Drone Registration

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As of December 21, 2015, anyone who owns a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) – commonly referred to as a drone – that falls within a specific weight range must register with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before operating it outdoors. Failure to register a drone can lead to civil penalties of up to $27,500 and criminal penalties, including fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

Who Needs to Register a Drone?

To legally register a UAS, the owner must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 13 years old. If the owner is under 13, a person 13 or older must register the drone.
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

This applies to recreational and commercial users, though the process differs slightly depending on usage.

Which Drones Require Registration?

Registration is required for drones that:

Weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms).
Are flown outdoors for recreational or commercial purposes.

Advanced recreational quadcopters and many commercial-grade drones typically require registration. Very lightweight toy drones under 0.55 lbs do not require registration if used solely for recreation.

However, if your drone:

Weighs more than 55 lbs,
Is used commercially or for purposes other than hobby or recreation (such as research, education, or public safety),
Or will be operated outside the United States,

Then, it must be registered using the FAA’s traditional Aircraft Registry process rather than the online system.

For clarification, refer to the FAA’s UAS Registration Decision Tool or view examples of drones requiring registration (PDF).

How to Register a Drone with the FAA

The FAA has made the process straightforward and accessible:

Registration is completed online at FAADroneZone.gov.
The cost is just $5; registration is valid for three years.
After registering, you’ll receive a unique FAA registration number, which must be marked on every drone you own that meets the registration criteria.

What You’ll Need:

A valid email address
A credit or debit card for payment
Your physical and mailing address

How to Label Your Drone

Once registered, you must label your drone with the FAA registration number in a location easily visible without tools. The label can be on the exterior or within a battery compartment – so long as it's accessible.

The FAA provides a guide to labeling your UAS (PDF) with examples to ensure compliance.

Stay Informed and Fly Responsibly

The rules for drone ownership and operation continue to evolve with technology. Always check for updates on airspace restrictions, remote ID requirements, and safety guidelines to avoid fines and protect public safety. Visit faa.gov/uas for the most current information.

By registering your drone and following FAA regulations, you contribute to safer airspace for everyone, from hobbyists to commercial pilots.