I recently bought a used drone a few weeks back and I wasn’t sure if I could register it. I did some research and here’s what I found.

You certainly can register a used drone. All you need to do is go through the usual FAA drone registration process using your personal details. Once you have your registration number starting with “FA,” then make sure you mark your drone with this new registration number.

But can you register a used drone with the manufacture such as DJI? This is where it gets tricky, but it is possible.

First things first, let’s go over how to register a used hobby drone with the FAA, then I’ll cover how to register a used drone with the manufacturer.

How To Register A Used Hobby Drone With The FAA

Registering your used hobby drone is really easy. It’s a simple online application that can be done in a matter of minutes.

During the registration process, you’ll notice that the FAA doesn’t actually ask any details of the drone. Which means all they’re concerned about is having your personal details. So the process is actually designed to register you instead of the drone.

The only thing that ties you to your drone is the “FA” registration number that you place on your drone.

Before getting started you need to know a few things first.

• The registration process will cost you $5.
• You have to be over 13 years old. No minors are allowed to fly a drone.
• The registration number will only last for 3 years. Afterward, you’ll have to go through this process again.
• Make sure you mark your drone with the registration number they give you starting with FA.
• Make sure you remove any old registration numbers from the used drone. If you don’t know what it looks like, it should be on there with a sticker of some sort and it will start with “FA.”

Now that you understand those points we can get started with the process.

Here’s how you can register your drone.

1. Go to the FAA registration portal here.
2. Now next to the “I fly under the exemption for recreational flyers,” click on the register button.
3. Fill out the blank boxes that ask for email and password.
4. You should now receive an email from the FAA. Click on the link to confirm your account. Then sign in with the details you gave.
5. Complete your profile in your account.
6. Fill in all the details as best as possible.
7. Once done, click on the big blue button at the bottom.
8. Read through all the safety information. You’ll notice an area that talks about a “knowledge and safety test,” this isn’t available yet. But keep a lookout on this page for when it’s released. Once it is released you’ll have to take it.
9. Make a payment.
10. Then it’s done. You’ll receive your registration number as soon as payment has been made.

Just make sure you don’t forget to mark your used drone with this new registration number and make sure you remove any old registration numbers from it.

How To Register A Used Drone With DJI

The reason why this is tricky is that when you buy a DJI drone, the initial email address you used to register the drone with DJI locks in place into the drone. So when someone buys the drone from you, you can’t change ownership of this initial setup. In simple terms, once the drone is activated, it can’t be changed to another email address—at least not yet.

What’s the workaround once you’ve bought a second-hand drone? It’s simple. Just because the drone’s initial registration is tied to an email address, doesn’t mean that you cant operate the drone with your new DJI GO APP account.

NOTE: These steps are for the DJI drone, however, the principal remains the same. You’ll still be able to fly drones made from other manufacturers with an account that’s different from the initial setup.

So to register a used drone with a new DJI account, all you need to do is create a new DJI account with a new email address. And use that account when logging in to the GO 4 app.

Here’s how to create and use a new DJI account with a used drone.

1. Download and install the DJI GO4 app onto your mobile device.
2. Once you open the app, it will ask you to sign in or create a new account.
3. Select create a new account, then fill in the details.
4. Once you’re done, you should now have access to the app.
5. Open it, at the bottom right of the main scress tap on “Enter Device.”
6. Tap on, “Connect to Aircraft.”
7. Tap on, “Wired connection.”
8. Then go through the steps 1 through 3.
9. Now plug in your mobile phone into the remote controller.
10. The tap on “Link to Aircraft.”

Then you’re good to go. At this point, you’ll be flying the used drone with a new DJI account.

Will A Change In Ownership Void The Drones Warranty?

For most drones, this shouldn’t affect your warranty at all. A warranty period of a drone begins the day the drone has been delivered and is connected to the serial number of a drone, so it’s not based on who has ownership of the drone.

However, that being said, it’s extremely important that you make you get the original owner’s proof of purchase. Without proof of purchase, you won’t be able to prove that it’s a stolen drone, which will void the warranty all-together.

Important Documents When Transferring Ownership Of A Drone

When buying a second hand drone there can be a lot you need to make sure you get all the important documents from the original owner. The last thing you need is the drone to break while you have ownership, and you forgot to get any documents that can prove your purchase.

• Service plan documents. When you take ownership, make sure you get any service plan-related documents such as the DJI’s Care Refresh plan. Once you have these document there’s nothing else you need to do to transfer over the drones service plan. The service plan is attached to the drones serial number so it’s very easy to prove that its for the drone you have ownership to.
• Proof of purchase documents. This is probably the most important part. Without these documents, you won’t be able to take advantage of the drone’s warranty. So make sure you get any original receipts and invoices from the original owner of the drone. If they don’t have them, then who’s to say they didn’t steal the drone? It’s not worth buying a used drone without these documents.
• Keep your purchase second-hand agreement. If you want to be extra safe make sure you have clear evidence that you purchased and paid for the drone that you took ownership of. You could use emails, text messages, and even bank transfers as proof. Avoid paying in cash and discussing the agreement in person. However if everything was done in person, the best thing to do is email or text the person and get them to agree that the transfer of ownership is finalized and paid for. At-least then if they do accuse you of stealing the drone you’ll have clear proof. I know this sounds silly but it does happen more often than you think.

Final Thoughts

To someone new this whole transferring of ownership thing might seem like a lot of work, however its not. All you need to do is register a new serial number with the FAA, then put that new number on the drone. Next, register with the app, connect the drone. And finally, make sure you have all the documents to keep the warranty and service plan in place. That’s all you need to do.