{"id":352504,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/federal-drone-registration-regulations.html"},"modified":"2024-05-05T12:50:56","modified_gmt":"2024-05-05T17:50:56","slug":"federal-drone-registration-regulations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/federal-drone-registration-regulations.html","title":{"rendered":"Federal Drone Registration Regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Federal Drone Registration Regulations <\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Drones weighing 0.55 pounds or more must be registered with the FAA. Registration is required for both recreational and commercial use, with exceptions for lighter drones typically used as toys. U.S. citizens or legal residents aged 13 or older can register online or by mail. The process involves providing drone details and paying a $5 fee. Registration lasts three years. Recreational flyers must pass the TRUST test, while commercial pilots need a Remote Pilot Certificate. Remote ID may also be necessary for most drone operations.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Drones are growing in popularity. Though you can’t buy a military drone, you might use a drone as a hobbyist, educator, or professional.<\/p>\n

While these \u201csmall unmanned aircraft systems” (sUAS) have many uses, public safety is always a concern. When buying a drone, your product should come with an operation manual. But it probably won’t come with all the instructions you need to meet the legal requirements.<\/p>\n

In this guide, discover whether you need to register your drone. You can also see an overview of each step in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registration process.<\/p>\n

Before flying, also read about the\u00a0drone laws in your state<\/a>. You may need to take extra steps beyond registering at the federal level.<\/p>\n

Do I Need To Register My Drone?<\/h2>\n

Whether you plan to fly a recreational or commercial drone, you’ll likely need to register it with the government. The FAA manages federal drone registration and the rest of the national airspace system.<\/p>\n

Drones that weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more must have FAA registration. Anything you attach to a drone, such as a camera or sensor, counts toward the weight limit.<\/p>\n

Drones for recreational purposes weighing less than 0.55 pounds are typically exempt from the registration requirement. For example, most drones advertised as children’s toys don’t need federal registration.<\/p>\n

Who Can Register a Drone?<\/h2>\n

Recreational flyers and\u00a0commercial operators<\/a>\u00a0must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents to register their UAS. Drone owners must also be at least 13 years of age to register. Owners younger than 13 may have someone else register on their behalf.<\/p>\n

The Online Federal Drone Registration Process<\/h2>\n

You may register online if your drone is more than 0.55 pounds but less than 55 pounds. Online registration is now available for both recreational and commercial purposes.<\/p>\n

To register your drone online, follow these steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Visit the\u00a0FAA Drone Zone<\/a>. Click the button to create a new account.<\/li>\n
  2. Enter your legal name, email address, and a unique password. Check your email inbox to activate your account.<\/li>\n
  3. Log into your account and provide your full name and contact information, including your physical address and mailing address (if different). Add your drone’s information.<\/li>\n
  4. Proceed to online checkout and pay the $5 registration fee. You will receive a unique registration number.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Before flying drones, FAA regulations require you to mark all of them with your registration number.<\/p>\n

    How To Register Your Drone by Mail<\/h2>\n

    Drone operators must register through paper forms if any of the following apply:<\/p>\n