Registration is one of the first practical questions after buying a drone in the US, and the answer depends on two things: how much the drone weighs and why you are flying it. This guide explains the FAA’s registration rules so you can factor them into the purchase.
Key takeaways
- All drones must be registered except those of 0.55 pounds or less (under 250 grams) flown under the recreational exception.
- Registration costs $5 and lasts three years; recreational registration covers all drones in your inventory.
- Mark the drone with the registration number and carry the certificate when flying.
Who must register
According to the FAA, all drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown under the exception for limited recreational operations. Drones flown under Part 107 must be registered whatever they weigh. Registration is done online in FAADroneZone for drones under 55 pounds.
Recreational vs Part 107 registration
The FAA offers two kinds of registration. Recreational registration costs $5, covers all drones in your inventory and is valid for three years. Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. The FAA says a registered drone cannot be transferred between the two types, and a drone registered under the recreational exception cannot be flown under Part 107.
Who can register
The FAA says the owner must be 13 or older; for a younger owner, a person 13 or older registers the drone. The owner must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident; for foreign operators, the certificate is treated as recognition of ownership.
What you need
- Physical and mailing address.
- Email address and phone number.
- Make and model of the drone.
- The Remote ID serial number, if the drone has one.
- A credit or debit card.
After registering
You receive a registration certificate. The FAA requires you to carry it, on paper or digitally, whenever you fly, and anyone else flying your drone must also have it. Label every registered drone with the registration number before flying. If law enforcement asks, you must show the certificate.
Registration at a glance
| Recreational | Part 107 | |
|---|---|---|
| When required | 250 g or more | Always |
| Fee | $5 | $5 per drone |
| Covers | All drones in your inventory | One drone |
| Valid for | 3 years | 3 years |
Registration and Remote ID
The FAA says drones that are required to be registered, or are registered, must comply with Remote ID. When you register a Standard Remote ID drone or a broadcast module, you enter its Remote ID serial number. See Remote ID When Buying a Drone: Built-In, Module or FRIA.
Tip: Register only on the official FAADroneZone site. Third-party sites sometimes charge extra fees for filling in the same form.
How registration affects the purchase
If you want the simplest ownership for recreational flying, a drone under 250 grams avoids registration. If you plan any work, registration is required anyway, so weight matters less. For heavier recreational drones, registration is inexpensive and covers every drone you own, so it should not be the deciding factor on its own. See Sub-250 Gram Drones Explained: What the Weight Changes and What It Doesn’t.
Renewing
Registration lasts three years. When it expires, renew through FAADroneZone using the same email you registered with.
Marking the drone
The FAA requires registered drones to be labeled with the registration number before flight. The number should be visible on the outside of the drone; a label or engraving works, as long as it stays readable. Small drones have limited space, so choose a spot that is not covered by the battery or folded arms.
Owning several drones
If you fly recreationally and own several drones, one recreational registration covers every drone in your inventory. Part 107 pilots register each drone separately and receive a unique number for each. When you sell a drone, remove it from your inventory, and the new owner registers it under their own account.
Common mistakes
- Registering on an unofficial site.
- Forgetting to mark the drone.
- Leaving the certificate at home.
- Assuming a recreational registration covers work flights.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register a drone under 250 grams?
Not if you fly it only for recreation. Under Part 107, yes.
How much does FAA drone registration cost?
$5, valid for three years.
Where do I put the registration number?
On the outside of the drone, visible, before you fly.
Can someone else fly my registered drone?
Yes, but the FAA says the person flying must have your registration certificate with them, on paper or digitally.
What happens if I do not register a drone that needs it?
The FAA says failure to register a drone that requires registration may result in regulatory and criminal penalties.
Next, see The TRUST Test for New Drone Owners: Free, Online and Required.