Drone License - Key Facts
Who Needs a Commercial Drone License?
Under 14 CFR Part 107, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate if you fly a drone for any non-recreational purpose. This includes:
- Real estate photography or videography
- Infrastructure inspection (power lines, bridges, rooftops, cell towers)
- Mapping, surveying, and photogrammetry
- Agriculture (crop monitoring, spraying)
- Film and media production
- Construction site monitoring
- Delivery or logistics operations
- Any flight where you receive compensation - direct or indirect
Recreational flyers do not need Part 107. They take the free TRUST test instead and follow FAA recreational guidelines.
When in doubt, consult FAA.gov or the FAA's guidance on recreational vs. commercial operations to determine which rules apply to your situation.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Drone License
Register at IACRA and get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
Go to iacra.faa.gov and create a free account. This gives you your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). You need this before you can schedule the knowledge test. It takes about 5 minutes.
Study the Part 107 knowledge areas (1-3 weeks)
Study all ACS topic areas: Part 107 regulations, airspace, sectional charts, aviation weather (METARs/TAFs), loading and performance, emergency procedures, aeronautical decision-making, airport operations, and maintenance. Use free FAA PDFs and the Launch107 7-day planner. Most people spend 15-30 hours studying.
Schedule your test at a PSI testing center
Go to psiexams.com, find a testing center near you, and schedule the Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG) knowledge test. Pay the $175 fee at scheduling. Bring your FTN and a valid government-issued photo ID on test day.
Pass the 60-question exam (70% required)
At the testing center, you get 2 hours for 60 multiple-choice questions plus access to a testing supplement figure booklet. Score 70% or higher (42+ correct) to pass. You receive your score immediately after finishing.
Apply for your certificate through IACRA (within 60 days)
Return to iacra.faa.gov and submit your Remote Pilot Certificate application. You have 60 days after your test to complete this. A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or FSDO may review your application. The FAA typically issues a temporary certificate via email that you can use legally while your physical card is mailed.
Keep your knowledge current - recurrent training every 24 months
Your Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire, but you must complete the free online recurrent training course at FAASafety.gov every 24 calendar months to remain legally current. This can be completed from any computer and takes a couple of hours.
Part 107 vs. Recreational Flying: What's the Difference?
| Factor | Recreational Flying | Part 107 (Commercial) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Personal hobby only | Any non-recreational purpose |
| Test required | Free TRUST test (online) | $175 UAG knowledge test (in person) |
| Minimum age | None specified | 16 years old |
| Altitude limit | 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace | 400 ft AGL (or 400 ft above a structure) |
| Night flying | Not without lighting; varies by rules | Allowed with anti-collision lighting visible 3 SM |
| Airspace authorization | Required in controlled airspace | Required in controlled airspace (LAANC or DroneZone) |
| Registration | Required if drone >0.55 lbs ($5) | Required if drone >0.55 lbs ($5) |
| Remote ID | Required | Required |
| Waivers available | No | Yes - FAA DroneZone |
What the Part 107 Exam Tests You On
The knowledge test checks whether you can make safe operating decisions - not just recall definitions. You will be expected to:
- Identify airspace class and authorization requirements from a sectional chart excerpt - see the Part 107 Airspace Guide
- Decode a METAR or TAF and determine whether conditions meet the 3 SM / 500 ft / 2,000 ft minimums - see the Weather & METAR Guide
- Apply Remote ID rules, night operations requirements, and operations over people categories - see Remote ID & Night Operations
- Recognize hazardous attitudes and select the correct ADM response for a scenario - see ADM & Hazardous Attitudes
- Determine whether a waiver or authorization is needed for a described operation
- Apply loading and performance concepts to a density altitude or weight scenario - see Performance & Loading
- Recognize runway markings, airport signs, CTAF, and traffic pattern clues - see Airport Operations
- Evaluate pilot fitness issues like fatigue, medication, alcohol, night vision, and hypoxia - see Aviation Physiology
- Choose the correct action for an emergency or equipment failure
See the full FAA Part 107 Study Guide for topic-by-topic coverage.
Drone Registration (Separate from Part 107)
Most drones also need to be registered with the FAA - this is a separate step from your pilot certificate:
- Required if: drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250 grams)
- Fee: $5 at faadronezone.faa.gov
- Lasts: 3 years
- Labeling: Registration number must be displayed on the drone
Registration applies to both recreational and Part 107 operations. It is not a substitute for a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fly a drone commercially?
Yes. Any non-recreational drone operation in the U.S. requires an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107.
How much does a drone license cost?
The knowledge test costs $175 at PSI. The IACRA certificate application is free. Total minimum cost: $175 (plus any study materials you purchase).
How long does it take to get a drone license?
Typically 2-6 weeks from start to finish: 1-3 weeks of study, a few days to schedule and take the test, plus processing time for the certificate application.
Does a drone license expire?
The Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire, but you must complete free online recurrent training at FAASafety.gov every 24 calendar months to remain legally current.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a Part 107 certificate?
No. There is no U.S. citizenship requirement for a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. You must be 16+ and able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
What if I fail the Part 107 exam?
You must wait 14 days before retaking the exam and pay the $175 fee again. Use the score sheet - which shows which ACS areas you missed - to focus your review before retesting.
Can a 16-year-old get a drone license?
Yes. The minimum age for a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is 16. There is no upper age limit.
More Part 107 Resources on Launch107
Disclaimer: Launch107 is an independent study resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Drone laws and FAA requirements change. Always verify current rules, costs, and certification requirements at FAA.gov before operating commercially.