Drones, also known as uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), have grown rapidly in popularity in the last few years. Yours can be used to take stunning pictures, make compelling and original videos, and, when paired with VR goggles, let you experience the thrill of racing. Before you take off, however, you must be aware of the restrictions and complete the drone registration procedures.
Here’s what you need to know to get started with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone registration.
Table of Contents
Should I Register My Drone?
New rules were announced by the FAA in 2015 for all drones weighing more than 250 grams (0.55 pounds). To fly in any airspace, drones must be registered in accordance with FAA regulations if they meet the weight requirements.
Drones are primarily categorized by the FAA into two groups: recreational and commercial. Drone users must choose between Part 107 (commercial drones) and the “Exception for Recreational Flyers” when registering.”
Drones weighing under 0 lbs.55 pounds and that are exclusively flown for recreational purposes do not need to be registered. All commercial drones, in addition to other recreational drones, must be registered every three years.
It is not particularly difficult to register a drone. For recreational drones, the FAA only needs a user’s name, email address, and home address. Operators must also include the drone’s brand and model when registering a commercial drone.
Read More: Do I Need a Drone License?
How Much Does Registering A Drone Cost?
$5 per drone is required for registration. Individual registrations are required for commercial drones. Recreational drone users are given a registration number that applies to all of their aircraft. Drone pilots are required to be at least 13 years old, US citizens, or lawful permanent residents.
Currently, recreational drone users do not need to pass a test in order to operate a drone and obtain registration. The FAA does, however, intend to enact new regulations in the future, one of which will require recreational drone operators to successfully complete an online safety test.
Do You Need To Register A Drone To Fly It?
Depending on the drone, you may be able to fly some types of drones without registering them. You must register every drone in accordance with FAA regulations. However, if the drone only falls under the Exception for Recreational Flyers and is under 250 grams (0.55 pounds, it’s exempted from the registration requirement.
How can you tell if your drone qualifies for the exception for recreational flyers?
The FAA divides drones into two categories based on the intended use rather than the model or size of the drone. Recreational and commercial activities fall into these two categories. The recreational goal has no financial benefit. It is only used for fun or personal enjoyment.
Non-recreational drone use, on the other hand, refers to pursuits that bring the owner financial gain. It falls under the commercial, or non-recreational, category if you intend to use your drone to take pictures to aid a business in selling a service or piece of property. Even if you intend to use your drone piloting abilities to assist a charitable organization, it still counts as commercial use.
If your drone weighs less than zero grams, that’s the only circumstance in which you don’t need to register it.55 lbs and you’re only using it for fun.
What if your drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs and you’re using it for recreational purposes, are you required to register it? Certainly, anyone with a drone over 0.55 lbs that they fly for recreational purposes must register with the FAA.
Is It Worthwhile To Register A Drone?
Drone registration is both the right thing to do and is required by law.
Obtaining your Part 107 license and registering your drone will also make it possible for you to take advantage of bigger and better opportunities if you intend to fly commercially for your company. Most clients won’t hire pilots who aren’t registered and licensed.
What Takes Place If You Don’t Register Your Drone?
A fine of up to $27,500 could be levied against you if you fail to register your drone. However, registering your drone is only the first step; you must also operate it responsibly. To avoid being subject to a fine of up to $250,000 or a sentence of up to three years in prison, you must be familiar with all of the Part 107 rules for flying drones.
In fact, a drone pilot who broke several Part 107 regulations paid a fine of $182,000 in December 2020. Over the course of 26 flights, the drone pilot allegedly broke the law 12 times, according to the FAA.
Some of the infractions include nighttime flying, flying close to structures, flying over moving objects like cars and people, and using a drone for commercial purposes without a remote pilot certification.
Your safety, the safety of your drone, and the safety of other onlookers depend on registering your drone and abiding by FAA regulations. Additionally, when flying a drone, you need to keep in mind some general guidelines.
The general guidelines call for maintaining the drone within the line of sight, flying at or below 400 feet, and respecting privacy. You are not permitted to fly your drone over crowded stadiums, public gatherings, airports, other aircraft, crises, rescue operations, or while intoxicated or using drugs.
You should also carry your FAA registration certificate with you whenever you fly your drone. After successful registration, the FAA issues a certificate. In order to avoid penalties, always have it on hand. You must make sure the certificate is available if your drone is being flown by someone else. A paper copy or a digital copy may be brought. When a law enforcement official inquires about the certificate, you must also produce a copy of it.
How To Register A Drone
Information Needed To Register
- 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
- Each Part 107 registration costs $5 and is good for three (3) years.
- The registration for the Exception for Recreational Flyers is $5 and is good for three (3) years.
- When a drone is registered, it cannot be changed from one type to another (part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers).
Registration Requirements
- 13 years of age or older (if the owner is less than 13 years of age, a person 13 years of age or older must register the drone)
- A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- For foreign operators, FAA will consider the certificate issued to be a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
Where To Register
- Register a drone online at FAA DroneZone (drone must weigh less than 55 pounds)
- Register a drone by mail
Which Drones Do Not Require Registration?
As previously stated, a drone under 0 does not require registration.55 lbs used for recreational purposes only. You can, however, call the FAA and inquire about it if you are unsure. Additionally, you can make use of the User Identification Tool on the website.
Do Toy Drones Require Registration?
0 grams) or less, the drone is considered to be light.55 pounds) and is not used for commercial purposes, it does not need to be registered with the majority of toy drones ought to be light enough to operate without being registered, according to the FAA.
For instance, several of the most popular toy drones weigh between 0.30 and 0.50 pounds, just under the weight limit for unregistered drones. Both the drone and any payload, like a camera or sensors, contribute to the drone’s overall weight. Adding a camera could make the drone heavier than zero.55 pounds, the operator needs to register with the FAA.
Conclusion
Should I Register My Drone? Yes, it is the law in an increasing number of places. Your drone must be registered, and you must prominently display the registration number on the device. Your name is associated with that registration number, but, in theory, only employees of the regulatory body or members of law enforcement will have access to the database containing your personal information. That’s probably not going to happen, and then only if there’s a really good reason.
You must register with the FAA if you reside in the United States. Either under Part 107 (commercial operations) or under the Recreational Flyers Exception, you must register. You only need to register a sub-250 gram drone, like the Mini 2, if you intend to use it for business purposes. In case you were wondering, any drone that is registered for commercial use may be flown for fun.
Read More: How to Find the Registration Number for DJI Fly App?
