So you just got a new drone but you’re not sure how you’re supposed to register it with the FAA? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I went through the registration myself process and recorded the process step-by-step.
You need to be 13 years or older. If you’re younger then 13 then you’re going to have to get your parent to register for you.
You only need to register once if you have multiple drones. If you have two or more drones you’ll only need one registration number. So only do this process once. Make sure you mark all your drone with the same registration number. *This only applies to recreational drones. If you have commercial drones you’ll need to register each drone under part 107.
The cost to register a drone with the FAA, (Federal Aviation Administration,) is $5 and you’ll need to pay online.
The registration number you’ll get will only last 3 years. After it expires you’ll need to do this again. That being said, when you mark your drone make sure you do it in a way that can be easily removed later.
Remember to mark your drone with your registration number after this process. Here’s an infographic that shows the best way to mark your drone.
Make sure you remove any old registration numbers from your drone before marking your drone with your new registration number.
The first thing you’ll want to do is visit the FAA drone zone page here. Once you’re there, look for “the exception for recreational flyers,” section. This is what you’ll be registering under as a hobby drone pilot.
To the right of that text, you’ll see a “Register” button, go ahead and click on that.
A few notes:
Once you clicked on the register button you’ll be taken to a “create account” screen. This is where you’ll create your basic account.
You’ll be prompted to check your email for an email from the FAA. This email should come through instantly, so if you can’t find it make sure you check your spam or junk mail.
Found the email? Great! Next step is to open it, and click on the loooong link to confirm your account.
You’ll be taken to a new page letting you know that you’ve successfully verified your account. Now you can use the logins that you provided. Click on the “back to login” text.
Read through the “System Use Notice,” then click on “I Agree.”
Login to your account using the same email and password.
This is where the bulk of your personal information is provided. These details need to closely match your current details as much as possible. These are the details that will be attached to your drones registration number.
TOP TIP: If your mailing address is the same as your physical address, tap the “mailing address is the same as my physical address” check box, and it’ll automatically use the same info. This will save you a bit of time.
Once done, click on the blue “proceed to checkout” button at the bottom of the screen.”
Once clicked, the website will automaticallyt suggest an address. Select the right one.
You’ll be taken to a page that lays out all the most important FAA flight rules that you need to adhere to.
Here are some of the more important rules:
Once you have read and understood all that, you’ll need to check the box, and click on the blue “next” button.
Now it’s time to make payment. Before getting started you’ll need a credit card or debit card that is capable of making online payments. As far as I’m aware this is the only way you can make payment to register as a hobby drone pilot.
Also, if you are using someone else’s credit card, make sure you use the right billing address that is attached to your card. If you don’t your payment might get rejected.
You’ll now be taken to a review and pay page. Make sure you read over all the details and make sure they are correct.
Check the box, then click on the blue “Pay” button.
You’ll now be taken to a screen that gives you your registration number which will also be emailed to your inbox.
The next step is to mark every drone you own with the “FA” number, it’s extremely important. If you fly a drone without a registration number you can get a hefty fine. So make sure you do it as soon as possible.
*Here’s an infographic that shows the best way to mark your drone.
TOP TIP: This registration number only lasts 3 years, so don’t write it on your drone with a permanent marker. Rather use a sticker of some sort so that you can easily remove it in the future.
And that’s it. Once you’ve gone over all these steps you’ll be able to legally fly your drone within the United States.
Drone laws are constantly changing and evolving across the world at a rapid pace, so make sure you join a drone community of some sort to make sure you stay in the loop. Here are some of the more popular online forums based in the U.S that you can use:
The newest update that is creating the most talk in the community is the aeronautical knowledge and safety test for hobby drone pilots. To date the test still hasn’t been rolled out, however this may change in the near future. Here are the two channels you can use to stay updated:
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