How To Get Licensed To Fly a Drone Legally
Whether you're interested in flying drones for business, photography, or personal enjoyment, understanding the legal requirements is essential. In the United States, drone licensing depends on how you plan to use your aircraft. The regulatory framework separates recreational and commercial operations, each with its own certification pathway. Getting licensed isn't complicated, but skipping the steps can lead to significant fines and legal troubles.
The good news is that compliance follows a clear structure. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has established straightforward rules that apply across all fifty states, and most people can complete the licensing process within a few weeks. This guide walks you through both paths—recreational and commercial—so you can understand exactly what you need to do.
Understanding Recreational vs. Commercial Flying
The first decision you need to make is whether your drone use is recreational or commercial. This distinction matters enormously because it determines which license you need. Recreational flying requires the free TRUST certificate. Commercial flying requires the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
The moment you receive compensation — money, services, or anything of value — for a drone flight, you're operating commercially and the full weight of FAA commercial drone regulations applies. This means if you fly drones strictly for hobby purposes—practicing flight, enjoying aerial photography for yourself, or flying with a community group without payment—you fall into the recreational category. However, if you plan to make money in any way, even indirectly, you must obtain a Part 107 certificate.
The Recreational Path: TRUST Certification
What TRUST Is
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) has been developed in coordination with different organisations to determine its content. You are required by law to take TRUST and carry proof when flying. TRUST is free and online. This test ensures that casual flyers understand basic safety rules and airspace regulations.
Registration Requirements for Recreational Flyers
You must register if your drone weighs 250 grams (0.55 lbs) or more. The registration process is straightforward and happens through the FAA's online system. Recreational pilots register once and apply the number to all their drones. Once registered, you'll receive an identification number that must be displayed on your aircraft.
Flying Rules for Recreational Operators
Even though recreational flying is simpler than commercial operations, important restrictions still apply. LAANC authorization or an FAA DroneZone waiver is required before flying in Class B, C, D, or surface-level Class E airspace near airports. You must also follow basic flight rules: staying at low altitudes, maintaining line of sight, and avoiding areas near people and moving vehicles.
The Commercial Path: FAA Part 107 Certification
Who Needs Part 107
In the United States, the "drone license" required for commercial drone work is the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating, earned by passing the Part 107 knowledge test. If you fly a drone for any commercial purpose — real estate photography, inspection work, mapping, film production — you need a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To pursue Part 107 certification, you must meet some basic requirements. You need to be at least sixteen years old and a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen. No documented pre-test training is required under part 107 to take the Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test. However, this doesn't mean you can skip preparation—the test demands serious study.
The Part 107 Exam Process
The Part 107 knowledge test covers 60 multiple-choice questions across eight topic areas; a score of 70% or higher is required to pass. You have 2 hours to complete the exam. The exam is available at FAA-authorized testing centers (CATS or PSI). The test fee is $175 at most testing centers.
Obtaining a Part 107 remote pilot certificate follows a five-step process: get an FAA Tracking Number, submit your application through IACRA, schedule and pass the aeronautical knowledge test at a PSI testing center, clear the TSA security background check, and receive your remote pilot certificate from the FAA.
Preparing for the Part 107 Exam
Study Materials and Resources
Applicants are encouraged to review the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PDF), the Remote Pilot Study Guide (PDF), and the online sample questions (PDF) before taking the Knowledge Test. The FAA publishes its full aeronautical knowledge test question bank as part of the Remote Pilot study guide, which is available at no cost at faa.gov/uas.
Third-party platforms including Pilot Institute, UAV Coach, and Gold Seal offer structured courses that combine the FAA material with practice exams, typically in 8 to 15 hours of study content. Many candidates find that combining the free FAA materials with a focused third-party course yields the best results.
Key Topics Covered on the Exam
| Topic Area | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|
| Regulations and Safety | Part 107 rules, safety procedures, Remote ID requirements, and legal penalties |
| Airspace and Navigation | Six airspace classes, LAANC authorization, sectional charts, and flight planning |
| Weather | METAR and TAF interpretation, density altitude, wind shear, and weather hazards |
| Aircraft Performance | Drone limitations, weight and balance, power constraints, and operational boundaries |
| Emergency Procedures | Hazard recognition, decision-making, and response to system failures |
| Night Operations and Special Rules | Remote ID requirements, operations over people, anti-collision lighting, and waivers |
| Loading and Performance | Calculating weight and balance, interpreting performance charts, and payload limits |
| Airport Operations | Runway markings, airport signage, communication procedures, and traffic patterns |
Airspace questions make up the largest portion of the Part 107 exam. You need to know the six classes of airspace (A, B, C, D, E, G), the communication and clearance requirements for each, and how to read a sectional aeronautical chart. Airspace and weather are typically the most challenging sections, so dedicating extra time to these topics pays off.
Critical Requirements After Certification
Remote ID Compliance
As of 2026, Remote ID is mandatory for all drones that require registration. Remote ID is a system that broadcasts your drone's identification, its location, and the location of the control station during flight, functioning like a digital license plate that authorities can read in real time. You can comply in one of two ways: fly a drone with built-in Standard Remote ID (most modern drones, including current DJI models, have it), or attach an FAA-approved Remote ID broadcast module to an older aircraft.
Drone Registration
You must register your UAV with the FAA on the FAADroneZone website. Drones under 250g are exempt from FAA registration, but airspace restrictions, Remote ID (for commercial operations), and all state laws still apply. Commercial operators must register each drone they plan to operate.
Airspace Authorization and LAANC
Controlled airspace: LAANC authorization or an FAA DroneZone waiver is required before flying in Class B, C, D, or surface-level Class E airspace near airports. The LAANC system works through dedicated apps that act as intermediaries between flight planning and the corresponding air traffic control approvals. Using the drone controller, smartphone, tablet or PC, any pilot can submit an application for permission to fly in controlled airspace and, within minutes, the relevant control body can either approve the flight or refuse it for a cause.
State and Local Regulations
Federal Part 107 is the floor in all 50 states, but each state can add privacy statutes, critical-infrastructure bans, hunting prohibitions, and emergency-response interference rules. Cities and counties can also restrict takeoff and landing on property they own. Before you fly anywhere new, research what additional rules your state and local area have imposed. Many states maintain official drone resources that detail these layer-on requirements.
Keeping Your License Current 📋
The certificate is valid for 24 months, after which you must pass a recurrent knowledge test to renew it. If you have a Remote Pilot Certificate, you are required to have completed one of the following online training courses within the previous 24 calendar months to operate UAS under part 107: Anyone who holds a part 107 remote pilot certificate (regardless of aeronautical knowledge recency): Complete the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677) online training course (no cost). The recurrent training is typically shorter than initial study and can often be completed online.
Practical Steps to Get Licensed 🚁
- 📌 Determine your use case: Decide whether you'll fly recreationally or commercially, as this drives which certification path you follow.
- 📌 For recreational flyers: Take the free TRUST test online and register your drone if it weighs more than 250 grams.
- 📌 For commercial operators: Create an IACRA profile, study using FAA materials and optional third-party courses, and schedule your Part 107 exam.
- 📌 Pass the exam: Score at least 70% on the Part 107 knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center.
- 📌 Complete background screening: Allow the TSA to clear your background—this is a routine step that usually takes days to weeks.
- 📌 Register your drone and configure Remote ID: Register with the FAA and ensure your aircraft has compliant Remote ID.
- 📌 Check local regulations: Verify what additional state, county, or city rules apply where you plan to fly.
- 📌 Plan flights with LAANC: Use an authorized app to get airspace clearance before flying in controlled airspace.
- 📌 Stay current: Complete recurrent training every 24 months to renew your Part 107 certificate.
Getting licensed to fly a drone legally is a manageable process that protects both you and the public. Whether you're pursuing recreational flying or commercial opportunities, following the FAA's framework ensures you're operating safely and legally. The rules exist because drones are aircraft, and sharing airspace responsibly benefits everyone. Take the time to study, understand the requirements for your area, and keep your knowledge current as regulations evolve.