What is Part 107 Renewal?
Part 107 renewal is the process of completing FAA-mandated recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain your aeronautical knowledge currency as a certified remote pilot. The renewal is free, fully online through FAASafety.gov, and takes approximately two hours to complete including a 45-question exam.
Your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate never technically expires, but you cannot legally exercise its commercial privileges without completing the Part 107 renewal process every two years. The FAA requires all Part 107 certified pilots to demonstrate current aeronautical knowledge through an online recurrent training course, and missing this deadline means grounding your commercial operations until you complete it.
The good news is that Part 107 renewal is straightforward and completely free. Unlike the initial knowledge test that costs $175 at a testing center, recurrent training happens online at your own pace. But the process still has specific requirements, timelines, and topics you need to understand to stay compliant.
This guide walks through exactly how Part 107 renewal works, what the recurrent training covers, step-by-step instructions for completing it, and common mistakes that can delay your renewal.
Table of contents
- How Part 107 renewal works
- The 24-month renewal cycle
- Two paths to renewal
- What the recurrent training covers
- Step-by-step renewal process
- After you pass
- What happens if you miss the deadline
- Common Part 107 renewal mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
- Implementation considerations
- In summary
How Part 107 renewal works
The FAA distinguishes between your Remote Pilot Certificate and your aeronautical knowledge currency. Your certificate is a permanent credential issued after passing the initial Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test. It does not expire, get revoked for inactivity, or need to be physically replaced during renewal.
What does expire is your authority to use that certificate commercially. Under 14 CFR 107.65, certificate holders must complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain "recency of aeronautical knowledge." Without current training, your certificate still exists but you cannot legally serve as a remote pilot in command for any commercial operation.
This distinction matters for drone business operators managing multiple pilots. Each pilot on your team must individually maintain their currency. A lapsed renewal does not affect the certificate itself, only the ability to fly commercially until the training is completed.
The 24-month renewal cycle
Your renewal clock starts from the month you passed your most recent knowledge validation. If you passed your initial Part 107 exam in March 2024, your first renewal is due by the end of March 2026. After completing recurrent training, a new 24-month window begins from that completion date.
Key timing details
The FAA counts by calendar months, not exact dates. If you completed training on January 15, 2025, you have until the last day of January 2027 to renew. This gives you the full final month regardless of what day you originally completed training.
There is no penalty for renewing early. Many pilots complete recurrent training a month or two before their deadline to avoid any risk of a lapse. Early completion simply resets the 24-month clock from the new completion date.
For teams managing multiple drone pilot certifications, tracking renewal dates across your roster prevents unexpected groundings. A single pilot with lapsed currency can disrupt project schedules and client deliverables.
Two paths to renewal
The FAA offers two distinct recurrent training courses depending on your pilot credentials. Both are free and administered through FAASafety.gov.
ALC-677: Standard recurrent training
This is the course for the majority of Part 107 pilots. ALC-677 covers all required aeronautical knowledge topics and concludes with a 45-question multiple-choice exam. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and you can retake it as many times as needed. You may also reference the course material during the test.
ALC-515: Part 61 pilot recurrent training
If you hold a current pilot certificate under Part 61 (manned aircraft) with a current flight review, you qualify for the shorter ALC-515 course. This streamlined version skips general aeronautical topics you already maintain through your manned aircraft training and focuses specifically on UAS-related regulations and procedures.
Which course should you take?
| Pilot Type | Course | Approximate Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 107 only | ALC-677 | 1.5-2 hours | Most commercial drone pilots |
| Part 107 + Part 61 (current flight review) | ALC-515 | 45-60 minutes | Manned aircraft pilots who also fly drones |
Both courses result in the same credential: a completion certificate that satisfies your 24-month recency requirement.
What the recurrent training covers
The ALC-677 course covers several core topic areas that reflect current FAA regulations for commercial drone operations. Understanding these topics in advance helps you move through the material more efficiently.
Night operations
The training covers civil twilight definitions, anti-collision lighting requirements, and the physiological challenges of flying at night. This includes night illusions, reduced depth perception, and how to maintain situational awareness during low-light drone flight operations.
Operations over people
You will learn the four categories of operations over people, the specific drone requirements for each category (weight limits, exposed rotating parts, Remote ID), and the restrictions that apply. This section connects directly to Remote ID requirements and how they enable expanded operational privileges.
Remote ID compliance
The course explains broadcast Remote ID requirements, the difference between standard Remote ID and Remote ID broadcast modules, and the enforcement framework. Pilots working in controlled airspace should pay particular attention to how Remote ID intersects with LAANC authorizations.
Emergency and abnormal procedures
The training presents common abnormal situations including lost link scenarios, alternate landing and recovery sites, and flight termination decisions. Emergency topics cover flyaways, GPS signal loss, and battery fires. These scenarios reinforce the risk assessment and pre-flight checklist practices that prevent incidents.
Aeronautical decision-making
This section covers the human factors that affect pilot judgment, including the effects of drugs and alcohol on performance, stress management, and how to apply structured decision-making models during drone operations.
Maintenance and preflight procedures
The training addresses airworthiness requirements, preflight inspection procedures, and how to document maintenance activities. This is especially relevant for operators managing a fleet of aircraft where consistent maintenance standards are critical.
Step-by-step renewal process
Follow these steps to complete your Part 107 renewal:
Step 1: Create or log into your FAASafety.gov account
Visit FAASafety.gov and either create a new account or log in with your existing credentials. Your account should be linked to your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from when you first obtained your FAA drone license.
Step 2: Locate the correct course
Search for ALC-677 (or ALC-515 if you hold a current Part 61 certificate with flight review). The courses are found under the "Activities, Courses, Seminars & Webinars" section.
Step 3: Complete the training modules
Work through each section of the course at your own pace. The material covers regulations, operational procedures, and safety topics. Take notes on areas where the regulations have changed since your last renewal, particularly around night operations and operations over people.
Step 4: Pass the exam
After completing all modules, take the 45-question multiple-choice exam. You have 90 minutes to finish, and you can reference course materials during the test. There is no limit on retakes if you do not pass on the first attempt.
Step 5: Save your completion certificate
Upon passing, FAASafety.gov generates a digital Certificate of Completion. Download and save this document as a PDF. You must carry proof of current aeronautical knowledge when operating commercially, either as a printed copy or a digital file on your device.
After you pass
Passing the recurrent training does not trigger a new physical certificate from the FAA. Your original Remote Pilot Certificate remains valid and unchanged. The completion certificate from FAASafety.gov serves as your proof of current aeronautical knowledge.
Keep your completion certificate accessible during all commercial operations. If asked by the FAA, law enforcement, or airport authorities, you must present both your Remote Pilot Certificate and your most recent recurrent training completion certificate.
For operators using drone management software, upload the completion certificate to each pilot's profile to maintain centralized compliance records. This is particularly important for organizations conducting construction inspections or utility surveys where clients may require proof of current certifications.
What happens if you miss the deadline
Missing your 24-month renewal deadline does not revoke your Remote Pilot Certificate. However, you are prohibited from exercising any commercial drone pilot privileges until you complete the recurrent training. This means no paid flights, no commercial projects, and no acting as remote pilot in command for any revenue-generating activity.
The reinstatement process is identical to a standard renewal. You simply complete the ALC-677 (or ALC-515) course and pass the exam. There is no additional penalty, no retesting at a testing center, and no fee. Your 24-month clock restarts from the date you complete the training.
However, the operational impact of a lapsed renewal can be significant. Insurance policies for commercial drone services typically require current certifications. Flying commercially with expired currency could void your coverage and expose you to liability issues. If your organization handles surveying and inspection contracts, a single pilot's lapsed renewal could delay time-sensitive deliverables.
Common Part 107 renewal mistakes
Confusing renewal with recertification
The renewal process is not the same as retaking the initial UAG knowledge test at a PSI testing center. Recurrent training is free and online. Some pilots mistakenly schedule and pay for an in-person test when they only need the free online course.
Not linking your FAASafety.gov account to your FTN
If your account is not properly linked to your FAA Tracking Number, your completion may not be recorded correctly. Verify your FTN is associated with your FAASafety.gov profile before starting the course.
Losing the completion certificate
The FAA does not issue a new plastic certificate card upon renewal. Your completion certificate from FAASafety.gov is your only proof of current training. Save it in multiple locations: cloud storage, your phone, and a printed copy in your flight equipment bag.
Waiting until the last day
While there is no penalty for completing renewal right at the deadline, technical issues with the FAASafety.gov website or personal schedule conflicts can cause you to miss it. Complete your renewal at least two weeks before expiration.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Part 107 renewal cost?
Part 107 renewal is completely free. The FAA recurrent training courses (ALC-677 and ALC-515) are available at no cost through FAASafety.gov. This is different from the initial Part 107 knowledge test which costs $175 at an approved testing center.
Can I take the Part 107 recurrent exam open-book?
Yes. You can reference the course material while taking the 45-question exam, and there is no limit on retakes. The exam has a 90-minute time limit, which is more than sufficient for most pilots.
Do I need to update my physical Remote Pilot Certificate after renewal?
No. Your original Remote Pilot Certificate remains valid indefinitely. Renewal only requires you to carry the digital or printed completion certificate from FAASafety.gov alongside your existing card during commercial operations.
What if I renewed late but flew commercially during the lapse?
Flying commercially without current aeronautical knowledge is a violation of 14 CFR Part 107. This could result in FAA enforcement action and would likely void any drone insurance coverage during that period. If you discover your renewal has lapsed, stop commercial operations immediately and complete the recurrent training before resuming.
Implementation considerations
For individual pilots, set a calendar reminder 30 days before your renewal deadline and another at 14 days. This provides a comfortable buffer to complete the approximately two-hour course without rushing. Many pilots schedule their renewal for a slow business day when they can give the material proper attention.
Organizations managing multiple drone operations should implement a centralized tracking system for pilot certifications. Track each pilot's initial certification date, most recent renewal date, and upcoming deadline in your operations management platform. Automated reminders prevent the costly disruption of discovering a pilot's lapsed currency on the morning of a scheduled agricultural survey or telecom tower inspection.
Consider having pilots review the recurrent training material collaboratively. While each pilot must individually complete their own course and exam, group review sessions can reinforce safety concepts and ensure consistent knowledge across your team.
In summary
Part 107 renewal is one of the simplest regulatory requirements in commercial drone operations, but it is also one of the easiest to overlook. The process takes about two hours, costs nothing, and can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection through the FAA's free recurrent training course.
The key points to remember: your certificate is permanent but your authority to use it commercially resets every 24 months. Complete the correct course (ALC-677 for most pilots, ALC-515 for current Part 61 pilots), pass the 45-question exam, save your completion certificate, and carry it during operations. There is no fee, no testing center visit, and no limit on retakes.
Staying current is not just a regulatory checkbox. It ensures you are up to date on evolving rules around night operations, Remote ID, and operations over people that directly affect how you conduct safe, compliant drone operations every day.
Ready to manage your pilot certifications and renewals?
Keeping track of Part 107 renewal dates across your team does not have to mean spreadsheets and manual reminders. DroneBundle helps drone operators centralize pilot certifications, track expiration dates, and maintain compliance records alongside your flight logs and live tracking dashboard.
Start your free trial today - no credit card required.
Or book a demo to see how DroneBundle streamlines certification tracking with compliance management and fleet operations.
