If you want a drone license, you should know the answer to one question first. How much will the drone license cost you?
Search online, and you’ll see wildly different numbers. Some say it’s cheap. Others make it sound expensive and complicated. That confusion makes planning harder than it needs to be.
Here’s the truth. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certificate has one required cost. Everything else is optional. You choose how much you spend based on how you prepare, where you test, and how you plan to use your drone.
This guide breaks down the full drone license cost in 2026. You’ll see what you must pay, what you can skip, and what you should budget for the long term. By the end, you’ll know exactly what it takes to get certified and how to avoid paying more than necessary.
Let’s get started.
What Is a Drone License and How Does It Impact Your Costs
When people talk about a “drone license,” it usually means the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. It’s the certification you need if you fly a drone for anything beyond pure recreation. If your flight helps you make money, promote a business, or support a job, the FAA treats it as a commercial operation. At that point, a recreational certificate is no longer sufficient.
You need a Part 107 certificate if you use a drone for photography, video work, inspections, mapping, construction, agriculture, or public safety support. It doesn’t matter if you get paid directly. If the flight supports a business or professional activity in any way, the rule applies. Even a single paid job or a “free” flight done for marketing counts.
If you only fly for fun and follow the FAA’s recreational rules, you don’t need a Part 107 certificate. But once your flying becomes commercial, certification is required. Operating without it can lead to fines, enforcement actions, and missed business opportunities. This is why many pilots choose to get certified early, even while they’re still exploring paid work.
In short, if you’re flying commercially, Part 107 is not optional. It’s the legal baseline.
The biggest single expense in your drone license cost is the FAA Part 107 exam. Let’s break down what it includes in the next section.
FAA Part 107 Exam
The FAA Part 107 exam is the foundation of your drone license cost. This is the only fee you must pay to become a certified commercial drone pilot. If you spend nothing else, you still pay for this test.
How Much Does the Exam Cost in 2026
As of 2026, the FAA Part 107 knowledge test costs $175 per attempt. This fee is set by the FAA and charged through its approved testing provider. The FAA charges the same price regardless of location, experience, or preparation method.
You pay this fee every time you take the exam. If you fail and need to retest, you pay another $175. That’s why preparation matters. Passing on your first try keeps your total drone license cost as low as possible.
What the Exam Fee Covers
The $175 fee covers a single in-person testing session at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. It includes access to the exam, scoring, and official submission of your results to the FAA. It does not include study materials, practice tests, or training courses.
How To Schedule and Pay
Book your exam through an FAA-authorized testing provider and pay at the time of booking, usually with a credit or debit card. Once you pass, send your test results to the FAA to receive your Part 107 certificate.
Now, let’s learn how optional training and study tools can change your total drone license cost.
Optional Training and Study Materials That Can Affect Drone License Cost
After the exam fee, this is where the drone license cost starts to vary. The FAA does not require you to take a paid course. You don’t need a classroom program, a coaching package, or a subscription to sit for the Part 107 exam. Still, many pilots choose to spend money here to save time and reduce risk.
Free Study Options
If you’re comfortable learning on your own, the FAA provides free study materials. These include the official Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement, sample questions, and topic outlines. You can download them, study at your own pace, and walk into the exam without spending another dollar. For disciplined learners, this is the lowest possible drone license cost beyond the exam fee.
You can also use structured free guides created by training organizations. Drone U offers a free Part 107 study guide that walks you through exam topics in plain language and helps you understand what actually shows up on the test. It’s a useful middle ground if you want guidance without committing to a paid course.
Paid Online Courses
Paid courses are popular because they organize the material and explain it step by step. Most online Part 107 prep courses cost between $99 and $300. These usually include video lessons, practice exams, and updates when FAA rules change.
Drone U also offers paid Part 107 training as part of its membership. These courses go deeper into airspace, charts, and real-world scenarios, reducing the risk for retaking the test. While this increases your upfront drone license cost, it can reduce the chance of paying the exam fee twice.
Practice Tests and Study Aids
Some pilots skip full courses and focus on practice exams instead. These usually cost between $20 and $60. They help you identify weak areas before test day, especially with airspace charts and weather questions, which are common trouble spots.
Premium Training Programs
At the top end, you’ll find bundled programs that include instruction, ongoing updates, and access to instructors. These can cost $300 to $500 or more. They are not required, but some pilots prefer structured guidance and long-term support.
Next, let’s break down travel and testing logistics, which can add small costs to your plan.
Testing Centers and Travel: Hidden Costs in Your Drone License
When you think about drone license cost, it’s easy to focus only on the exam fee and study materials. But there’s another expense many pilots don’t plan for. You must take the Part 107 exam in person at an FAA-approved testing center. That requirement can add real cost, depending on where you live.
Finding an Approved Testing Center
Not every city has a nearby testing location. If you live in or near a major metro area, this may not matter much. You might drive a short distance and be done in a few hours. If you live in a rural area, you may need to travel to another city just to take the test.
The FAA uses authorized testing providers, and availability varies by region. Some centers only offer the exam on certain days, which can affect how quickly you can get scheduled.
Travel and Time Costs
Travel costs can include fuel, parking, public transportation, or even an overnight stay if the testing center is far away. There’s also the time cost. You may need to take time off work, rearrange jobs, or delay paid drone flights while waiting for an open test slot.
These costs don’t show up on FAA fee charts, but they still affect your total drone license cost. For some pilots, travel expenses can cost almost as much as optional study materials.
Scheduling and Availability
Testing centers fill up quickly during busy seasons. If you wait too long to schedule, you may be forced to choose a less convenient location or date. Planning early gives you more flexibility and helps you avoid last-minute travel expenses.
This is one of those areas where preparation pays off. Scheduling early and choosing the closest available testing center can keep your overall drone license cost lower and more predictable.
Now, let’s understand how recurrent training affects your long-term drone license cost.
Recurrent Training: Small Costs That Affect Your Drone License
Many new pilots think the drone license cost is a one-time expense. It’s not. Once you earn your Part 107 certificate, you have ongoing requirements to maintain its validity. The good news is that these costs are predictable and usually low if you plan.
The 24-Month Renewal Cycle
The FAA requires Part 107 pilots to complete recurrent training every 24 months. This is not optional. If you miss the renewal window, you lose your legal ability to fly commercially until you complete the required training again.
As of 2026, the FAA allows recurrent training to be completed online. There is no in-person exam required for renewal, which removes testing center and travel costs from this step.
Cost of Recurrent Training
The FAA provides recurrent training at no cost through its official online platform. If you’re comfortable reviewing updated rules and completing the course independently, this will not add to your long-term drone license cost.
Some pilots choose paid refresher courses offered by training providers. These usually cost $25 to $100 and can be helpful if you want guided updates or reminders about rule changes. They are optional, not required.
Budgeting for Long-Term Compliance
The key thing to understand is that renewal costs are much lower than initial certification costs. If you rely on free FAA training, your ongoing drone license cost after certification is effectively zero. If you prefer paid refreshers, the expense is still minor and easy to budget.
Let’s examine a few additional expenses that can still impact your drone license cost in the next section.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the exam and training, a few smaller expenses can affect your drone license cost. These costs are easy to miss, but they matter once you start flying under Part 107.
Drone Registration Fees
You must register your drone with the FAA before flying commercially. This registration is separate from your pilot certificate. The FAA charges $5 per drone, and each registration is valid for three years. If you fly more than one drone, the fee applies to each aircraft.
Background Check and TSA Vetting
There is no extra charge for a background check. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reviews your application as part of the FAA process. This step is required, but it does not increase your drone license cost.
Endorsements, Waivers, and Airspace Access
Most new pilots do not need FAA waivers or special approvals. Basic commercial operations rarely require them. If you plan to fly in controlled airspace, you can request LAANC authorization. The FAA does not charge a fee for these requests.
Some pilots choose to pay for software tools or consulting help. These expenses are optional and usually apply to advanced or specialized operations, not entry-level flying.
It’s also important to understand which costs do not apply. A state-level drone license is not required. A business license is not needed to take the Part 107 exam. There are also no annual FAA pilot fees. These myths often make the drone license cost seem higher than it really is.
Total Drone License Cost: What You’ll Actually Spend
With all individual costs explained, here’s a simple breakdown of what you’ll likely spend to get certified.
Minimum Cost
If you take the bare-bones route, you only pay what the FAA requires. That’s the $175 Part 107 exam fee and the $5 drone registration fee. If you study using free FAA materials and pass on your first attempt, your total drone license cost stays close to $180. This option works best if you’re confident studying on your own and already understand basic aviation topics.
Typical Cost
Most pilots spend a bit more to reduce risk. They use a prep course or practice tests to improve their chances of passing the exam the first time. In this case, drone licenses usually cost between $250 and $450. That range includes the exam fee plus optional study tools. For beginners, this is the most realistic and balanced budget.
Higher-End Prep Cost
Some pilots choose a more guided approach. This often includes premium training, instructor support, and structured study plans. With this option, the drone license cost can reach $500 or more. It’s not required, but it can make sense if you want confidence, speed, and support from day one.
The takeaway is simple. The FAA sets the minimum cost for a drone license. Everything beyond that is optional. When you budget, focus on passing the exam once and staying compliant long term. That approach keeps your total cost predictable and under control.
Now that you understand the full drone license cost, it’s time to look at what you get in return.
Is the Investment Worth It?
When you look at the drone license cost, the real question is how quickly it pays for itself.
A Part 107 certificate gives you access to commercial flying. Without it, you can’t legally take paid or commercial drone jobs like real estate shoots, inspections, or mapping work. That limits how you use your drone and who will hire you.
Certification also reduces risk. If you fly commercially without approval, the FAA can fine you. These fines often cost far more than the license itself. In practice, certification protects you as much as it enables you.
Clients often expect certification as well. Many won’t work with uncertified pilots. A Part 107 certificate shows that you understand airspace rules and operate professionally, which makes it easier to land work.
At this stage, the question isn’t whether the drone license costs money. It’s whether staying uncertified costs you more.
Conclusion
The real question isn’t just how much a drone license costs—it’s how you want to approach certification. The FAA defines the baseline, but how you prepare and invest is up to you.
Some pilots take the lean route and self-study. Others choose structured training for speed, confidence, or long-term clarity. Neither approach is wrong. What matters is aligning your spend with your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.
The key is to plan your budget based on your goals. Decide whether you want the minimum cost path, a moderately supported approach, or a premium training setup. With clear planning, you can move into commercial flying with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Wondering how to pass your Part 107 exam on the first try?
Drone U’s Part 107 training provides structured guidance and expert support so you can pass confidently and start flying legally right away.
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