New Drone Laws in the USA [Updated in 2023]

On this page, we have provided a comprehensive summary of USA drone laws as well as new rules for each state.

With the rising adoption of UAVs, the FAA and state authorities have been continuously working towards making these drone laws practical while preventing drone misuse and protecting citizens.

We keep a close eye on the updates and try to keep this information as recent as possible.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. We encourage you to consult with an attorney before performing any operation involving UAS/drones.

Now let’s take a quick look at the new FAA drone laws.

FAA New Rules and Drone Laws in the U.S.

It is legal to fly drones in the United States subject to the rules outlined by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manages most of the airspace in the United States. And they’ve outlined detailed regulations that every drone pilot in the United States must be aware of.

General Drone Flying Rules For All Drone Pilots

These are some of the most common rules when flying drones in the U.S. but there may be additional regulations in certain states.

The following regulations are applicable for both commercial and non-commercial (recreational) drone pilots.

1. You must fly your drone at or below 400 feet.

2. All drones must be registered and should not weigh more than 55 pounds (25 kg).

3. Use B4UFLY Mobile App – the safety app from the FAA, which uses your GPS location to provide real-time information about airspace restrictions and other flying requirements.

4. You must be aware of No Drone Zones.

5. You must fly within the visual line of sight so that you or the observer can see the drone at all times.

6. You must learn about airspace restrictions, especially around airports, so your drone does not endanger people or other aircraft.

7. Drones can be flown without Remote ID equipment within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs).

Drone Regulations for Recreational Pilots

Here are the rules for flying drones for recreational purposes:

1. If you want to fly drones for fun in the USA, you need to take the TRUST exam (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) and carry proof of test passage when flying.

2. You must follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized CBO (Community Based Organization) like AMA – The Academy of Model Aeronautics.

3. You must fly your drone at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.

4. You need to have authorization using LAANC or DroneZone before flying at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in Class B, C, D, and E controlled airspace.

5. Keep a current FAA registration, mark your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you when flying.

If you’re not sure which rules apply to your flight, fly under Part 107.
There are some exceptions for Limited Recreational UAV Operations. You can read Advisory Circular 91-57C for more information.

UAS Regulations For Commercial Drone Pilots

Following are the rules for flying drones for non-recreational purposes:

1. To fly drones commercially you must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate – Part 107 license from the FAA.

2. You must pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”.

3. To become an FAA-Certified drone pilot you must be at least 16 years old.

4. You must be able to understand, read, write, and speak English.

5. You must be mentally and physically able to operate a UAV safely.

6. Before signing up for the knowledge test, create an IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) profile and obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).

7. Commercial UAV pilots can fly drones at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver under Part 107 as long as the rules are followed. You must have airspace authorization for night operations.

To learn more about how to get a Remote Pilot Certificate you can visit FAA’s website.

FAA Drone Rules for Foreigners

If you are a non-U.S. citizen and intend to bring your drone when you visit the United States, here are the rules you need to follow.

• If you are flying your drone for fun you must follow the rules for Recreational Flyers and Modeler Community-Based Organizations.
• Recreational drone flyers must visit the FAA’s DroneZone portal and complete the process provided to fly under “The Exception for Recreational Flyers” flying their aircraft in the United States. The FAA will consider the issued certificate as a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.
• If you want to fly your drone for commercial purposes you must comply with all applicable rules and operating requirements.
• Before conducting any commercial operations in the United States, the operator of a foreign civil aircraft must possess a foreign aircraft permit issued by DOT and comply with applicable FAA requirements. For more information visit foreign aircraft permits under Part 375 and the application process.

FAA Drone Registration Important Points

You can register your drones at FAA DroneZone either under Part 107 or the Exceptions for Recreational Flyers. To be sure what kind of a drone pilot you are, use FAA’s User Identification Tool or go to the Getting Started page to know more.

Points to Consider

• Drones weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers may fly without registration.
• Drones registered for commercial purposes under part 107 may be flown for recreational purposes as well.
• Drones registered for recreational purposes under the Exception for Recreational Flyers cannot be flown for Part 107 operations.

How to Register My Drone With FAA

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

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

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Registration Fees

• Drone registration for Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years.
• Drone registration for the Exception for Recreational Flyers registration costs $5 and is valid for three years.
• Once you have registered your drone, you can’t transfer between types (part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers).

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Registration Requirements

• To register a drone with the FAA you need to be at least 13 years old. If you’re under 13 years of age, someone who is 13 years of age or older must register the drone for you.
• A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
• FAA will consider the issued certificate for foreign operators as a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.

Where to Register a Drone

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

Learn to Fly Before You Fly

Drone U offers all-access membership and gives you unlimited access to 41+ drone courses for $57.

Frequently Asked Questions