60-Day Report

Airmen and Drug- and/or Alcohol-Related Motor Vehicle Action(s)

Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors (Part 61 certificate holders) are obligated by Regulation 14 C.F.R. § 61.15(e) to submit a written report to the FAA within 60 calendar days following any Motor Vehicle Action (MVA) associated with drugs or alcohol. These reports are commonly called "notification letters" or "60-Day Reports." MVAs include all Driver’s License suspensions, revocations, cancellations, and downgrades (such as a restricted or temporary license), whether there was a conviction or not.

Common Questions and Answers

Do I need to file a report?
Yes, if your driver's license was suspended, revoked, canceled, or downgraded due to an impaired driving charge, arrest, or accusation.

Is Boating While Intoxicated considered a reportable offense?
Yes, if your state classifies a boat as a motor vehicle. If so, any suspension or conviction associated with Boating While Intoxicated is considered a reportable motor vehicle action. This requirement extends to anything designated as a motor vehicle by the state, possibly including golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, certain e-bikes, etc. Contact an aviation attorney for assistance in determining the reportability of a specific offense/charge.

How long do I have to file a report?
60 days from the date of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or downgrade. In most states, the driver’s license is suspended immediately anytime a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving impaired. This is referred to as a “Roadside Suspension.” If you are unsure of your driver’s license status following a DUI arrest, use the date of the arrest as the starting point for the 60-day period.

Can I wait to file my 60-day report until after my court hearing?
No. The report and 60-day timeframe are triggered by the driver’s license suspension, not the court date. Do not delay reporting for any reason.

I won my case in court or had the charges dropped. Do I still have to file a 60-day report?
Yes, if your driver's license was suspended for any period of time (even minutes), you must file a report.

Is there any advantage in waiting to file the report?
In most cases, there is little or no benefit to delaying reporting. However, we recommend you consult an aviation attorney before doing so. In any event, make sure not to miss the 60-day deadline. Keep in mind that the FAA might require several days to process received Notification Letters. Ensure timely submission of both your initial 60-day report and any subsequent follow-up reports well in advance of the deadlines.

What if I missed the 60-day period?
Do not delay any further. A late report is better than no report. A written report received between 60 days and the point of the FAA’s discovery of the MVA is typically regarded as a mitigating factor during the determination of sanctions.

What happens if I fail to report a driver's license suspension?
If the FAA discovers an unreported MVA, the agency will initiate a formal investigation, and you will receive a Letter of Investigation providing you with the chance to respond in writing to the alleged violation(s). The FAA may take legal action against your FAA certificates or apply other penalties.

Do I need to file more than one report?
In most cases, yes. The FAA requires notification within 60 days of any changes to your driver's license status. For example, if your driver's license is permanently revoked or reinstated, such an occurrence necessitates an additional report. Multiple reports, often times three or more, may arise from a single DUI charge or arrest, along with the ensuing legal proceedings.

How can I file a 60-Day Report?
The report may be sent via US Postal Service, Fax, or the Online Letter Submission. Click the link for more information: FAA 60-Day Report Portal

Is there a cost to file the 60-Day Report?
No. There is no charge by the FAA to file a report.

If I file a 60-day report, do I still need to report the suspension on my next FAA medical?
Yes. Incidents such as arrests, administrative actions, and convictions must be reported per FAR Part 67 on the Airman Application for a Medical Certificate. E.g., FAA MedXpress. It is important to note that the FAA medical form is distinct from the 60-Day Report and requires independent completion. All driver's license actions, even if previously reported in the 60-Day Report or past medical applications, must be reported in Box 18.v.

If I renew my medical certificate within 60 days, do I still need to file a 60-day report?
Yes. The 60-Day Report and the FAA Medical Application are distinct entities and should be submitted independently of each other. One report does not satisfy the other.

Do I need a lawyer to file a 60-Day Report?
While legal representation is not mandatory for the 60-Day Report or any other communication with the FAA, seeking legal advice can be highly beneficial, particularly in the aftermath of a DUI or criminal charge.

How can I get a legal review/consultation related to a DUI or Driver’s License Suspension?
We are pleased to offer a consultation at our standard rate. For additional details, please refer to the Hiring Our Firm Q/A page for more information.

Where can I find more information on this topic from the FAA?
Click the link: FAA Airman DL Suspension Reporting