UK Drone Registration

Do I Need To Register To Fly A Drone In The UK?

In most cases, you will need to register to fly a drone outdoors in the UK.

For people that do need to register, there are two types of drone licence - and you might need both.

Flyer ID: This is required if you are flying a drone. You must be at least 13 years old to get a Flyer ID by yourself.
Operator ID: This is required if you own or are responsible for the drone. You must be at least 18 years old to get an Operator ID by yourself.

You need to register yourself, rather than registering each drone.

The table below shows the drone registration requirements for Flyer ID and Operator ID.

Weight	UK Class	Flyer ID	Operator ID
250g to less than 25kg	UK1, UK2, UK3, UK4	Required	Required
100g to less than 250g; with a camera	UK0 with a camera	Required	Required
100g to less than 250g; without a camera	UK0 without a camera	Required	Optional
Less than 100g	Not applicable	Recommended	Optional

How much does it cost for drone registration in the UK?

The Flyer ID is free and is valid for 5 years.

The Operator ID costs £11.79, and is valid for one year.

Drone Registration: Flyer ID

The Flyer ID is required for the person who flies the drone.

To obtain a Flyer ID, you must complete a free online theory test through the UK CAA's drone registration website.

The theory test has 40 multiple-choice questions. The pass mark is 30.
The test ensures you have a basic understanding of flying a drone legally and safely. It covers topics such as flight height, insurance, privacy, and operating near airports.
You can use The Drone and Model Aircraft Code during the test.
Allow 30 minutes to complete the test. There is no time limit, but you must not be inactive for more than 90 minutes.
The test can be sat as many times as you like.

Pilots aged 13 and over can obtain their own Flyer ID. Under 13s must have a parent or guardian with them when they take the test.

Drone Registration: Operator ID

If you are responsible for managing a drone, then you require an Operator ID.

You must be 18 and over to register for an Operator ID. Under 18s who own a drone must ask a parent/guardian to register for an Operator ID.

The operator:

Must ensure that their drone is only flown by pilots with a valid Flyer ID.
Must label their drones with the Operator ID. The same Operator ID can be used across all drones.
Can register as an operator only, if they will not be flying the drones.

The Operator ID does not provide authorisation to fly. To fly, a Flyer ID is required (unless the drone is under 100g).

When labelling drones, ensure the Operator ID is:

Visible from the outside, or within a compartment that can easily be accessed without using a tool;
Clear and in block capitals taller than 3mm;
Secure and safe from damage;
On the main body of the aircraft.

An Operator ID can be obtained by an individual or as an organisation, ie businesses, schools, colleges, universities, voluntary organisations, clubs, and charities.