Drone laws in the United States (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: In the United States the FAA sets the federal drone rules. Recreational flyers register drones of 250 g or more, pass the free TRUST test and keep to 400 ft in uncontrolled airspace; Remote ID applies to registered drones.

RuleWhat applies
Operator registrationRecreational flying (open category)Registration with the FAA (FAADroneZone) is required for drones of 250 g (0.55 lb) or more flown under the recreational exception. One registration covers all of the owner's recreational drones. The registration number must be marked on the drone and the certificate carried when flying. [1]
Operator registration feeRecreational flying (open category)$5.00 per 3 years [1]
Minimum age to register as operatorRecreational flying (open category)13 years [1]
Pilot competencyRecreational flying (open category)Recreational flyers must pass the free online Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passing when flying. Flights that are not purely recreational fall under 14 CFR Part 107. [2]
Liability insuranceRecreational flying (open category)⚠ Not yet verified
Maximum heightRecreational flying (open category)121.92 m [2]
Remote IDRecreational flying (open category)Required for drones that must be registered, including those flown for recreation. A drone must be a Standard Remote ID drone, carry a Remote ID broadcast module, or be flown within an FAA-recognised identification area (FRIA). [3]

Notes

  • These are the federal rules. States and local authorities may have their own drone laws, for example for parks or privacy, which are not covered here.
  • If the owner is under 13, a person aged 13 or older must register the drone.
  • The 400 ft limit applies in Class G airspace. In controlled airspace near airports, flights need FAA authorisation and are limited to the altitudes authorised. The limit is stated in feet; 400 ft is 121.92 m.

Sources

  1. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): How to Register Your Drone (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo): 49 U.S.C. 44809 - Exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft (United States Code, 2024 Edition) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Remote Identification of Drones (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.