FAA Drone Registration: Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Who needs to register, how much it costs, where to do it, and what happens if you don't. The complete guide to getting your drone legal.
So you just got a drone and want to make sure you’re doing everything by the book. Smart move. FAA drone registration isn’t complicated, but getting it wrong can cost you far more than the $5 fee.
Who Needs to Register?
Recreational pilots: Register your drone if it weighs more than 250 grams at takeoff. Add a propeller guard that pushes it over? You need to register. The weight matters at takeoff, not out of the box.
Part 107 commercial pilots: Register EVERY drone you fly, regardless of weight. Yes, even that 249-gram drone needs registration for commercial work. The sub-250g exemption only applies to recreation.
How Much It Costs
$5 per drone for three years. Less than $2 per year. That’s nothing compared to the fines for flying unregistered.
Each drone needs its own registration number. You can’t share one number across multiple aircraft.
Where to Register
One official place: FAADroneZone.faa.gov. Any other site charging you to “handle” registration is upselling you.
Create an account, enter your info (name, address, email, phone), add drone details (make, model, serial number), pay $5, and receive your registration number immediately.
Remote ID Requirements
Every registered drone must comply with Remote ID — essentially a digital license plate. It broadcasts your drone’s serial number, location, altitude, velocity, and control station location.
Two ways to comply:
Built-in Remote ID: Most newer drones from major manufacturers have this. Check your specs.
Remote ID module: For older drones without built-in capability. A small device that attaches and broadcasts the required info. Register and link it to your drone in DroneZone.
Flying without Remote ID is treated the same as flying unregistered.
Marking Your Drone
Your registration number must be visible on the exterior of the aircraft. Not inside a battery compartment. Not under a hatch. On the outside, legible, and durable.
Use a label, engraving, or marker. The FAA doesn’t care how — just that it’s there and readable.
What Happens If You Don’t Register
Civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties up to $250,000 and potential jail time.
Are they handing out $27,000 fines to everyone? Probably not. But if you cause an incident, they can — and will — throw the book at you. Not worth the risk for five bucks.
Exceptions
- Under 250g recreational — exempt from registration
- Tethered drones — some exemptions depending on setup (check specifics)
Foreign Operators
Visiting from another country? You still need FAA registration to fly in US airspace. Your foreign registration doesn’t count. Same process at DroneZone, same rules including Remote ID.
Bottom Line
Registration takes a few minutes and costs almost nothing. Get it done, mark your drone, verify Remote ID, and fly legally.
Our free Part 107 Course covers registration, regulations, and everything else on the FAA knowledge test.
