Australia Drone License Guide
How to get your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) + ReOC — issued by Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Cost, exam format, altitude limits, and renewal — all up to date for 2026.
Key data at a glance
| Total cost | AUD $1,800 – AUD $3,500 for RePL course + assessment |
| Renewal cycle | RePL has no expiry; ReOC requires annual review with CASA |
| License classes | 5 categories |
| Maximum altitude | 400 ft AGL |
| BVLOS allowed (standard) | Yes (under specific approval) |
| Remote ID required | No |
| Minimum age | 16 years |
| Exam format | Theory exam (~60 questions, multiple choice) + practical flight assessment via a CASA-certified RPA training organisation. Typical 5-day course. |
CASA drone classes / categories
Excluded Category
MTOM < 2 kgStandard operating conditions — no licence required
RePL — Sub-7 kg
MTOM < 7 kgMost common commercial entry point
RePL — Sub-25 kg
MTOM < 25 kgIncludes mid-size mapping/inspection drones
RePL — Sub-150 kg / Large
MTOM < 150 kgHeavy fixed-wing or large multirotors
ReOC
MTOM —Remote Operator Certificate (organisational, not personal)
Operational limits
- VLOS operations under standard CASA rules
- 30 m from uninvolved people in Excluded Category
- No flight in populous areas (e.g. beaches, crowds, sporting events) without CASA approval
- 5.5 km from controlled aerodromes by default
- BVLOS, > 25 kg, night, urban → CASA Area Approval / ReOC required
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Australia drone license — frequently asked questions
Do I need an RePL for sub-2 kg drone work?
Not if you fly under the Excluded Category standard operating conditions and notify CASA. For commercial work outside those conditions or with > 2 kg drones, RePL is required.
What is a ReOC?
Remote Operator Certificate — a CASA-issued certificate for organisations that conduct commercial drone operations. RePL is the personal licence; ReOC is the operator authorisation.
How long does an RePL course take?
Typically 5 days at a CASA-certified RPA training organisation, including theory, exam, and a practical flight assessment.
Is the Australian RePL recognised overseas?
No formal reciprocity. New Zealand and some Pacific nations may accept it for short-term ops, but most foreign authorities require their own licence.
Can I fly a drone over 25 kg in Australia?
Yes — with a Sub-150 kg or Large RePL plus an Operator Certificate. CASA must approve the specific operation including airspace and risk mitigations.
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