Steps and fees are from the FAA’s registration and Remote ID pages, linked below.
Registering a drone with the FAA takes about 15 minutes and costs $5. This guide covers whether you need to register, what you’ll need, the steps on FAADroneZone, and what to do afterward.
Do you need to register?
According to the FAA, all drones must be registered except those under 250 grams (0.55 lb) flown under the recreational exception (FAA). In practice:
- Flying for fun with a drone of 250 g or more: register.
- Flying for fun with a drone under 250 g: no registration required.
- Flying under Part 107 (any non-recreational flight): register every drone, whatever it weighs.
Watch the weight. Some “under 250 g” drones go over the limit once you add a bigger battery, prop guards, or accessories, and then registration is required.
What it costs
- Recreational: $5, covers every drone in your inventory, valid for three years.
- Part 107: $5 per drone, valid for three years.
Only use the official FAADroneZone. Some third-party sites charge far more for the same thing.
Who can register
- You must be 13 or older. If the owner is younger, someone 13 or older registers the drone.
- You must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident. For foreign operators, the FAA issues a recognition of ownership instead.
What you’ll need
- Physical address (and mailing address if different)
- Email address and phone number
- The drone’s make and model
- The Remote ID serial number, from the drone (Standard Remote ID) or from a broadcast module, if applicable
- A credit or debit card
Step by step on FAADroneZone
- Go to FAADroneZone and create an account or log in.
- Launch the Drone Owners and Pilots dashboard and choose the right one: Recreational Flyer (the recreational exception) or Part 107. Registrations can’t be moved between the two later.
- Open Manage Device Inventory and click Add Device.
- Answer the Remote ID question. If your drone has Standard Remote ID or you’re using a broadcast module, choose the device type and enter its Remote ID serial number (FAA Remote ID page).
- Enter the make and model, then check out and pay the $5 fee.
- Download your registration certificate.
Recreational flyers get one registration number for all their drones. Part 107 pilots get a separate number for each device.
After you register
- Mark the drone. Put your registration number on an outside surface of the drone before you fly.
- Carry proof. Keep the certificate (paper or digital) with you whenever you fly, and show it to federal, state or local law enforcement if asked. Anyone else flying your drone needs a copy too.
- Remote ID. A registered drone must be Remote ID compliant. See Remote ID Explained for Beginners.
- Renew through FAADroneZone before the three years run out.
The FAA notes that failing to register a drone that requires registration can bring regulatory and criminal penalties.
Common questions
I already passed TRUST. Do I still need to register?
Yes, if the drone weighs 250 g or more. TRUST is about you; registration is about the aircraft.
I bought a newer drone with built-in Remote ID. What do I do?
Add it to your inventory as a new device with its Remote ID serial number, and cancel any old drone you no longer fly.
