Important: All drone operators in the United States must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations regardless of state or local laws. Federal law takes precedence in matters of airspace safety.
Drone Registration Requirements
The FAA requires registration of all drones (unmanned aircraft) that weigh between 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and 55 pounds. Registration is done through the FAA DroneZone website.
Recreational Registration
- Cost: $5 for 3-year registration
- Must be 13 years or older
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- One registration covers all recreational drones
- Registration number must be displayed on drone
Part 107 Registration
- Cost: $5 per drone for 3-year registration
- Each drone must be individually registered
- Must have Part 107 certificate
- Registration number must be accessible externally
- Must carry proof of registration during operations
Penalty for unregistered operation: Civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years.
Part 107 - Commercial Operations
14 CFR Part 107 governs the commercial operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in the United States. Anyone flying a drone for commercial purposes must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Key Part 107 Rules:
Pilot must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
Maximum speed: 100 mph (87 knots)
Maximum weight: 55 pounds (including payload)
Must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone
Daylight operations only (or civil twilight with anti-collision lights)
Cannot fly over people without proper category certification
Cannot fly from a moving vehicle (unless over sparsely populated area)
Must yield right of way to manned aircraft
Pre-flight inspection required before each flight
Operations Over People (Categories):
| Category |
Max Weight |
Requirements |
Over Open-Air Assemblies |
| Category 1 |
0.55 lbs (250g) |
No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin |
Yes |
| Category 2 |
No max |
Must not cause injury severity > FAA-defined thresholds; DOC required |
Yes |
| Category 3 |
No max |
Must not cause injury severity > FAA-defined thresholds; DOC required |
No |
| Category 4 |
No max |
Must have airworthiness certificate |
Yes |
Recreational Flying Rules
Recreational drone flying is governed by the Exception for Recreational Flyers (Section 44809 of Title 49, U.S. Code). These rules apply to hobbyists who fly purely for enjoyment.
Requirements for Recreational Flyers:
Fly strictly for recreational purposes only
Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO)
Keep the drone within visual line of sight
Do not fly in controlled airspace without LAANC or FAA authorization
Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Register the drone (if 250g or heavier)
Never fly near emergency response operations
Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
TRUST Test: The Recreational UAS Safety Test is a free, online knowledge test required for all recreational drone pilots. It can be taken through FAA-approved test administrators and does not expire.
Remote ID
As of March 16, 2024, Remote ID is required for all drones operating in U.S. airspace. Remote ID is essentially a "digital license plate" that broadcasts identification and location information.
Remote ID Compliance Options:
Standard Remote ID
Built into the drone by manufacturer. Broadcasts drone ID, location, altitude, velocity, operator location, and timestamp.
Remote ID Module
Add-on broadcast module for drones without built-in Remote ID. Must be attached to the drone and broadcasts required information.
FRIA
FAA-Recognized Identification Areas. Fly without Remote ID only within these designated areas operated by CBOs.
Airspace Classification & Authorization
Understanding airspace is critical for safe and legal drone operations. Different airspace classes have different requirements for drone flights.
| Airspace |
Description |
Drone Authorization |
| Class G |
Uncontrolled airspace (most rural areas) |
No authorization needed (up to 400 ft AGL) |
| Class E |
Controlled airspace (various altitudes) |
Authorization may be needed via LAANC or DroneZone |
| Class D |
Small airports with control towers |
LAANC authorization or FAA approval required |
| Class C |
Medium airports (approach control) |
LAANC authorization or FAA approval required |
| Class B |
Major airports (busiest) |
LAANC authorization or FAA approval required |
| Class A |
18,000 ft+ (commercial aviation) |
Drones not permitted |
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability): An automated system that provides near real-time airspace authorization. Available through apps like AirMap, Aloft, and DJI Fly. Most authorizations are processed within seconds.
Waivers & Exemptions
Part 107 pilots can apply for waivers to operate outside standard rules. Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis and require demonstrating equivalent safety measures.
Common Waiver Types:
Night Operations - No longer requires waiver (updated rule)
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) - Limited approvals being granted
Operations Over People - Category-dependent
Above 400 feet - Near structures or with waiver
Multiple drones - One pilot operating multiple UAS
Moving vehicle operations - In populated areas