Do I need to register my drone?

Drones, named unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), have grown extensively in popularity in the last few decades. Therefore we hear about drones every day and might be thinking of getting ourselves to record some epic birds-eye visuals of our lives using drones, and from a vacation to events like weddings. But now, you need to know, how you can register the drones under faa laws.

The number of recreational drones in the U.S. has reached a figure of half a million. However, this figure does not include the drones used by hobbyists, which do not need to be registered.  Moreover, the commercial drone registrations are almost 372 thousand.

However, before registering or flying a drone, you need to be aware of the drones and their rules. So, please take a deep breath because we will give you extensive information about drones in this article. Let’sLet’s dive into it.  

How to know that your drone needs registration

Do I need to register my drone? The answer depends upon the weight of the drone. All drones, except the drones that weigh less than 0.55 pounds or 250 grams, must need to be registered. So, the ones under 0.55 pounds are flown under the Exception for Recreational Flyers.

All drones over 0.55 pounds need to be registered under 107 operations, but these drones must weigh less than 55 pounds. If the drone has a weight above 55 pounds, it is considered a commercial drone. Moreover, these drones are regulated separately. Those heavier drones are beyond this guide.

Note; the drones registered under 107 operations can be flown for recreational purposes. However, the drones registered under the Exception for Recreational Flyers cannot be flown for part 107 operations.

What happens if you don’t register your drone?

Does any state require drone registration? Almost every state requires you to register your drones, their rules and regulations may vary. You may want to know what happens if you don’t register your drone?

Well, if you don’t register your commercial or recreational drone, which needs to be registered according to FAA RULES. It may result in steep penalties may be regulatory or criminal penalties. The FAA can fine citizens up to $250,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.

What do you need for the Drone registration process

How can you register your drone? To register a drone under faa laws, you need to gather some information and registration requirements. Likewise, you need to have these things for registering a drone.  

1. Information or documents

You must fulfill the following requirements  

Email address

A working email address that you can regularly check to create your account and communicate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Physical address

You also have to have a valid mailing address.

Model of your drone

The model of your drone is essential for verifying that you are registering under the correct category.

Credit or debit card

For paying registration fees for the registration of drones.

2. Registration fees

• Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for 3 years.
• The exception for recreational flyers registration costs $5, which is also valid for three years.

Important note

once the drones are registered, they cannot be transferred from part 107 to the exception for recreational flyers or vice versa.

3. Registration requirements 

• You should be of age 13 or older to register the drone. If the owner is less than 13 years, he/she cannot register a drone. In this case, their family member of age more than 13 years must register their drone.  

• A U.S citizenship or a permanent residence if they are not foreigner operators.  

• For foreigners, the FAA will consider the certificate issued for the recognition of ownership. 

What will you do once you have registered your drone

Once you have filled the registration form, you will receive an FAA registration certificate. So, keep this certificate with you whenever you fly your drone. You will get a registration number; once registered, write this registration number on the drone wherever it is easily visible.

Do you need a license to fly a drone

In addition to registering your form, you need to have a license to fly a drone. Moreover, if you plan to use it for commercial purposes, you must have a remote pilot certificate. This involves making money with drones directly or indirectly.

Generally, these licenses are not difficult to get. However, you will have to pass a multiple-choice exam through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

TheseMCQ’s will be on drone regulations, safety rules or guidelines, weather, air traffic, and general use of drones. However, recreational drones can be registered under Exception for Recreational Drone at FAA.gov. This registration is valid for those who are using their drones strictly for recreation purposes.  

Where you can fly, registered drones

In addition to keeping the drone in your visual line of sight and below 4000 feet, there are many other regulations and restrictions for where you can fly your drone; it doesn’t matter whether it is registered or not.

Drones are forbidden in many areas, for instance, near airports, government buildings, and many populated areas as per state and federal laws. Identically, there are various reasons for these restrictions, including sound issues, safety issues, fire prevention, and security or privacy issues.

What you should do to register a drone in your own country 

Every state has its own distinct rules and restrictions for the registration of drones as well as for flying a drone. So, it is highly advised to read the rules and regulations carefully provided by the country in which you have registered your drone. This is because breaking these will lead you towards steep penalties.

Moreover, the drone’s weight for the registration not only comprises just the weight of a drone. Additionally, the payload, such as a camera or sensors, also contributes to the weight of a drone measured for registration. If, after adding a camera, the weight of the drone exceeds 0.55 pounds, the operator has to register the drone with the FAA.

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