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Regulations · 7 min read

Drone rules and registration basics

A plain-English overview of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada, with official links to confirm the details.

Key takeaways

  • Rules depend on your country, the drone's weight, whether it has a camera and how you use it.
  • 250 g is a common threshold, but it never removes safety or privacy duties.
  • Rules change often, so always confirm on the official website before you fly.
  • Check airspace restrictions every time you fly in a new place.
Not legal advice: this page is a general summary written for beginners. It may be out of date. The authority in your country is the only reliable source.

United States (FAA)

  • Registration: drones weighing 250 g (0.55 lb) or more generally must be registered with the FAA. Drones used for business or paid work must be registered whatever their weight.
  • Recreational flyers: must pass the free TRUST safety test and carry proof of completion.
  • Commercial flying: usually requires a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107.
  • Remote ID: registered drones generally need to broadcast Remote ID, with some exceptions.
  • Core rules: fly below 400 ft in uncontrolled airspace, keep the drone in sight, and get authorisation for controlled airspace near airports.

United Kingdom (CAA)

UK requirements depend on weight, camera use and the class of your drone, and the CAA has been updating them. In general you may need a Flyer ID (a free online theory test) and an Operator ID (an annual fee) for camera drones, with thresholds that have been changing. Confirm what applies to your drone, including lighter models, on the CAA website. The Drone and Model Aircraft Code covers key flying rules such as staying below 120 m and in line of sight.

European Union (EASA)

  • Open category: low-risk flights, split into subcategories A1, A2 and A3 by drone class and weight.
  • Sub-250 g: may fly in subcategory A1, including over uninvolved people in limited circumstances, but never over crowds.
  • Registration: operators generally register with their national authority if the drone has a camera, with exceptions for toys, and add their operator number to the drone.
  • Core rules: maximum 120 m height and visual line of sight.

National authorities add their own details, so check your own country as well as the EASA overview.

Canada (Transport Canada)

Drones under 250 g are generally exempt from registration and pilot certification, though safety rules still apply. Drones from 250 g up to 25 kg must be registered, and pilots need a Basic or Advanced Pilot Certificate. Always check no-fly zones and keep the drone in sight.

At a glance

Summary of drone rules by region
RegionAuthorityWeight to noteTypical height limit
United StatesFAA250 g registration400 ft
United KingdomCAACheck current thresholds120 m
European UnionEASA and national authority250 g and classes120 m
CanadaTransport Canada250 g registration122 m (400 ft)

Rules that apply everywhere

  • Keep the drone within visual line of sight.
  • Do not fly near airports, emergency scenes or restricted sites.
  • Do not fly over crowds or endanger people and property.
  • Respect privacy and data-protection laws when filming.
  • Take out insurance where it is required or sensible.
  • Carry your registration or operator number if needed.

Official sources

Use these to confirm current requirements: FAA – Drones, UK CAA – Drones, EASA – Drones and Transport Canada – Drone safety. Elsewhere, search for your national aviation authority.

See also sub-250 g drones explained and our flight safety tips.