefox can cause issues with the portal

- Have details ready: The 60-minute timeout is strict

- One designation covers everything: You don't need to repeat this for each certificate

- Changing agents: If you need to switch agents later, simply go through the same process with the new agent's details — the new designation replaces the old one automatically

- Portal errors: If you encounter errors, try clearing your browser cache or using an incognito/private window

## Need Help?

If you're an AeroTrust Agency subscriber and need assistance with the designation process, email us at admin@aerotrustagency.com. We've been through the process ourselves and are happy to walk you through it.

Not yet subscribed? Get started at aerotrustagency.com for $29.90/year.