China Drone License Guide
How to get your CAAC UAS Operator Licence (AOPA-China) — issued by Civil Aviation Administration of China. Cost, exam format, altitude limits, and renewal — all up to date for 2026.
Key data at a glance
| Total cost | ¥6,000 – ¥15,000 (USD $850 – $2,100) |
| Renewal cycle | 2 years |
| License classes | 5 categories |
| Maximum altitude | 120 m (~400 ft) AGL standard |
| BVLOS allowed (standard) | No — VLOS only |
| Remote ID required | Yes |
| Minimum age | 16 years |
| Exam format | AOPA-China theoretical exam (Mandarin) + practical at AOPA-China authorised training centre. ~7–15 days for sub-7kg. |
CAAC drone classes / categories
Class I
MTOM < 1.5 kgNo CAAC licence (subject to local rules)
Class II Small
MTOM 1.5 – 7 kgAOPA-China VLOS licence required for commercial ops
Class III Medium
MTOM 7 – 25 kgAOPA-China + operator certificate
Class IV Large
MTOM 25 – 150 kgOperator certification + per-flight CAAC approval
Class V XL
MTOM > 150 kgManned-equivalent oversight
Operational limits
- All flights above 250g must be filed in UTMISS / UOM platform
- Real-name registration required (Resident ID / Passport)
- VLOS only for sub-7 kg without additional approval
- BVLOS / swarms require provincial CAAC approval
- No-fly zones around airports, government, military bases
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China drone license — frequently asked questions
What is the UTMISS platform?
Unmanned Traffic Management Information Service System — China's mandatory flight notification system. Every UAV flight above 250 g must be filed before takeoff.
Is the CAAC drone licence in English?
Theory exams are predominantly Mandarin. Some AOPA-China centres offer English support but the official documents are in Chinese.
Can foreigners get a CAAC drone licence?
Yes — foreigners with valid Chinese visa and residency can train at AOPA-China centres. Tourists generally cannot operate drones commercially in China.
What are the no-fly zones in China?
Airports, government buildings (Tiananmen, Zhongnanhai), military bases, and large parts of border regions. UTMISS will reject flight plans in these zones.
Is BVLOS allowed in China?
Only under provincial CAAC special approval, typically for surveying, agricultural, or delivery pilots. Commercial delivery (e.g. Meituan) operates under specific BVLOS test corridors.
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