Independent guide, not a government agency. We earn commissions on some links.
Do I need a Part 107 license to fly a drone?
It depends on why you fly. The FAA says almost all non-recreational drone flying is regulated by Part 107, which takes its Remote Pilot Certificate. If you fly purely for fun, you complete its TRUST test instead. The FAA says pay does not decide which one you are.
By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.
The steps, in order
Check which rule fits
Part 107, or TRUST if purely recreational
Meet the FAA requirements
Including the knowledge test
Keep your training current
An FAA-listed online course within 24 calendar months
Fly under Part 107
Keep the certificate within reach
Decision steps: check whether your flying is recreational or falls under Part 107, meet the FAA requirements including the knowledge test, keep your training current, and fly under Part 107 with the certificate in reach.
What the rule says
When does Part 107 apply to me?
The FAA says the default regulation for drones weighing under 55.0 pounds is Part 107.
Which flights fall under it?
The FAA says almost all non-recreational drone flying is regulated by Part 107.
Does flying for free count as recreational?
Not necessarily. The FAA says compensation, or the lack of it, is not what determines whether a flight was recreational.
What if I fly only for fun?
The FAA says recreational flyers are required to complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of completion while operating.
Do I need a certificate to fly under Part 107?
Yes. The FAA says that to fly under its Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must get a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.
What do I have to pass?
The FAA lists passing its initial aeronautical knowledge test as one of the requirements. Age, language and fitness rules are in the questions below.
How do I keep the certificate current?
The FAA says you must have completed one of the online training courses it lists within the previous 24 calendar months to fly under Part 107.
Where people go wrong
- You fly under Part 107 without the Remote Pilot Certificate.
- You let 24 calendar months pass without one of the FAA's listed online courses.
- You leave the certificate behind when you fly.
Questions
How old do I have to be?
The FAA lists 16 years old as the minimum age for a pilot.
Do I need to speak English?
The FAA says a pilot must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Does my health matter?
The FAA lists being in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone as one of the requirements to become a pilot.
Do I have to register my drone too?
Yes, with one exception. The FAA says all drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less and are flown under its recreational exception. Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.
Do I carry the certificate when I fly?
The FAA says it must be easily accessible to the remote pilot during all UAS operations, meaning all drone flights. Keep it where you can reach it.
What does the recurrent training cost?
The FAA lists the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent course (ALC-677) as no cost for anyone who holds a Part 107 remote pilot certificate.
Your next step
Start with the FAA's own page on becoming a certificated remote pilot. It lists each step in order.
Sources we read
- www.faa.gov › commercial operators · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.faa.gov › become a drone pilot · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.faa.gov › recreational flyers · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.faa.gov › register drone · read Nov 13, 2026
Who publishes this guide
State Cert Guide is an independent guide to what each state requires. If a fact on this page is wrong, tell us and we fix it.