If you’re a new drone pilot, or someone that is trying to renew their drone registration, it’s important that you understand the latest drone regulations. There is a lot of critical information available on the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) webpage that you should take the time to read. For anyone looking for a more concise reference on drone registration we’ve pulled together the most important pieces below for your information.
Why drone registration is important
If you’re part of the drone community it’s important to understand the rules and guidelines so you can fly safely. It’s also key that the FAA, law enforcement and other federal agencies are able to identify a drone if its flying unsafely or in a restricted area. These rules and drone regulations are not only intended to keep people and property safe, they also force drone pilots to have some accountability.
Registering your drone also gives people the opportunity to return your drone to you when you lose it. While there isn’t a reverse lookup available with drone registration numbers on the FAADroneZone website. It may be possible to contact the FAA with the drone registration number and try to locate the drone owner. We’re not actually sure how successful this tactic would be. But if you’re buying an expensive piece of hardware, why not?
The most important reason for registering your drone is to avoid the risk of facing very steep fines, civil penalties and possibly criminal penalties. It is cheap and relatively easy to register your drone with the FAA. If you’re planning on flying frequently with your drone, or if you own multiple drones, it’s a simple step to eliminate the risk completely.
What are the rules for drone registration and drone flying?
We want everyone to be responsible members of this drone community. Take a few seconds to read and learn the list below if you are going to own or operate a drone. Knowing the rules around piloting a drone and registering a drone will protect you as well as the people around you.
- You must register your drone if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or if you are flying for commercial reasons
- You need to be 13 years of age or older to register a drone. If you’re younger than 13, you need someone older than 13 to register the drone for you.
- Fly your drone at or below 400ft
- Keep your drone within your line of sight
- Make sure you are not in an FAA Restricted Airspace (Download the B4UFLY Mobile app)
- Respect other peoples privacy
- Don’t fly near airports and other aircraft
- Never fly over groups of people , public events or stadiums full of people
- Don’t fly near emergencies or where dangerous situations exist
- Ne er fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Which drones need to be registered with the FAA?
We strongly recommend that you check out the FAA User Identification Tool. It will answer most of your questions about which drones require registration. It’s an easy to use online questionnaire that walks you through a few simple questions to quickly answer if you need to register your drone or not. It also helps you determine if the drone or use case falls under the Exception for Recreational Flyers or falls under the FAA rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Part 107 rules).
If you register your drone under the Part 107 rules you can still fly the drone for recreational purposes. But, if you register under the exception for recreational flyers you cannot fly the drone for Part 107 operations.
- Drones under 0.55 lbs (250 grams) used for recreational purposes do not need to be registered (Pocket Drones, Toy Drones, Tiny Whoops etc.)
- Drones between 0.55 lbs (250 grams) and 55 lbs (25 kgs) can be used for both recreational and Part 107 operation and need to be registered. (Long distance drones, camera drones, racing drones etc.
- Drones 55 lbs (25kgs) and greater still need to be registered, but cannot obtain a waiver/authorization under Part 107 operations.
Where do you register your drone
If your drone weighs between 0.55 lbs (250 grams) and 55 lbs (25 kg) you can register your drone online at the FAADroneZone. If you’re drone weighs more than 55 lbs you’ll need to register by paper as it will not qualify for a waiver/authorization under the Part 107 operations. Drones that are larger than 55lbs must go through the Traditional Aircraft Registration process.
How much does it cost to register your drone
The drone registration fee for recreational flying and for Part 107 operations is $5, and once you’ve registered your drone it is valid for three years. The registration number you receive for flying under the Exception for Recreational Flyers can be applied to all the drones that you use for recreational flying. You won’t need to register each drone individually or pay multiple registration fees.
What do you need to do after you register your drone
Congratulations! You’ve registered your drone. You’re ready to fly, but its important that you keep in mind you have some additional tasks you must complete before you’re done.
After you’ve successfully completed FAA drone registration you’ll receive a FAA registration certificate. Make sure you keep a copy of the certificate with you (both a digital copy or a paper copy with work) when you’re flying. You must be able to present a copy of the certificate to any law enforcement official if asked for it while flying.
Once you’ve completed drone registration, you also need to label your drone with your registration number. The FAA has provided guidance on how to label your drone. You can find the instructions here. You simply need to put your registration number on the outside of the drone by engraving it, using a permanent label or a permanent marker.
Finally, you need to be aware your local airspace and local advisories before taking your drone out for a spin. Understand where you are allowed and not allowed to fly your drone. This is a pretty each check if you download the B4UFLY mobile app. The app will allow your to quickly select your location and will give you status of the airspace selected, as well as details regarding surrounding advisories. The B4UFLY app is available for download on both the App Store and the Google Play Store