Drone Laws in the USA [2026]: FAA Rules, Registration & Remote ID

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates drone usage in the United States through comprehensive guidelines for both recreational flyers and commercial operators. This guide provides up-to-date information on the latest FAA drone laws in the U.S. With the rising adoption of UAVs, the FAA and state authorities have been continuously working towards making drone laws practical while preventing drone misuse and protecting citizens. We keep a close eye on the updates and keep this information as recent as possible. Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the latest guidelines on the FAA website. Here is a quick overview of the new drone laws in the USA.

Quick Overview of FAA Drone Laws

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls U.S. airspace and drone operations.
• You must follow FAA safety and airspace rules every time you fly.
• You must register drones that require registration (generally over 250 g / 0.55 lb).
• Most registered drones must comply with Remote ID rules.
• You must keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS).
• Rules differ for recreational pilots, commercial pilots, and foreign operators.
• Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Always yield to crewed aircraft.
• Do not fly over people, moving vehicles, or large crowds.

Flying a drone in the USA? What You Need to Do Right Now

Use this quick checklist to stay compliant:

• Flying for fun -> Pass the TRUST test. Register your drone if it weighs more than 250 g.
• Flying for work -> Get a Part 107 certificate. Register your drone. Follow Remote ID rules.
• Visiting from another country -> Register your drone. Follow Part 107 or recreational rules.
• All pilots -> Follow airspace rules and Remote ID requirements.

FAA New Rules and Drone Laws in the USA

It is legal to fly drones in the United States as long as you follow the rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA regulates U.S. airspace and sets the rules all drone pilots must follow. To make things easier for you, we’ve divided the information into four key sections.

1. General Drone Rules – Basic regulations every pilot must follow
2. Rules for Recreational Pilots – For hobbyists or those flying just for fun
3. Rules for Commercial Pilots – For professionals looking to earn money with drones
4. Rules for Foreign Pilots – For non-U.S. citizens who want to fly drones in the U.S.

Let’s start with the general rules.

1. General Drone Flying Laws & Federal Regulations

These are some of the most common rules when flying drones in the U.S., but there may be additional regulations in certain states. No matter your purpose, all drone pilots must adhere to these fundamental regulations:

• Fly at or below 400 feet above ground level (AGL) unless the FAA authorizes otherwise.
• Register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 250 g.
• Display your FAA registration number on the drone.
• Use the FAA’s B4UFLY Mobile App to check airspace and flight restrictions before every flight.
• Obtain authorization through the LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system before flying in controlled airspace.
• Avoid no-fly zones and follow all airspace restrictions, especially near airports. 
• Keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times.
• Follow Remote ID rules unless you fly a non-remote ID, Remote ID drone inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
• Always yield to crewed aircraft and emergency operations. 
• Never fly in a careless or reckless way.

Note: Anyone flying a drone in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) is responsible for flying within the FAA guidelines and regulations.

2. Drone Rules for Recreational Pilots (TRUST)

If you’re flying drones as a recreational pilot or for fun, you must:

• Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
• Carry proof of TRUST completion while flying your drone.
• Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO).
• Fly your drone at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
• Obtain proper authorization through LAANC or DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E airspace).
• Keep a current FAA registration, mark your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration during all flights.
• Avoid operating your drone in a way that risks the safety of the national airspace.

If you’re not sure which category you fall into, fly under Part 107 (commercial rules). There are some exceptions for Limited Recreational UAV Operations. You can read Advisory Circular 91-57C  for more information.

3. Drone Rules For Commercial Drone Pilots (Part 107)

If you want to fly your drone for work, such as mapping, filming, or public safety, it is considered a commercial activity. To fly commercially, you must:

• Hold a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Be physically and mentally fit to operate a UAV safely.
• Create an IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) profile and obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).

Operating Rules Under Part 107

• You may fly at night if your drone has proper anti-collision lighting.
• You may fly over people or moving vehicles only when your aircraft and operation meet FAA requirements.
• You must obtain airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace, whether you fly during the day or at night, under 400 feet.

To learn more about how to get a Remote Pilot Certificate, check out our guide.

4. FAA Drone Laws for Foreign Pilots Visiting the USA

Foreign visitors planning to fly drones in the United States must follow the applicable drone laws:

For Recreational Use	For Commercial Use
Follow all rules for Recreational Flyers (TRUST exam)	Comply with all applicable rules and requirements for Commercial Flyers (Part 107 exam)
Register through the FAA’s DroneZone portal	Obtain a foreign aircraft permit issued by the Department of Transportation before any U.S. commercial operations
Complete the process under “The Exception for Recreational Flyers.”	Follow the permit application process under 14 CFR Part 375

Note: For foreign operators, the FAA considers the issued certificate as recognition of ownership rather than a U.S. aircraft registration certificate. Tip: Consider travel insurance that includes liability for drone flights. Next, let’s discuss an important rule announced by the FAA.

FAA Remote ID Drone Rules [2026]

Remote ID works like a digital license plate for your drone. It broadcasts identification and location data during flight. For more information, check out our article on Remote ID. All drones that require FAA registration must comply with Remote ID by using one of the following:

• A standard Remote ID drone with built-in?in capability
• A Remote ID broadcast module
• An FAA?Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) for eligible non?Remote ID drones

Note: If you ignore Remote ID rules, the FAA may take enforcement action. We’ve covered the key drone laws and regulations so far, but you might still have questions about registering your drone. Let’s explore that in the next section.

How to Register My Drone With the FAA

To determine what type of drone pilot you are, use the FAA’s User Identification Tool or visit the Getting Started page for more information.

You must register your drone if:

• It weighs more than 250 grams (0.55 lb), or
• You fly under Part 107

Where to Register a Drone

• Register a drone by mail
• Register online through the FAADroneZone portal (drone must be less than 55 pounds)

You need to provide basic information when registering your drone, such as:

• Make and model of your drone
• Email address and phone number
• Physical address and mailing address (if both are different)
• Payment method (Credit or debit card)
• Specific Remote ID serial number provided by the manufacturer (if applicable)

FAA Drone Registration Requirements

• You must be at least 13 years old. If you’re under 13 years of age, someone older, like a parent or guardian, must register the drone for you.
• A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States for standard FAA registration.

Drone Registration Fees and Validity

• Cost: $5 per drone registration
• Validity: Registration is valid for three years

Note: Once you have registered your drone, you can’t transfer between types (part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are drones allowed in the USA?

Drones are permitted in the United States of America for both recreational and commercial purposes, subject to FAA and local regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves commercial drone flights under Part 107 and flying recreational drones under the FAA TRUST test.

2. Can tourists bring drones to the USA?

Yes. Tourists may bring drones, but they must register and follow FAA rules just like residents.

3. Do I need a license to fly a drone recreationally?

No license is required. But you must pass the TRUST test and carry proof of completion.

4. Can I fly a drone in a national park?

No. The National Park Service bans drone use in all U.S. National Parks unless you have a special permit.

5. Can I fly a drone at night?

Yes, you can fly drones at night under Part 107. However, airspace authorizations are required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet. For more information, visit the Part 107 Waiver page.

6. Can I fly in a NOAA-protected area?

Watch this video to get the answer: