What is an FAA Drone License?
An FAA drone license is the common name for the Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 107. You need it to act as remote pilot in command of a drone under 55 pounds for anything other than purely recreational flying. You earn it by passing the FAA's knowledge test, or, if you already hold a qualifying Part 61 pilot certificate, by completing a free online training course.
Flying a drone for work in the United States requires proper certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. The licensing landscape can feel overwhelming at first, but the requirements and pathways are clear once you know which ones apply to you. The FAA's own remote pilot page is the official starting point for aspiring drone pilots.
The FAA has separate frameworks for different kinds of drone flying, each with its own requirements. The right one depends on how you plan to use your drone.
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
The Remote Pilot Certificate, issued under 14 CFR Part 107, is the main pathway for commercial drone operations. It lets you fly drones weighing less than 55 pounds at takeoff for purposes other than recreation, within Part 107's operating rules.
Night flight is allowed without a waiver if you completed the knowledge test or training after April 6, 2021 and your drone has anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision. The same lighting is required during civil twilight. Your drone must stay within visual line of sight, and you may fly over people only when they are directly participating, are under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle that can provide reasonable protection, or when the operation meets one of the four operations over people categories.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Unless you qualify through the Part 61 pathway, you must pass the FAA's initial knowledge test, which covers airspace classification, weather, regulations, operations, emergency procedures, and more. You can take the test at 14, but you must be 16 to receive the certificate.
No prior flight experience is required, so the certificate is open to people without an aviation background. Pilots who hold a Part 61 certificate can qualify through training instead of the test, as described below.
Operational limitations
Part 107 sets specific operating limits:
- Groundspeed no more than 87 knots (100 mph)
- Altitude no higher than 400 feet above ground level, unless within 400 feet of a structure and no higher than 400 feet above its immediate uppermost limit
- At least 3 statute miles of visibility from the control station, and at least 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds
- Prior ATC authorization in Class B, C, and D airspace and in Class E surface areas designated for an airport (see airspace requirements for drones)
- Flights over people inside moving vehicles only under the operations over people rules
The remote pilot in command must check before each flight that the drone is in a condition for safe operation, as part of a preflight inspection, and must assess the operating environment, including weather, airspace, and people on the ground.
Part 61 Private Pilot License pathway
If you hold a pilot certificate issued under Part 61, other than a student pilot certificate, and meet the flight review requirements, you can earn a Remote Pilot Certificate without taking the knowledge test. This applies to any qualifying Part 61 certificate, not only a private pilot license.
Training requirements
The process, as the FAA describes it:
- Complete the FAA's online Part 107 Small UAS Initial training course (ALC-451) on FAASafety.gov
- Complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA
- Make an appointment with an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), a designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative, or a certificated flight instructor to validate your identity, bringing your completed form, proof of your current flight review, photo ID, and your course completion certificate
A flight instructor can process the application but cannot issue a temporary certificate. To stay current afterward, pilots on this pathway can take the FAA's ALC-515 recurrent course, or the standard ALC-677 course, within every 24 calendar months.
Recreational drone operations
Recreational flyers don't need a Remote Pilot Certificate. They fly under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 U.S.C. 44809), not Part 107, and the FAA lists these rules:
- Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment)
- Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight, or use a visual observer who is co-located and in direct communication with you
- Give way to and don't interfere with other aircraft
- In controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport), fly only with prior FAA authorization through LAANC or DroneZone, at or below the authorized altitude
- Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G airspace
- Take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof that you passed
- Register and mark your drone and carry proof of registration, unless it weighs 0.55 pounds or less
Registration is done online through the FAA's DroneZone portal. Since September 16, 2023, a drone that needs registration also needs to broadcast Remote ID. The exception is an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA): a drone without Remote ID equipment may fly there only if both the drone and the pilot stay inside the FRIA and the pilot can see the drone at all times. Drones with standard Remote ID or a broadcast module must still broadcast inside a FRIA.
Safety guidelines
TRUST is free and is given online by FAA-approved test administrators. Beyond the rules above, check for restricted airspace and no-fly zones and temporary flight restrictions before every flight.
Application process and testing
The Part 107 knowledge test is given in person at FAA-approved PSI testing centers. It has 60 scored multiple-choice questions plus 5 unscored validation questions, with 120 minutes for all 65, and you need 70% to pass.
You schedule the test through PSI, the FAA's testing vendor, after creating an IACRA profile to get an FAA Tracking Number. The FAA puts the fee at about $175.
Test preparation
Effective preparation starts with the FAA's free materials, including the Remote Pilot Study Guide and the Airman Certification Standards, plus official sample questions. Commercial training providers also offer courses, and our free Part 107 practice test gives an explanation and FAA source for every answer.
Since September 29, 2025, regulations make up 48% of the exam, operations 25%, airspace 20%, weather 5%, and loading and performance 2%. Expect questions on reading sectional charts, interpreting weather reports, airspace authorization, emergency procedures, and crew resource management.
After passing the test
After you pass, you apply for the certificate in IACRA using your knowledge test results. The FAA confirms your information with the TSA, then emails you instructions for printing a temporary certificate. The permanent certificate is mailed after the FAA finishes processing.
You must carry your certificate and identification whenever you exercise its privileges, and present them on request to the FAA, the NTSB, the TSA, or any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer.
Medical requirements
Part 107 doesn't require an FAA medical certificate. Instead, you may not fly if you know or have reason to know that you have a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe operation.
That makes fitness for flight a self-assessment, applied before every flight. If you are unsure whether a condition or medication affects your ability to fly safely, ask a doctor or an aviation medical examiner.
Vision requirements
The rules don't set a visual acuity standard. The remote pilot, the person at the controls, and any visual observer must be able to see the drone with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.
Recurrent training requirements
Your Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire. To keep using it, you must have passed the initial knowledge test, completed recurrent training, or (for eligible Part 61 pilots) completed the training for pilot certificate holders within the previous 24 calendar months.
The FAA's online recurrent course, ALC-677 on FAASafety.gov, is free. Its exam requires a score of 100% and can be retaken until you pass. Our Part 107 renewal guide walks through the steps.
Training content
ALC-677 covers the same knowledge areas as the initial test, listed in §107.73. ALC-515, the option for eligible Part 61 pilots, covers the shorter §107.74 list. Both lists include operation at night and the applicable regulations. We suggest also reviewing the 2021 rules on operations over people and Remote ID requirements before you start.
When you pass, you can print a completion certificate. Keep it with your pilot certificate as proof that you are current, along with your other records such as pilot flight hours and training certificates.
Special authorizations and waivers
Some commercial operations need more than standard Part 107 allows. The FAA offers airspace authorizations and operational waivers for these situations.
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) provides near real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports, at or below the altitudes on the FAA's UAS facility maps. For requests above the facility map altitudes, LAANC also accepts further coordination requests, and authorizations can be requested through FAADroneZone.
Waiver applications
The FAA may issue a waiver when it finds that the proposed operation can be conducted safely under the waiver's terms. Waivers can cover flights over people that don't meet one of the four categories, beyond visual line of sight operations, operations without the required anti-collision lighting, and more. Some rules, such as the ban on carrying hazardous materials, can't be waived.
Each application describes the operation and how you will reduce its risks, so a thorough operation risk assessment is the foundation of a good application. The FAA says it will do its best to approve or deny waiver requests within 90 days, and that processing times vary with complexity and completeness.
| Authorization type | What the FAA says about timing | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| LAANC | Near real-time | Flights in controlled airspace near airports |
| Part 107 waiver | Aims to decide within 90 days | Operations over people, BVLOS, flights above 400 feet |
| Other authorizations | Varies | Prohibited or restricted areas, special circumstances |
International operations
Remote pilots planning work abroad must follow the rules of each country they fly in. Many countries have their own licensing requirements and may not recognize an FAA certificate.
If you're operating in Europe, read how to get an EU drone license before conducting commercial operations there.
Documentation requirements
International operations often require documents such as aircraft registration, insurance certificates, and approvals from the local aviation authority. Plan well in advance to avoid delays.
Customs and import rules for drone equipment vary by country, so check them before you travel.
Cost considerations
Getting an FAA drone license involves a few direct costs plus whatever you spend on training and preparation.
The FAA puts the knowledge test fee at about $175. The FAA's study materials, the recurrent training, and the Part 61 initial training (ALC-451) are free, while commercial courses vary in price.
Ongoing expenses
Staying current doesn't cost anything, because the FAA's recurrent training is free. Your main ongoing costs are equipment, software, and insurance.
Insurance coverage is a significant ongoing expense, and clients may ask for proof of liability coverage before awarding contracts.
Common mistakes to avoid
These are the rules new remote pilots most need to keep straight to avoid enforcement action and stay compliant. Our guide to drone compliance covers them in more depth.
Keep the drone within visual line of sight. It can be harder than it sounds, because a small drone can become hard to see quickly. Flying beyond visual line of sight requires a waiver.
Airspace violations
Check the airspace before every flight. You need prior authorization in Class B, C, and D airspace and in Class E surface areas designated for an airport, even near small towered airports, and temporary flight restrictions can appear at short notice. LAANC makes authorization fast, so there is little reason to skip it.
Weather is another area to get right. Part 107 sets specific minimums: at least 3 statute miles of visibility from the control station, and at least 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. Within those limits, it's still your decision whether conditions are safe for your aircraft and experience.
Record keeping matters too. For most operations Part 107 requires few records, but Category 4 operations over people require detailed maintenance, inspection, and airworthiness directive records under §107.140. Professional operators usually keep flight logs, maintenance records, and training certificates either way, and the FAA's advisory circular describes maintenance logbooks as useful. Software helps keep these records organized.
Career opportunities
Drone work spans many sectors, from real estate photography to infrastructure inspection and emergency response support. Knowing where to focus helps you build a sustainable business.
You might start with photography and videography before moving into more technical applications. Advanced operations often require additional training and equipment, and specialized expertise can set you apart from general operators.
Market sectors
Construction and engineering firms use drones for surveying, progress monitoring, and safety inspections. This work can involve regular repeat visits, and specializing in it requires understanding both aerial techniques and construction processes.
Public safety agencies use drones for search and rescue, traffic monitoring, and crime scene documentation. Agencies may fly as public aircraft operations under their own authorization or under Part 107.
Infrastructure inspection is another area where drones are widely used. From power line and cell tower inspections to wind turbine inspections, this work often calls for advanced piloting skills and industry-specific knowledge.
Agriculture and forestry use drones for crop monitoring, spraying, and yield analysis. Forestry inspections help monitor forest health and spot problems early. These operations often need specialized equipment and agricultural knowledge.
Managing operations across multiple sectors calls for good systems for tracking work, maintaining equipment, and staying compliant. As your business grows, proper fleet management practices become essential.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get an FAA drone license?
The biggest variable is your study time for the knowledge test. After you pass and apply in IACRA, you can print a temporary certificate once the FAA emails you that the TSA check is complete, and the permanent certificate follows by mail. Drone operations software won't speed up the FAA's process, but it helps you organize records from your first flight.
Do I need a drone license for recreational flying in the US?
No, recreational flyers in the United States don't need a Part 107 certificate. You must pass the free TRUST test and carry proof, register and mark your drone if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds, and follow the other recreational rules, including authorization in controlled airspace. Requirements differ in Europe, as covered in the international operations section above. Our guide on what drone license do I need covers the distinctions between recreational and commercial requirements across regions.
Can I operate my drone at night with a Part 107 certificate?
Yes. Part 107 allows night operations if your drone has anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision, and you completed the knowledge test or training after April 6, 2021. Careful flight planning matters even more at night.
How much can I earn as a licensed drone pilot?
Earnings vary widely with your specialization, location, and whether you work for an employer or run your own business. Specialized work such as construction inspections, surveying, and infrastructure inspection generally calls for more expertise than general photography.
Implementation considerations
Starting a drone career takes more than passing the Part 107 exam. Build practical flight skills, learn your target market, and develop business relationships. The certificate opens the door, but experience and business sense determine long-term success.
Consider specializing in one industry rather than offering general drone services. Fields like construction, power line inspections, or cell tower inspections let you develop deep expertise and a reputation within a specific industry.
Building your business also means setting up systems that keep you compliant and safe. As your operations grow, you'll need procedures for maintenance tracking, flight documentation, and client management. Treat these systems as essential business infrastructure rather than paperwork.
Equipment investment strategies
Your first equipment choices shape what work you can take on. Consumer drones can handle basic photography, while specialized applications often need professional equipment with advanced sensors and longer flight times. Balance your initial investment against realistic revenue projections.
Building redundancy into your equipment prevents a single failure from disrupting client commitments. Backup aircraft, spare batteries, and critical spare parts help you deliver even when equipment fails.
Building client relationships
Strong client relationships drive sustainable growth. Focus on understanding client needs, delivering consistent quality, and communicating proactively throughout projects. Satisfied clients are a source of repeat work and referrals.
Good documentation strengthens those relationships. Delivering clear flight reports with well-organized data shows clients you take their projects seriously.
In summary
The FAA's Remote Pilot Certificate is the main pathway for operating drones for work in the United States. You can earn it at 16 by passing the knowledge test, or through online training if you already hold a Part 61 certificate, and it never expires. To use it, you need recurrent training (or another qualifying test or course) within the previous 24 calendar months, and the FAA's recurrent course is free.
Understanding the licensing process, the operating rules, and the ongoing requirements sets the foundation for a career in commercial drone operations. Recreational flyers follow a separate, simpler set of rules, including the free TRUST test.
From real estate photography to critical infrastructure inspection, certified pilots play an important role in how businesses gather data and run operations.
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