Drones must be registered with the FAA, whether you operate under part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers. “All drones must be registered, except those that weigh .55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers,” says the FAA website – but remember, that even micro drones weighing less than 250 grams, like a Mavic Mini, must be registered if you fly them under Part 107.  Drones registered under part 107 may be flown for recreational purposes as well as under part 107.

Registering Your Drone

Getting a new drone? Register before you fly.  It costs $5 and requires just your email and your address – and the make and model of your drone if you fly under Part 107.  You must be 13 years of age or older, a U.S. citizen, or legal permanent resident.  You can register your drone here at the FAA DroneZone, or you can register a drone by mail.

If your drone registration is expiring, just log in with the email that you used and renew.  The FAA explains what happens next:

Once you register your drone, you will receive an FAA registration certificate. You must have your registration certificate (either a paper copy or digital copy) in your possession when you fly. If another individual operates your drone, they must have your drone registration certificate (either a paper or digital copy) in their possession. Federal law requires drone operators who are required to register, to show their certificate of registration to any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer if asked.

It’s worth taking the five minutes and $5 to keep your registration up to date.  Not only does it help regulators understand the current state of the airspace: “Failure to register a drone that requires registration may result in regulatory and criminal penalties. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three (3) years.”