Register Your Drone
That fun new drone might legally be an aircraft — in the US, anything over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA before it flies. Registration is quick, cheap, and done online, and flying unregistered risks real fines. It is the least fun part of the hobby and the most important. Learn the drone basics first, then handle the paperwork in the registration walkthrough.
TL;DR / Quick Fix
Quick fix: in the US, drones weighing over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA before flying — it is quick, cheap, and done online. Mark the registration number on the drone and carry proof when you fly. Registration is the line between a toy and an aircraft.
Follow these steps
- Check if your drone needs it. In the US, the line is 250 grams (about half a pound) — most camera drones qualify; tiny toy drones do not. Weigh yours or check the specs.
- Register online. Use the FAA's official drone registration site. It takes minutes: your details, the drone's make and model, and a small fee.
- Mark the drone. Put your registration number on the outside of the drone where it is visible. A label maker or permanent marker does the job.
- Carry proof when flying. Keep the registration certificate on your phone or printed. If anyone official asks, you show it in seconds.
- Learn the rules that come with it. Registration pairs with the safety rules: altitude limits, line of sight, no flying over people. The number does not exempt you from the rules.
- Renew when required. Recreational registration lasts a few years, not forever. Note the expiry date and renew before it lapses.
What NOT to do
- Do not fly unregistered if yours qualifies. Fines are real and far exceed the tiny registration cost.
- Do not use unofficial registration sites. Scam sites charge multiples of the real fee — use the official FAA site only.
- Do not assume registration equals permission. You still need to follow airspace rules everywhere you fly.
- Do not forget other countries differ. Traveling with a drone means learning each destination's rules separately.
Frequently asked questions
How much does registration cost?
A small fee, paid online — far less than any fine. The exact amount is listed on the official registration site.
Do toy drones need registration?
Under 250 grams, generally no in the US. But the safety rules still apply no matter the size.
What about commercial flying?
Commercial use needs a different certification beyond basic registration. Recreational registration does not cover paid work.