United States Drone License Guide
How to get your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate — issued by Federal Aviation Administration. Cost, exam format, altitude limits, and renewal — all up to date for 2026.
Key data at a glance
| Total cost | $175 initial knowledge test + drone registration $5 |
| Renewal cycle | Online recurrent training every 24 months (free) |
| License classes | 3 categories |
| Maximum altitude | 400 ft AGL (or 400 ft above structure) |
| BVLOS allowed (standard) | No — VLOS only |
| Remote ID required | Yes |
| Minimum age | 16 years |
| Exam format | 60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass (UAG knowledge test, $175) |
FAA drone classes / categories
Recreational (TRUST)
MTOM < 25 kgHobby flying with TRUST online test, no license fee
Part 107
MTOM < 25 kg (55 lb)Commercial certificate — UAG knowledge test
Part 107 Waiver
MTOM anyBVLOS, night, > 400 ft, over people — case-by-case
Operational limits
- Daylight or civil twilight (night ops included since 2021 with anti-collision lighting)
- Visual line of sight (VLOS)
- Maximum speed 100 mph (87 knots)
- Class G airspace by default; B/C/D/E require LAANC authorisation
- No flight over people / moving vehicles without Part 107.39 category authorisation
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United States drone license — frequently asked questions
How much does the FAA Part 107 cost in 2026?
$175 for the UAG knowledge test at a PSI Testing Center, plus $5 for drone registration if your drone weighs more than 250g. Recurrent training every 24 months is free online.
Can I fly a drone commercially without Part 107?
No — any flight 'in furtherance of a business' requires Part 107 in US airspace. The TRUST test is for recreational hobby flying only.
What is LAANC?
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability — automated airspace authorisation in controlled airspace (B/C/D/E surface). Free via apps like Aloft, Skyward, AirMap.
Do all drones need Remote ID in the US?
Yes — every drone requiring registration (over 250g or commercial) must broadcast Remote ID since March 2024. Standard Remote ID drones broadcast natively; older drones need a broadcast module.
Can I fly Part 107 drones at night?
Yes — since April 2021, night operations are included in Part 107 if the drone has anti-collision lighting visible 3 statute miles, and you've completed the updated recurrent training.
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