How to Register Your Drone?

Drones have become increasingly popular for various purposes, from recreational flying to professional photography and surveillance. However, to ensure the safety and accountability of drone operators, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established guidelines for registering your drone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through registering your drone with the FAA, covering all the essential details you need to know.

How to Register

Registering your drone with the FAA is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

Information Needed to Register

Before you begin the registration process, make sure you have the following information ready:

• Physical address and mailing address (if different from physical address)

• Email address

• Phone number

• Make and model your drone

• Specific Remote ID serial number provided by the manufacturer (if applicable)

• Credit or debit card

Registration Fees

To register your drone, you will need to pay a registration fee. There are two main categories for registration:

• Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three (3) years.

• Exception for Recreational Flyers registration: Also priced at $5, this registration is valid for three (3) years.

It's important to note that once you've registered your drone under a specific category (Part 107 or Recreational Flyers), you cannot transfer the registration between these categories.

Registration Requirements

To register a drone with the FAA, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be 13 years of age or older. If the drone owner is under 13, a person 13 or older must register the drone on their behalf.

• You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. For foreign operators, the FAA will consider the certificate issued as a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.

Where to Register

The FAA provides two methods for registering your drone:

• Register a drone online at FAA DroneZone: This option suits drones weighing less than 55 pounds.

• Register a drone by mail: If you prefer a physical registration process, you can register your drone by mail.

After You Register

You'll receive an FAA registration certificate once you've successfully registered your drone. It's essential to keep your registration certificate with you whenever you fly your drone. If someone else operates your drone, they must also have access to your drone registration certificate in paper or digital form.

Federal law mandates that drone operators who are required to register must be able to present their certificate of registration to any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer upon request. Failure to register your drone, when required, can result in both regulatory and criminal penalties. The FAA may assess civil penalties of up to $27,500, while criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and imprisonment for up to three (3) years.

Label Your Drone

The FAA also requires you to mark your drone with your registration number before every flight. Here's how to label your drone:

• Label your drone (PDF)

• The label must be maintained in a legible condition.

• It must be securely affixed to the small unmanned aircraft to ensure it remains in place during each operation.

• The label must be legibly displayed on the external surface of the small unmanned aircraft.

Renew Your Drone Registration

It's crucial to keep track of your drone's registration expiration date. When your drone registration is about to expire, you'll need to renew it through the FAA DroneZone. If you encounter difficulties accessing your DroneZone account, you can reset your password using the email address you provided during your initial drone registration with the FAA.

Conclusion

Registering your drone with the FAA is a legal requirement ensuring drone operations' safety and accountability. Following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can comply with the regulations and enjoy flying your drone responsibly.

FAQs

Is drone registration necessary for recreational use?

Yes, drone registration is necessary for both recreational and commercial drone operators to ensure safety and accountability.

Can I transfer my drone registration between Part 107 and Recreational Flyers?

No, you cannot transfer the registration between these categories once you've registered your drone under a specific category (Part 107 or Recreational Flyers).

What happens if I fail to register my drone?

Failure to register a drone that requires registration may result in regulatory and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

How often do I need to renew my drone registration?

You must renew your drone registration every three (3) years through the FAA DroneZone.

What should I do if I forget my DroneZone password?

If you forget your DroneZone password, you can reset it using the email address you provided during your initial drone registration with the FAA.