Training & Regulations
Remote ID 2026: What it means for UK drone pilots
Discover what Remote ID means for UK drone pilots, including key dates, regulations, privacy considerations, and how to stay compliant under new CAA rules.
Remote ID (RID) will become a legal requirement for UK drone pilots - introduced in a phased approach from the start of 2026;
From January 1, 2026, pilots flying drones with the new UK class mark (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, and UK6) must adhere to Remote ID requirements;
From the start of 2028, Remote ID will be extended to the majority of drone users, including those with legacy drones, drones with a UK4 mark, and UK0 drones weighing 100g or more with a camera;
Remote ID allows a drone (or model aircraft) to broadcast identification and location data during flight;
UK CAA says Remote ID helps keep everyone safe and secure, and enables police and other enforcement bodies to detect illegal drone use.
From 2026, UK drone regulation enters a new era: Mandatory Remote ID (RID).
While the concept may feel technical, it will have direct implications for drone pilots and operators — from hobbyists to commercial users.
However, it won't affect everyone straight away, with Remote ID implemented through a phased approach.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the jargon, explain exactly what Remote ID is, when it becomes legally required, and what steps you must take now to stay compliant.
What is Remote ID on a drone?
Remote ID is a system that allows a drone (or model aircraft) to broadcast identification and location data during flight, which can be received by enforcement agencies, regulators, or other authorised users.
Think of it like a digital licence plate.
The UK CAA is implementing a direct Remote ID requirement: Transmitting a Remote ID number from your drone using a WiFi or Bluetooth signal.
A long-term ambition of the UK CAA is to bring in Hybrid Remote ID, combining Direct RID and Networked RID (sends information through the internet to a central service accessible by authorised users, requiring a constant internet connection).
Why is Remote ID being introduced in the UK?
The CAA says that, as the skies get busier, Remote ID helps keep everyone safe and secure, and enables police and other enforcement bodies to detect illegal drone use.
Remote ID is law in other parts of the world, including the USA, and throughout Europe.
What data does Remote ID transmit?
During flight, Remote ID broadcasts (periodically, time-stamped) the following:
Operator ID
Drone’s unique serial number
Drone’s geographic location & height (relative to take-off or surface)
Drone’s route/course
Remote pilot’s location
Emergency status indicators (e.g. low battery)
Important: No personal identifying data (e.g. name, address) is broadcast publicly. Only the CAA and organisations authorised by the CAA can access details of the operator and remote pilot.
When does Remote ID become mandatory in the UK?
While the EU (EASA) has Remote ID requirements in place, the UK will adopt its own system from January 1, 2026.
While both systems require the drone to broadcast identification and location data, the UK system is focused on a direct, local broadcast of the operator ID and serial number, and uses the existing UK drone registration and a government-issued digital ID for verification. In contrast, EASA rules require broadcasting the drone's serial number, operator registration number, and its geographical position and height.
As such, Remote ID becomes mandatory in the UK from the beginning of 2026 - but not every drone operator needs to comply immediately. This will depend on the class of your drone and the category you operate in.
Essentially, there are two key dates for Remote ID requirements in the UK: 2026 and 2028.
UK Remote ID requirements: 2026
From January 1, 2026, mandatory direct Remote ID will become a product and an operational requirement for any new drone.
This means that any UK class-marked aircraft - UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, and UK6 (equivalent to C1, C2, C3, C5, and C6 in the EU), placed on the market after this date must have Remote ID capabilities built in by the manufacturer and it must be used by the operator of the drone.
The only exemption will be if an exemption is granted under a Specific Category Operational Authorisation or within a pre-defined transitional period.
UK Remote ID: Transitional Period
A transitional period runs from the start of 2026 to the end of 2027.
This gives people with legacy drones, privately built/model aircraft, and drones sold in the UK with EU-compliant Remote ID, two years to add Remote ID functionality to their aircraft.
In this case, Remote ID is not mandatory for current drones until 2028 - which essentially means it will be business as usual for drone pilots who own pre-2026-released models.
However, the UK CAA says that it recommends switching on Remote ID, even if it does not become mandatory for your operations until January 1, 2028.
UK Remote ID requirements: 2028
2028 is the big one!
From the start of 2028, Direct Remote ID requirements will be extended and come into force for:
UK0 drones weighing 100g or more with a camera.
Model aircraft (UK4 UAS) unless exempted through agreed conditions.
Privately built UAS weighing 100g or more with a camera.
Legacy UAS (ie those not within the scope of UK class marking weighing 100g or more with a camera).
Remote ID in the UK: At a glance
The table below shows the timeframes for Remote ID in the UK.
Class or type of aircraft | Open category | Specific category with Operational Authorisation issued before January 1, 2026 | Specific category with Operational Authorisation issued from January 1, 2026, onwards |
|---|---|---|---|
UK0 weighing 100g or more with a camera | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 |
UK1, UK2 and UK3 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 |
UK4 (e.g. model aircraft) | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 |
UK5 and UK6 | Not applicable | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 |
Legacy UAS (i.e. not UK class-marked) weighing 100g or more with a camera | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 |
Privately built weighing 100g or more with a camera | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2028 |
UK class-marked drones
The table above refers to UK class-marked drones. What does this mean, and what is the difference?
UK class-marked drones
UK class markings are coming into effect in the UK from January 1, 2026.
This relates to any new models placed on the market from the start of next year, based on each new model meeting specific requirements (in most cases, mirroring drones that have a European C class mark).
It's worth noting that currently, no drones have a UK class mark.
The table below provides an overview of key requirements for UK class-marked drones. Or you can find out more about class markings in our in-depth drone class marking blog.
Class | Operational category | Weight |
|---|---|---|
UK0 | Open (A1 subcategory - Fly Over People) | Less than 250g |
UK1 | Open (A1 subcategory - Fly Over People) | Less than 900g |
UK2 | Open (A2 subcategory with A2 CofC - Fly Near People) Open (A3 subcategory without A2 CofC - Fly Far From People) | Less than 4kg |
UK3 | Open (A3 subcategory - Fly Far From People) | Less than 25kg |
UK4 | Open (A3 subcategory - Fly Far From People) | Less than 25kg |
UK5 | Specific | Less than 25kg |
UK6 | Specific | Less than 25kg |
Does my drone have Remote ID built in?
Many modern drones — particularly those from DJI and other major brands — already include Remote ID functionality because it’s mandatory in the US and EU.
You can usually check this within your drone’s settings or firmware information.
From 2026, any new drones brought to market will need to adhere to the UK's Remote ID standards to obtain the UK class mark.
If your aircraft does not support Remote ID natively, you can attach an external Remote ID module, which broadcasts your operator and flight details in line with upcoming UK standards.
How do I obtain a Remote ID number?
You can find your Remote ID number within your CAA registration account under the My Registration section.
Every registered operator is automatically assigned a Remote ID (RID).
If you’re registering as a new operator, this RID is created at the same time as your Operator ID.
Your Remote ID number can be used across all drones and model aircraft that you’re responsible for operating.
What does a Remote ID number look like?
Your Remote ID number is similar to your Operator ID, but not the same. It is case sensitive and includes numerous parts, including a country identifier code, a public code, and a private key.
This table shows an example of a Remote ID number.
Country identifier | Public part (to be broadcast) | Check sum | Private key |
|---|---|---|---|
Three upper-case characters | 12 characters: Mix of lower case letters and numbers | 1 number | 3 characters: Mix of lower case letters and numbers |
GBR | gc284pmztcrt | 7 | 2ot |
How do I add my Remote ID number to a drone?
When you set up your drone for the first time, most aircraft will ask you to enter your Remote ID number, including your private key digits.
This links your drone directly to your CAA Operator ID, confirming it’s legally registered for flight in the UK.
If your drone is already set up, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to add or update your Remote ID later via the app or controller menu.
Your drone will automatically validate the number, so any incorrect or incomplete Remote ID entries will be rejected.
To ensure compatibility, always keep your firmware and flight software updated — new versions may include Remote ID improvements or bug fixes.
How do I keep my drone's Remote ID private key secure?
As mentioned previously, the last three characters of your Remote ID make up your private key — a unique code linked to your CAA registration.
It’s essential to keep this key secure to prevent unauthorised access to your drone’s identification.
Never write or display your private key on your drone or model aircraft.
Avoid sharing or storing it anywhere visible online or offline.
If you think someone may have seen or copied your private key, contact the CAA immediately at drone.registration@caa.co.uk to request a new one.
Keeping your private key safe helps protect your identity and ensures your drone remains compliant with upcoming Remote ID rules from 2026.
What happens if I fly a drone without Remote ID?
Once mandated, it will be a legal requirement to use Remote ID and have it switched on under operational requirements UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947.
The UK CAA says that, unless a relevant defence applies, if you do not follow the requirements, then such behaviour may constitute a criminal offence.
How to remove a Remote ID when selling or transferring a drone
If you sell, trade, or allow someone else to use your drone, you must remove your Remote ID first.
Deleting your Remote ID prevents the new owner from seeing your details or accessing your private key — keeping your registration secure.
Check your drone manufacturer’s guide or app for the correct steps to delete or unlink your Remote ID number. This should be done before you hand over the drone to its new owner or operator.
Removing your Remote ID is a simple step that helps prevent misuse and ensures full compliance with UK CAA regulations.
Remote ID: Data use and privacy
The UK CAA says that the UK registration system is only accessible by certain CAA employees on a need-to-know basis - and Remote ID data will be added to the existing personal data already in DMARES.
The CAA syas that the broadcast is short-range and not stored in a pubic database, which limits wider privacy risks.
The Authority adds that if a member of the public is close enough to receive a signal via Bluetooth or Wi-FI Direct Remote ID they could have access to the pilot's location, but will not have access to any personal identifying data of the pilot.
Remote ID: Summary
Remote ID is a fairly contentious issue, but this blog isn't here to debate the pros and cons: Rather, it is designed to inform UK drone pilots about what they need to be aware of when it begins at the start of 2026.
The key takeaways are to be ready and know how the rules relate to you to ensure safe, legal, and compliant drone use.
heliguy™ has a training department and regulatory division and can assist anyone with any questions on Remote ID. To discuss this further, contact us.
