Application

This regulation sets out the basic requirements for applying for a first-, second-, or third-class medical certificate. You must complete the FAA's prescribed application form and be examined by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You can find AMEs through the FAA's Aerospace Medicine website, by contacting an FAA Regional Flight Surgeon, or through the Aerospace Medical Education Division in Oklahoma City.

You'll need to bring proof of age and identity to your exam. A government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, passport, or military ID works best. If you don't have one of these, you can combine non-photo government ID (like a birth certificate) with a photo ID from work or school.

In practice, this means you can't just see any doctor for your aviation medical—it must be an FAA-designated AME, and you'll need proper identification at your appointment.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*