Drone laws in Mexico (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Mexico drones are regulated under NOM-107-SCT3-2019. Recreational drones over 250 g need a registration folio, the height limit is 122 m, and no insurance or Remote ID is required for recreational use up to 25 kg.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Operator registrationRecreational flying (open category) | A registration folio from the aviation authority (SCT/DGAC, via its website) is required for recreational drones over 250 g up to 2 kg (micro RPAS) and for all recreational drones of over 2 kg up to 25 kg (small RPAS). A copy of the folio must be at the control station. Drones of 250 g or less are not covered by the registration duty. [1] |
| Operator registration feeRecreational flying (open category) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Pilot competencyRecreational flying (open category) | Micro RPAS (up to 2 kg), recreational use: section 5.1 sets no pilot authorisation requirement. Small RPAS (over 2 kg up to 25 kg), recreational use: must be flown within model aircraft clubs authorised by the aviation authority and under the clubs' rules. [1] |
| Liability insuranceRecreational flying (open category) | No [1] |
| Maximum heightRecreational flying (open category) | 122 m [1] |
| Remote IDRecreational flying (open category) | No Remote ID or automatic identification requirement for recreational micro and small drones. A device allowing automatic identification is required only for large RPAS (over 25 kg). [1] |
Notes
- If the recreational pilot is a minor, the registration must be made by an adult, who acts as the RPAS operator.
- Private non-commercial or commercial use requires a civil liability policy under article 72 of the Ley de Aviación Civil (NOM-107 section 5.2.1).
- Between 9.2 km and 18.5 km from listed aerodromes the limit is 100 m (328 ft); drones must keep at least 9.2 km from any aerodrome (section 4.10.1).
Sources
- Diario Oficial de la Federación (SCT): Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-107-SCT3-2019, Que establece los requerimientos para operar un sistema de aeronave pilotada a distancia (RPAS) en el espacio aéreo mexicano (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.