Drone laws in Canada (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: In Canada, Transport Canada sets the drone rules in Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Drones of 250 g or more must be registered and pilots need a certificate from age 14 (basic) or 16 (advanced); the height limit is 122 m.

RuleWhat applies
Operator registrationRecreational flying (open category)Drones with an operating weight of 250 g or more must be registered with Transport Canada (Drone Management Portal) and the registration number must be clearly visible on the drone. The registered owner must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or a Canadian entity); foreign operators cannot register and need a special flight operations certificate. [1]
Operator registration feeRecreational flying (open category)10.00 CAD per registration [2]
Minimum age to register as operatorRecreational flying (open category)14 years [1]
Pilot competencyRecreational flying (open category)Basic operations (small drone of 250 g to 25 kg, within visual line of sight, uncontrolled airspace, at least 30 m from people not involved): pilot certificate for basic operations (online exam), minimum age 14. Advanced operations (controlled airspace, closer to people): advanced certificate (exam and flight review), minimum age 16. Certificates need renewing activity within 24 months. Supervised operation is exempt from the certificate. [3]
Liability insuranceRecreational flying (open category)No [4]
Maximum heightRecreational flying (open category)122 m [5]
Remote IDRecreational flying (open category)⚠ Not yet verified
Minimum age to flyRecreational flying (open category)14 years [3]

Notes

  • The pilot certificate rules apply to drones of 250 g up to 150 kg. Drones under 250 g are outside the registration duty and these certificate divisions.
  • Near a building or structure (within 61 m horizontally) the limit is 100 ft (30 m) above that structure.
  • The advanced operations certificate requires a minimum age of 16.

Sources

  1. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws): Canadian Aviation Regulations (SOR/96-433), Part IX, Division III - Registration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Transport Canada: 2025 Summary of changes to Canada's drone regulations (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws): Canadian Aviation Regulations (SOR/96-433), Part IX, Subpart 1, Divisions IV-V - Basic and Advanced Operations (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Transport Canada: Tips and best practices for drone pilots (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  5. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws): Canadian Aviation Regulations (SOR/96-433), Part IX, Subpart 1, Division III - General Operating and Flight Rules (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.