Part 107 hub
How to get your Part 107 drone license
Who can get an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, the step-by-step process, what the test costs and covers, and how to stay current.
Updated October 27, 2026. Based on the FAA’s Part 107 pages and the Remote Pilot Airman Certification Standards, linked below. This is a research-based guide; we haven’t taken the test ourselves yet and will add first-hand notes when we do.
If you want to fly a drone for any non-recreational reason, such as paid photography, inspections, real estate, or even volunteer work for an organization, you need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, often called a “Part 107 license.” This hub explains who can get one, what the test covers, what it costs, and how to keep it current.
Who can get a Part 107 certificate?
According to the FAA (source), you must:
- be at least 16 years old (you can take the knowledge test at 14);
- be able to read, speak, write, and understand English;
- be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone; and
- pass the initial knowledge test, “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG).”
Pilots who already hold a Part 61 pilot certificate with a current flight review can take a free online course (ALC-451) instead of the test.
How to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, step by step
- Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating a profile in IACRA.
- Schedule the UAG test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center (run by PSI). Bring government-issued photo ID.
- Pass the test. It has 60 multiple-choice questions, a two-hour limit, and a 70% passing score (FAA testing matrix). If you fail, you can retest after 14 days.
- Apply in IACRA using FAA Form 8710-13, entering the 17-digit exam ID from your test report (it can take up to 48 hours to appear).
- Pass the TSA background check. You’ll get an email with instructions to print a temporary certificate.
- Receive your permanent certificate by mail, and keep it easily accessible whenever you fly.
What does it cost?
The FAA says testing centers charge approximately $175 for the initial knowledge test (FAA FAQ). The IACRA application and certificate don’t carry an FAA fee. You’ll also register each drone you fly under Part 107 ($5 per drone for three years), and you may choose to pay for a study course.
What’s on the test?
The FAA’s Airman Certification Standards break the 60 questions down roughly like this:
| Area | Share of questions |
|---|---|
| Regulations | 15–25% |
| Airspace and requirements | 15–25% |
| Weather | 11–16% |
| Loading and performance | 7–11% |
| Operations (including emergency procedures, crew resource management, airport operations, night operations, and decision-making) | 35–45% |
Expect to read sectional charts, interpret aviation weather reports (METARs and TAFs), and know the Part 107 operating limits. The FAA publishes free sample questions and the testing supplement used during the exam.
How to study
You can study for free using the FAA’s materials (the Airman Certification Standards, the Remote Pilot Study Guide, the testing supplement, and sample questions). Many people prefer a paid online course with video lessons and practice exams. We’re putting together an honest comparison of the major courses based on their published curricula, prices, and guarantees.
Course comparison: coming soon. Until then, the FAA’s free materials linked above are a solid place to start.
Key Part 107 operating rules
Once certificated, these limits from 14 CFR Part 107 apply (some can be waived):
- Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level, or higher if within 400 feet of a structure and no more than 400 feet above its top.
- Maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots).
- Visibility of at least 3 statute miles from the control station, and at least 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight (yours or a visual observer’s).
- Night flight is allowed if the drone has anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles and you’re current on training.
- Airspace authorization (usually through LAANC) is required in controlled airspace.
- Operations over people and moving vehicles are allowed only under the specific conditions in the rule.
Waivers are available for things like flying beyond visual line of sight. A dedicated BVLOS rule (Part 108) was proposed in 2025 but, as of late October 2026, had not been finalized.
Keeping your certificate current
The certificate itself doesn’t expire, but to fly under Part 107 you must complete free online recurrent training (ALC-677 on the FAA Safety Team site) every 24 calendar months (FAA).
Guides in this section
- Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone?
- How to Become a Drone Pilot and Find Work
- How to Start a Drone Business
- Drone Rules & Registration hub
Sources
Ready to start studying?
We’re comparing the popular Part 107 prep courses on price, practice tests, pass guarantees and refund policies. Until that’s published, the FAA’s free Remote Pilot Study Guide is the place to start.
Free for beginners
Get the First Drone Checklist
TRUST test, FAA registration, Remote ID and where you can fly, on one printable page. Work through it before your first flight.
Email updates are coming soon. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Written by
Doug Tew
Doug is a retired firefighter/paramedic from Wisconsin who is new to drones and learning in public. Every guide here is researched from FAA rules and manufacturer documentation and links to its sources. As he passes each milestone (TRUST, registration, first flights, Part 107), he writes up what actually happened.