CBP Form 339A – Annual User Fee – Aircraft Decal shams

Jurisdiction: Country: USA | Province or State: Federal

What is a CBP Form 339A – Annual User Fee – Aircraft Decal?

CBP Form 339A is the application to pay the annual user fee for private aircraft arrivals. It is how you obtain the required aircraft decal for a given calendar year. Customs and Border Protection issues the decal after payment and processing. The decal shows that the aircraft’s annual user fee is paid.

You use this form for aircraft, not vessels or commercial trucks. The decal you receive after filing this form must be affixed to the aircraft. It is tied to the aircraft registration number. It is not a rolling 12‑month pass. It covers the calendar year.

Who typically uses this form?

Private aircraft owners, corporate flight departments, and aircraft management companies. Fractional providers and charter operators use it for non‑scheduled operations when applicable. Pilots in command often carry the proof of payment on board. Fixed base operators may help prepare the form for their customers. The form can be submitted by an authorized agent.

You need this form if your aircraft will arrive in the United States from a foreign point. That includes flights from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond. It applies to most private and corporate general aviation aircraft. The decal helps CBP identify that the aircraft has paid the annual user fee. It speeds processing and reduces per‑arrival charges.

Typical usage scenarios

You may fly your company’s turboprop from Toronto to Buffalo twice a month. A valid decal avoids repeat fee collection on arrival. Another common case is weekend travel to the Bahamas. The aircraft re-enters the United States at an airport of entry. The decal shows that the annual user fee is covered. Corporate shuttle flights face the same need when returning from Mexico. Ferry flights returning an aircraft from maintenance abroad also qualify. If the aircraft enters the United States, you should have a valid decal.

You may use the form after you acquire a new aircraft. You also use it if the tail number changes. You use it to replace a lost or damaged decal. The form ensures CBP can link the decal to the correct aircraft. It captures the owner or operator’s contact details. It records the exact aircraft make, model, and serial number. It collects payment for the year in question.

The decal is a small sticker with a unique number. You affix it to the aircraft exterior in a visible spot. It allows CBP officers to verify payment quickly. You should also keep the payment receipt on board. Many operators place a copy in the aircraft dispatch kit or onboard binder.

When Would You Use a CBP Form 339A – Annual User Fee – Aircraft Decal?

You use this form before your first international arrival in a calendar year. If it is January and you have a trip to Mexico, apply now. Do not wait until the day of the flight. You want the receipt ready when you return. If you fly internationally only once a year, you still need the decal. CBP expects it on all covered private aircraft arrivals.

You also use this form after purchasing an aircraft. The previous owner’s decal will not carry over. Decals are not transferable between aircraft. They are tied to a specific registration number and year. If the seller’s decal is still on the aircraft, remove it. Apply for a new one in your name or your operator’s name.

You will use the form again if your aircraft’s tail number changes. Re-registration in a new “N” number requires a new decal. The prior decal is no longer valid. Enter the new registration number on the form. The decal must match the number painted on the aircraft.

If your decal is lost, damaged, or illegible, use the form to request a replacement. Provide the original decal number if you have it. CBP can issue a replacement decal for the same aircraft and year. Keep proof of the original payment with you until the replacement arrives.

You may use the form if you are an aircraft management company. You can handle decals for your managed fleet. Apply one aircraft per form. Ensure the owner or operator information is correct for each aircraft. Use your office address for the contact if you handle renewals.

Private owners use the form for personal travel. Corporate flight departments use it for business travel. Fractional programs use it for fleet aircraft that cross borders. Charter operators use it when non‑scheduled operations require it. FBOs often help transient aircraft apply if the pilot arrives without one. In that case, the pilot will pay the per‑arrival fee unless the annual fee is shown to be paid. Having the decal avoids that step and cost.

You also use the form if you need a decal late in the year. The decal still covers only that calendar year. Plan renewals toward year‑end so you have next year’s decal in time. Do not assume the current-year decal will carry into the next year. CBP issues new decals annually.

Legal Characteristics of the CBP Form 339A – Annual User Fee – Aircraft Decal

The form is part of a federal user fee program. It is an official application to pay a regulatory fee. The decal is evidence that the fee is paid for the year. The requirement to pay and display the decal is enforced at ports of entry. CBP officers inspect aircraft on arrival and verify compliance. If your aircraft lacks a valid decal, you can be charged a per-arrival fee. You may face delays and, in some cases, penalties.

Is it legally binding? Yes. When you sign and submit the form, you certify that the information is true. You also authorize payment of the user fee. False statements on the form can lead to fines or other enforcement action. The signature block includes a certification. You agree that the decal will be used only for the listed aircraft. You acknowledge that decals are not transferable. You also acknowledge that you must display the decal as instructed.

What ensures enforceability? The form links a unique decal number to an aircraft. The registration number, serial number, and owner details are recorded. CBP systems track issued decals. Officers can cross‑check an aircraft’s tail number against the decal number. They can verify payment for the current year. They can also verify if the decal has been reported lost or replaced. The physical sticker is a visual cue. The receipt and application provide proof that the sticker is not yet installed.

General legal considerations matter. The decal does not replace any other entry requirement. You must still file required manifests and notices. You must still land at a designated airport of entry. You must still report arrivals and present documents to CBP. The decal only covers the annual user fee. It does not grant landing rights or customs clearance. It does not waive any inspection. It does not replace eAPIS or any other required filing.

Recordkeeping is part of compliance. Keep a copy of the completed form and your receipt. Many operators keep them in the aircraft and in the office file. Keep records for the entire calendar year. Retain prior-year records for your audit trail. If a CBP officer asks for proof, you should present the receipt. If the decal was recently ordered, the receipt shows payment. It helps avoid per-arrival fee collection at the door.

If you sell the aircraft, remove the decal. The new owner must apply for their own decal. If you acquire an aircraft mid‑year, apply right away. If the decal is counterfeit or altered, CBP can seize it. They can also assess penalties. Treat the sticker as a controlled item. Do not attempt to move it between aircraft. Do not alter the number or year marking.

How to Fill Out a CBP Form 339A – Annual User Fee – Aircraft Decal

Follow these steps to complete and submit the form correctly.

1) Confirm that you need the aircraft decal

• You need it if your aircraft will arrive in the United States from a foreign location this year.
• If you only fly domestically, you do not need it.
• If you are unsure, plan to get the decal. It prevents delays at arrival.

2) Gather the required information before you start

• Legal name and address of the owner or operator.
• Contact person’s name, phone, and email.
• Aircraft registration number (tail number).
• Aircraft serial number, make, and model.
• Country of registration.
• Payment method details.
• If replacing a decal, the original decal number.

3) Complete the Owner/Operator section

• Enter the full legal name of the owner or operator.
• Use the exact name on the aircraft registration or operating agreement.
• If you are a management company, enter your company if you manage compliance.
• Provide the mailing address where you receive official mail.
• Add a business telephone number and email monitored by your team.
• Choose a contact person who can respond to CBP questions.

Example: You operate the aircraft under a management agreement. Enter your management company as the operator. Use your operations office address. List your dispatch supervisor as the contact.

4) Complete the Aircraft Identification section

• Enter the tail number exactly as shown on the registration.
• Enter the aircraft serial number as shown on the manufacturer plate and registration.
• Enter the make and model.
• Enter the country of registration.
• Check that all entries match the registration card to the letter.
• If the aircraft is being re-registered, wait for the final tail number before filing.

Example: Your aircraft is a Cessna 560XL, serial 560-XXXXX, N123AB. Type “Textron/Cessna” or “Cessna” as make, “560XL” as model. Enter “United States” if N‑registered.

5) Indicate whether this is a new, replacement, or transfer request

• New: First decal for this aircraft for the current year.
• Replacement: Decal was lost, damaged, or destroyed for the current year.
• Transfer due to tail number change: You will need a new decal tied to the new number.
• Decals are not transferable between different aircraft. Do not request a transfer between airframes.

If replacing, include the original decal number if known. Explain the reason for replacement in the form’s space if provided. Keep your original receipt on board until the replacement arrives.

6) Provide shipping and handling details

• If the form asks for a shipping address, enter a secure location.
• Use an address where someone can receive mail during business hours.
• Consider using your FBO or management office if you travel often.
• The decal is a controlled item. Do not ship it unattended to a ramp.

7) Choose your payment method and enter the details

• You may pay by credit card, debit card, or other accepted methods.
• If paying by check or money order on a paper form, follow the form’s instructions.
• Make sure the payer name matches the owner/operator or your company.
• Double‑check card numbers and expiration dates for accuracy.

The annual user fee is set each year. It applies per aircraft. There is no proration for partial years. You pay the full amount for the calendar year.

8) Review the certification, sign, and date the form

• Read the certification statement carefully.
• You certify that the information is true and correct.
• You agree to the terms for use of the decal.
• Sign using ink if filing on paper. Use an authorized signature if filing electronically.
• Print your name and title if signing for a company.
• Date the form. Undated forms can cause delays.

Authorized signers include the owner, a company officer, or a designated agent. Management companies should have a signed authority letter on file. Keep it with your records.

9) Submit the form and retain proof of submission

• If filing online, submit and print the confirmation page.
• Save the receipt and the decal number assigned.
• If mailing, send the form and payment as instructed on the form.
• Keep a copy of the completed form and payment proof in your records.
• If time‑critical, use a trackable delivery method for paper submissions.

Many operators print two copies of the receipt. One goes on the aircraft. One stays in the office file. Digital copies are fine if they can be shown on arrival.

10) Receive and affix the decal correctly

• When the decal arrives, verify the year and number.
• Confirm it matches the aircraft tail number on your receipt.
• Clean the exterior surface before applying the decal.
• Affix the decal to the aircraft exterior, in a visible location near the primary boarding area.
• Follow the placement guidance on the decal backing.
• Press firmly and remove any air bubbles.

Do not place the decal inside a window or on a loose panel. It must be visible on the exterior. If the decal does not adhere, request a replacement. Do not tape it. Do not move it between aircraft.

11) Carry proof of payment on board

• Keep the receipt with your aircraft documents.
• Present it to CBP if asked during arrival processing.
• If the decal has not arrived yet, carry the receipt showing payment.
• Some officers will accept proof of payment while the decals ship.

12) Update and maintain your records

• Keep a copy of the form, receipt, and decal number in your files.
• Record the date of issue and the calendar year covered.
• Set reminders for renewal toward year‑end.
• Update records if ownership or operator details change.
• If the aircraft is sold, remove the decal and update your file.

13) Plan for renewals and changes

• New decals are issued each calendar year.
• Order next year’s decal before your first planned trip of that year.
• If your tail number will change, plan the timing with your renewal.
• Avoid a gap by coordinating re‑registration and decal issuance.

14) Avoid common mistakes that delay processing

• Do not enter an incorrect tail number or serial number.
• Do not use a nickname or shortened company name.
• Do not leave the signature or date blank.
• Do not assume the seller’s decal is valid for you.
• Do not place the decal in the wrong location on the aircraft.
• Do not forget to carry the receipt on the first trip.

Practical example: You buy a Canadian‑registered aircraft in June and re‑register it in the United States. Wait for the new N‑number. File the form with the new registration details. Pay the annual fee. Receive and apply the decal. Carry the receipt on the first cross‑border return.

Practical example: Your light jet plans four trips to Mexico this year. You file the form in January. You receive the decal and apply it near the boarding door. You keep a copy of the receipt in the aircraft binder. CBP verifies the decal at arrival. You avoid per‑arrival fee processing and delays.

Practical example: Your decal peels off during a wash. You file for a replacement. You carry the original receipt while you wait. You apply the new decal when it arrives. You update your internal records with the replacement number.

If you operate more than one aircraft, file one form per aircraft. Keep a decal log for each tail number. Track issue dates, receipt numbers, and renewal reminders. Assign someone in operations to monitor the decal status. Include decals in your pre‑trip checklist for international flights.

Final note on timing. Do not assume same‑day processing for paper filings. If you have a flight soon, submit early. If you file online, keep the proof of payment with you. Many operators file in December for the upcoming year. That avoids a scramble in January. It also aligns with annual compliance reviews.

By following these steps, you will complete CBP Form 339A correctly. You also set up a clean record for CBP. You reduce the chance of arrival delays. And you ensure your aircraft shows clear, visible compliance with the annual user fee requirement.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

Annual user fee: This is the required payment tied to this form. It covers processing and inspection services for private aircraft arrivals from outside the customs territory. Your proof of payment is the decal and receipt you receive after filing.

Decal: This is the adhesive sticker tied to your aircraft and owner record. It shows you paid the annual fee for the current year. You place it on the aircraft as directed after approval. Keep the receipt with your records.

Decal number: This is the unique identifier issued after your application. It links your payment to your aircraft registration and owner or operator details. You may be asked for this number at arrival.

Tail number (registration number): This is the aircraft’s official registration mark, such as an “N” number. The form uses it to link the decal to a specific aircraft. A mistyped tail number can make the decal invalid for your plane.

Owner vs. operator: The owner is the legal title holder. The operator is the party responsible for the flight’s control and crew. The form asks who is responsible for the aircraft’s compliance. Many corporate and lease setups list the operator for contact and compliance.

Commercial vs. private use: Private aircraft are non-airline aircraft not carrying people or cargo for a fee. Many corporate and personal flights fall here. These forms and fees are set around private aircraft arrivals. If your flights involve for-hire carriage, your classification may differ.

Port of entry: This is an airport where you can lawfully clear arrival processing. Your decal does not replace advance notice or arrival procedures at a port of entry. It only shows that your fee is paid.

Inspection: This is the arrival review by the authorities. You still must follow all arrival reporting and inspection rules. The decal does not waive inspection or questions at the port.

Calendar year: The decal and fee are tied to a single calendar year. They run from January 1 through December 31. You must renew each year if you will keep arriving from outside the customs territory.

Transferability: A decal is not transferable to a different owner or a different aircraft. If ownership changes, the new owner must file a new form. If the tail number changes, you must update and request a replacement decal.

Refund and replacement: Refunds are limited and not assured. They may apply for duplicates or certain errors. Replacement is used when the decal is lost, damaged, or when registration details change. You request a replacement through the program using your current record.

FAQs

Do you need a decal if you never leave the United States?

No. The annual decal applies when you arrive from outside the customs territory. If you only fly within the United States and never arrive from abroad, you do not need this decal. If your plans change, file before your international return.

Do you need a separate decal for each aircraft in your fleet?

Yes. Each aircraft needs its own decal number. The program ties each decal to a single tail number and owner or operator. Bulk purchases do not create shared coverage. Track renewals for each aircraft.

Do you need a decal if your aircraft is foreign-registered?

Yes. The requirement is based on arrival into the United States from abroad, not the registry country. Private aircraft arriving from outside the customs territory need the user fee decal for that calendar year.

Do you need to carry proof of payment if the sticker has not arrived?

Yes. Keep the receipt and approval with the crew and in your records until the sticker is installed. You should be ready to show the proof at arrival. Once the sticker is on the aircraft, keep a copy of the receipt with your flight documents.

Do you need a new decal after you sell the aircraft or change the registration?

Yes. The decal is not transferable. A sale or change in tail number requires a new or replacement decal. If ownership changes, the new owner files a new form. If only the tail number changes, request a replacement tied to the same aircraft.

Do you need the decal for a fuel stop from abroad without passengers?

Yes. Arrival from outside the customs territory triggers the requirement. That includes technical stops and ferry flights. Make sure your fee is current for the year, and carry proof of payment.

Do you need to renew early to avoid gaps in coverage?

Yes. Plan ahead for the calendar year transition. There is no guaranteed grace period. Renew well before your first planned international return in the new year. Keep new proof of payment handy.

Do you need separate decals for owners and operators in a lease?

No. You need one decal per aircraft per year. But you must name the responsible party correctly on the form if an operator manages the aircraft, list that operator consistently across your documents and arrival filings.

Checklist: Before, During, and After

Before signing

• Confirm the aircraft registration, tail number, and serial number.
• Identify the responsible party: owner or operator.
• Gather the legal name, mailing address, email, and phone for the responsible party.
• Have the aircraft make, model, and year.
• If operated under a lease or management agreement, have that agreement handy.
• Confirm the calendar year of coverage you need.
• Ensure you have an accepted payment method.
• Decide who will receive the decal mailer and approval notices.
• Plan where you will store the receipt in your records and onboarding.

During signing

• Verify the spelling of the responsible party’s legal name.
• Check the tail number format and every character.
• Confirm the aircraft make, model, and serial match the registration.
• Review the mailing address for the decal delivery.
• Add a reliable email for confirmations and renewal alerts.
• Confirm the year of coverage matches your upcoming arrivals.
• Read the certification statements and confirm authority to sign.
• Review any lease or operator details for consistency with your flight records.

After signing

• Submit the form and complete payment in one session if possible.
• Save the confirmation page and approval notice as a PDF.
• Print a spare copy of the receipt for the aircraft binder.
• Place the decal on the aircraft when it arrives, following placement guidance.
• Log the decal number, year, and tail number in your compliance records.
• Brief your crew on where the receipt and decal numbers are kept.
• Set a reminder to renew before the next calendar year begins.
• If you change owners, operators, or tail numbers, plan an update or replacement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong responsible party name. Don’t list a holding company if the operator manages all arrivals. Mismatched records can trigger questions at arrival. You may face delays, manual fee assessment, or a repeat filing.

Mistyping the tail number or serial. Don’t rely on memory. A single wrong character can break the link to your aircraft. You may need to refile and repay. You also risk penalties if the decal does not match the aircraft.

Waiting until the week of your trip. Don’t assume immediate processing or same-day mail. Your sticker may not arrive in time. Carry proof of payment if allowed, but last-minute filing can still cause delays or extra steps.

Assuming the decal transfers after a sale. Don’t let the buyer fly on your old decal. Transfers are not allowed. The new owner must file a new form to avoid penalties and inspection issues.

Ignoring damaged or missing decals. Don’t fly for months without replacing a ruined sticker. Submit a replacement request. You should maintain clear proof that your fee is paid for the current year.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

Confirm submission and payment

• Verify you received a confirmation number and proof of payment.
• Save the approval notice and receipt in your document system.
• Share the receipt with your operations team and chief pilot.

Prepare the aircraft

• Place the decal on the aircraft as instructed once it arrives.
• Add the decal number and year to your aircraft log and trip kits.
• Keep a printed copy of the receipt with the airworthiness and registration documents.

Coordinate your arrivals

• Train crews to present the decal number and receipt when asked.
• Continue to follow all arrival reporting and inspection rules.
• Add the decal check to your international flight checklist.

Manage changes

• If the tail number changes, request a replacement linked to the same aircraft.
• If ownership changes, the new owner files a new form before arrival from abroad.
• If operator or contact details change, update your record and keep confirmations.

Handle errors

• If you spot a typo after submission, correct it right away through the program.
• If the error affects the tail number or owner details, request a replacement or refile.
• Keep all correction confirmations with your original receipt.

Store and track

• Keep electronic and paper copies of the receipt and approval.
• Store the documents in the aircraft binder and your compliance archive.
• Set calendar reminders for year-end renewal and for scheduled audits.

Plan renewals

• Start renewal planning in the fourth quarter.
• Confirm any fleet additions or sales that affect filings.
• Purchase the new year decal well before your first planned return from abroad.

Prepare for audits

• Keep a simple file: receipt, approval notice, decal number, and placement photo.
• Maintain a history of decals by year for each aircraft.
• Note any replacement requests and the reasons for them.

Coordinate with partners

• If a management company operates the aircraft, align records.
• Ensure the operator’s name and contact match across lease, ops, and this form.
• Share the new decal number with dispatch and recordkeeping staff.