The short answer

You can convert a valid ICAO foreign license to a U.S. certificate under 14 CFR §61.75 — but two things are non-negotiable: (1) the FAA must verify your foreign license is authentic first (you file AC Form 8060-71 through IACRA; it takes 45–90 days), and (2) the DPE appointment that issues the certificate must be done in person. FAA guidance does not allow this one to be virtual. $200 flat for the appointment.

⚠️ This service must be done in person

Unlike every other Daytona DPE service, a foreign pilot conversion under §61.75 cannot be done over video. FAA guidance for foreign pilot verification is explicit: the meeting with the Designated Pilot Examiner has to be face-to-face. Plan to appear in person with your original documents.

Daytona DPE meets in person in Daytona Beach, Sanford, or New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Not near central Florida? Find a closer examiner at designee.faa.gov → "Find Designee."

What §61.75 actually is

14 CFR §61.75 lets a person who holds a current foreign pilot license issued by an ICAO contracting state obtain a U.S. private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate on the basis of that foreign license — without repeating primary training. The U.S. certificate carries the ratings and limitations tied to your foreign license, and it stays linked to that foreign license remaining valid.

There are two distinct halves to the process, and they happen in order: the FAA verifies your license, then a DPE issues the certificate in person. You cannot skip or reorder them.

Step 1 — The FAA verification letter (do this first)

Before anyone can issue you a certificate, the FAA has to confirm your foreign license is real and current. You start this yourself:

Do not book travel until you have the letter

The DPE cannot issue your certificate without the FAA verification letter in hand. Wait for it before scheduling the in-person appointment or any travel to Florida.

Step 2 — The in-person DPE appointment

Once your verification letter is issued, Daytona DPE handles the certificate side. You submit the contact form, get a document checklist by email, and schedule a face-to-face appointment. At the appointment the DPE will:

The permanent plastic certificate is mailed by the FAA to the address on your IACRA application within 4 to 6 weeks.

Why it has to be in person

Foreign pilot conversions involve inspecting original foreign credentials and confirming identity to a higher standard than a routine administrative action. FAA guidance for the foreign pilot verification pathway states plainly that the conversion is done in accordance with an in-person meeting with a DPE and that virtual appointments are not allowed. That's why this is the one Daytona DPE service that isn't offered over video.

What you'll need

After you submit the contact form you'll get a full checklist. Generally:

Pricing — $200 flat

The DPE appointment is $200 flat, collected by Zelle or Venmo after the certificate is issued. The FAA verification step in Step 1 is handled directly with the FAA and is separate from the appointment fee. There are no rescheduling or discontinuance fees.

More on pricing → View pricing details

Who you're booking with

Daytona DPE is run by Thomas Dowell, an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner with a background in military aviation, flight-school ownership, Part 135, and Part 121 operations. About the examiner → /about/

SIC Type Rating (In-Person)

The other in-person action — "SIC Privileges Only" type rating for ICAO international operations under §61.55.

Military Competency (MCE / MIE)

Converting U.S. military pilot or instructor credentials — handled virtually.

FAA Virtual Examiner Guidance

Which actions FAA guidance allows over video — and which, like this one, it doesn't.

Ready to convert your foreign license?

Get your FAA verification letter started, then submit the contact form to line up your in-person appointment.

Start my §61.75 conversion →

Frequently asked

Can foreign pilot verification be done online?
No. FAA guidance requires the §61.75 conversion appointment with the DPE to be conducted in person — virtual appointments are not permitted for this action. Only the FAA's verification of the license itself happens beforehand through IACRA.
What is the FAA verification letter and how do I get it?
Before a certificate can be issued, the FAA verifies your foreign license is authentic. You file AC Form 8060-71 through IACRA; the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch contacts your civil aviation authority. It typically takes 45–90 days and the letter is valid for six months.
How long does the whole thing take?
The FAA verification is the long pole — usually 45 to 90 days. Once you have the letter, the in-person DPE appointment issues your temporary certificate the same day, and the permanent one arrives by mail in 4–6 weeks.
Where do I meet for the appointment?
In person in Daytona Beach, Sanford, or New Smyrna Beach, Florida. If you're not near central Florida, find a closer designee at designee.faa.gov using "Find Designee."
What does it cost?
$200 flat for the DPE appointment, paid by Zelle or Venmo after the certificate is issued. The FAA verification step is handled directly with the FAA and is separate.
What do I bring?
Your FAA verification letter, your original current foreign license, government photo ID/passport, foreign medical (if verified), and a started IACRA 8710-1. A full checklist is emailed after you submit the contact form.