FAA Medical Renewal: Timeline, Cost & Checklist (#1 Ultimate Guide)
Your FAA medical renewal keeps you legally in the air—but renewal timelines, costs, and documentation requirements can easily catch pilots off guard.
Miss your renewal deadline, and you’re grounded until the process is complete. That delay can disrupt your training, cancel personal trips, or stall your progress toward a professional flying career.
Renewal rules vary widely depending on your certificate class and age. A 28-year-old private pilot may only need to renew every five years, while a 52-year-old airline captain might be renewing every six months. And while routine exams cost around $150–$300, pilots with past or current medical conditions may face added paperwork, reviews, and specialist documentation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the FAA medical renewal process in 2025:
- When and how often to renew
- What each class requires
- What to bring to your renewal exam
- And how to avoid common mistakes that could delay your certification
Whether you’re flying for fun or for a living, staying current with your medical is non-negotiable. Let’s make it simple.
Understanding FAA Medical Certificate Classes
Before diving into the FAA medical renewal process, it’s essential to understand which certificate class you hold—and how that impacts your renewal schedule, exam requirements, and costs.
The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates, each tied to different types of flying privileges. Choosing the right one depends on your pilot certificate level and aviation goals.
First-Class Medical Certificate
This certificate is required for anyone flying under Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) privileges. If you’re acting as pilot-in-command of scheduled air carrier flights, you must hold a valid first-class certificate.
It’s the most rigorous of all FAA medical classes, with tighter health standards and the most frequent FAA medical renewal timeline—especially for pilots over 40. Many commercial pilots who aren’t yet ATP-rated still opt for first class to stay future-ready.
Second-Class Medical Certificate
The second-class certificate is needed for commercial pilot operations, including charter flights, aerial tours, and instruction for hire. While you can’t fly scheduled airline routes with it, this certificate allows you to operate as a paid professional in most other roles.
It still requires regular FAA medical renewal, though the physical standards are slightly less strict than first class. It also covers all privileges under third class—so many pilots stick with this if they’re earning money but not flying for airlines.
Third-Class Medical Certificate
This is the most common option for private and recreational pilots. It’s sufficient for flying non-commercially, whether you’re sightseeing, traveling cross-country, or just enjoying weekend flying.
Since it’s not tied to high-risk or commercial activity, it comes with the longest FAA medical renewal intervals—up to 60 months if you’re under 40. For most general aviation pilots, this is the easiest and most cost-effective path.
BasicMed: A Certified Alternative
BasicMed is a relatively new option for pilots who previously held a valid third-class medical. It allows you to fly aircraft up to 6,000 lbs with up to five passengers—without needing an AME exam.
Instead, you’ll complete a one-time physical with a state-licensed physician and pass an online FAA course. The FAA medical renewal process under BasicMed involves repeating the exam every 48 months and the course every 24 months.
While BasicMed isn’t valid for international flights or commercial use, it’s a flexible, affordable option for private pilots who meet the criteria.
FAA Medical Renewal Timeline Requirements
Your FAA medical renewal timeline depends on two factors:
1. The class of your medical certificate
2. Your age at the time of the exam
The FAA uses tighter renewal schedules for higher-level certificates and for pilots over 40, ensuring ongoing fitness for flight.
FAA Medical Renewal Schedule
| Certificate Class | Under Age 40 | Age 40 and Over |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class | Every 12 months | Every 6 months |
| Second-Class | Every 12 months | Every 12 months |
| Third-Class | Every 60 months (5 yrs) | Every 24 months (2 yrs) |
Important FAA Medical Renewal Rules
Your medical certificate expires at the end of the last day of the expiration month, not on the exam date. Example: If your exam was on March 15, your certificate expires on March 31 of the appropriate year.
There are no grace periods for expired medicals. If your certificate lapses, you cannot act as PIC or exercise pilot privileges until a new exam is completed and approved.
Flying with an expired medical is a regulatory violation: This can lead to certificate suspension, fines, or legal penalties under FAA rules.
Once you turn 40, your renewal timelines change automatically—usually cutting the validity in half. If you’re approaching your 40th birthday, plan your next FAA medical renewal accordingly. That means scheduling earlier and budgeting for more frequent visits moving forward.
FAA Medical Renewal Cost Breakdown
Understanding the cost of FAA medical renewal helps you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and prevent unnecessary delays—especially if additional testing or paperwork is involved.
Basic AME Exam Fees
Most Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) charge between $150 and $300 for a standard medical renewal. This covers:
- Physical exam
- Vision and hearing check
- Blood pressure screening
- Same-day certificate issuance (if approved)
Prices vary by region. Expect higher costs in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, and slightly lower fees in suburban or rural areas.
Additional Testing Costs (If Required)
Some pilots may need more than the standard exam—especially for first-class renewals or if they have a history of medical issues.
| Test Type | Typical Cost Range | When It’s Required |
|---|---|---|
| EKG (Electrocardiogram) | $50–$150 | Required for Class 1 renewal if age 35+ |
| Special Vision Testing | $25–$75 | If the basic eye chart doesn’t meet FAA standards |
| Hearing Tests (Audiometry) | $100–$200 | If you don’t pass the whisper test |
| Lab Work (Blood/Urine) | $50–$300 | Case-by-case: diabetes, kidney issues, drug testing |
If your AME suspects anything unusual or if you’re under a Special Issuance, these additional tests may be mandatory before renewal is approved.
Special Issuance & Documentation Costs
If you have a disqualifying condition (like ADHD, heart issues, or a past DUI), the FAA may require a Special Issuance Authorization. This process can significantly increase your FAA medical renewal costs:
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Specialist consultations | $200–$500+ per visit |
| FAA-required medical reports | $50–$200 per report |
| Ongoing condition monitoring | $100–$1,000+ per year |
| FAA review fees | No direct fee, but indirect costs from delays |
While the FAA itself doesn’t charge a processing fee, delays in review or paperwork errors can lead to repeat visits—and increased out-of-pocket costs.
Regional Variations in AME Pricing
| Region | Typical AME Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Urban Metro Areas | $250–$350 |
| Suburban Areas | $175–$250 |
| Rural Locations | $125–$200 |
Tip: You can shop around for the best fee, but choose an AME near your flight school or home base—especially if you may need follow-ups.
Is FAA Medical Renewal Covered by Insurance?
Most traditional health insurance plans do not cover FAA medical exams, since they’re classified as occupational or licensing-related, not medically necessary.
However:
- You can usually pay using HSA or FSA funds
- Some pilot unions or aviation employers reimburse part or all of the fee
- A few pilot-focused insurance policies offer partial coverage for renewals or special issuance costs
Pre-Renewal Preparation for a Smooth FAA Medical Renewal
Proper preparation is the key to a fast, stress-free FAA medical renewal. Rushing, forgetting paperwork, or leaving the MedXPress form incomplete can delay your certificate—or worse, lead to a deferral.
Here’s how to get ready before your appointment.
Your FAA medical renewal exam must be completed by a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Use the FAA AME Locator Tool to search by ZIP code.
When choosing an AME, consider:
- Location: Choose someone near your training base or home in case you need follow-ups
- Specialization: Some AMEs have experience with conditions like ADHD, heart history, or Special Issuance
- Availability: Popular AMEs may be booked out 2–6 weeks
- Reviews: Ask other pilots locally or check forums like AOPA or Reddit for feedback
Scheduling Your Appointment
Book your renewal exam at least 30–60 days before your current certificate expires. This gives you enough time to handle follow-up tests, paperwork, or FAA review if needed.
Avoid waiting until the last week. If your certificate expires, you can’t legally fly—even if your renewal is in progress.
Completing the MedXPress Application
Before seeing your AME, you must complete the FAA MedXPress application at the official website.
Steps:
- Create your account and log in
- Complete all sections accurately—don’t rush
- Print or save your confirmation page with the application code
- Bring that code to your appointment (no code = no exam)
Key MedXPress Tips (Do Not Rush This Step)
The MedXPress application is not a formality—it’s the foundation of your FAA medical renewal. Mistakes, omissions, or vague answers here are the #1 reason pilots face delays, deferrals, or even denials.
Follow these tips to complete it correctly:
Be 100% Honest—Every Time
Do not guess. Do not omit. Do not “forget.” Even if you think a condition or medication might disqualify you, disclose it fully. The FAA cross-checks your application against pharmacy records, past AME visits, and even criminal databases. Inconsistencies can trigger formal investigations or permanent certificate action.
Lying is a federal offense under 14 CFR Part 67 and can lead to certificate revocation—even jail time.
Include All Medications—Prescription, OTC, and Supplements
Every pill counts. List prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even vitamins or herbal supplements. Include:
- Name (brand or generic)
- Dosage
- Frequency
- Reason for use
Even if a supplement seems harmless, the FAA still wants to know what’s influencing your body chemistry. Failure to report even a common medication like Benadryl or melatonin can cause trust issues with AMEs and future delays.
List All Medical Visits—Not Just “Serious” Ones
Routine checkups? Flu shots? Counseling sessions? Annual physicals? Yes—all of them.
The FAA requires a complete medical visit history, not just hospitalizations or major surgeries. If you visited an urgent care for a rash or saw a dentist for sedation, it needs to be listed.
This is where many pilots go wrong. Incomplete visit histories raise red flags that slow down or halt your renewal.
Save Frequently—The System Will Time Out
MedXPress does not autosave, and it logs you out after short periods of inactivity.
Write your information in a document first or copy/paste carefully into the portal. Nothing is worse than completing 80% of your form and losing it to a timeout.
Final Tip: Print or digitally save your confirmation page after submission—it includes your application ID, which is required for your AME to access your data.
What to Bring to Your FAA Medical Renewal Exam
Being fully prepared for your FAA medical renewal exam ensures you don’t face last-minute delays or return visits. Whether you’re renewing a basic Class 3 or maintaining a Special Issuance, having the correct documents can make or break your appointment.
Here’s exactly what to bring, grouped by category:
Required Documents (for Every Applicant)
These are non-negotiable—you won’t be examined without them:
Government-issued photo ID: A valid passport or driver’s license. The name must match your MedXPress application exactly.
MedXPress confirmation page: This includes your application number and is the only way your AME can access your data. Print it or save it to your phone—without it, your appointment cannot proceed.
Previous FAA medical certificate (if applicable): Especially important if this is a renewal, not your first exam. It helps your AME compare changes over time and validate your renewal cycle.
Prescription glasses or contact lenses: If you use vision correction, bring what you normally wear while flying. Your AME will test both corrected and uncorrected vision as part of the exam.
Medical Records (If You’ve Had Any New or Ongoing Conditions)
Your AME must verify any health updates you disclose on your MedXPress form. Bring clean, organized records for any relevant medical history:
Current list of prescription medications: Include drug names, dosages, prescribing physician names, and purpose.
Documentation of relevant medical history: If you’ve had a new diagnosis, surgery, or started any new treatment since your last FAA medical, bring doctor notes or discharge summaries.
Specialist reports (if you’ve seen a cardiologist, neurologist, etc.): Even a routine follow-up should be documented, especially if the FAA has flagged the condition in the past.
Hospital records for procedures within the past year: This includes outpatient surgeries, ER visits, and any imaging results tied to long-term conditions (e.g., CT scans, MRIs).
Special Issuance Documentation (If Applicable)
If your current certificate was issued under a Special Issuance Authorization, you’ll need to bring everything the FAA requested for ongoing compliance. This often includes:
FAA authorization letter: This outlines exactly what documentation is required for your next renewal. Your AME will need this to confirm your eligibility.
Current medical status reports: Usually from your treating physician or specialist. These reports must confirm that your condition is stable, well-managed, and not affecting flight safety.
Compliance evidence: Examples: Sleep apnea CPAP usage logs, blood sugar monitoring records for diabetes, follow-up cardiac reports for past heart issues.
Pro Tip: Create a physical or digital folder with all of the above. If anything is missing, it can delay your FAA medical renewal for days—or even weeks if the FAA requests a follow-up.
Conclusion: Stay Current, Stay Cleared to Fly
Your FAA medical renewal isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of your legal and professional flying privileges.
Whether you’re a private pilot flying on weekends or a commercial pilot building hours toward ATP, keeping your medical certificate up to date is non-negotiable. Miss a deadline, skip the paperwork, or forget a required document, and you’re grounded—no exceptions.
Thankfully, renewing your certificate doesn’t have to be stressful. If you understand your renewal timeline, prepare your MedXPress application carefully, and bring all required documentation to your AME, the process is usually quick and seamless.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Renew early—at least 30–60 days before expiration
- Be honest on your MedXPress form
- Bring full documentation if your health has changed
- Don’t guess—ask your AME if you’re unsure about anything
Staying current with your FAA medical renewal isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety, professionalism, and protecting your future in aviation.
Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.
