The short answer: it depends on why you fly. If you fly a drone for fun, the rules are different than if you fly for work. Here is a simple breakdown of the 2026 FAA rules.
Flying for fun (recreational)
If you fly a drone just for fun, you do not need a Part 107 license. But you do need to follow the recreational rules:
- Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) -- it is free and takes about 30 minutes
- Register your drone on the FAA DroneZone website ($5 for 3 years)
- Fly in uncontrolled airspace or get LAANC approval for controlled airspace
- Keep your drone below 400 feet
- Keep your drone in your line of sight at all times
- Do not fly over people or moving vehicles
- Do not fly near airports without approval
Flying for work (commercial)
If you get paid to fly -- or fly as part of a business -- you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This applies to:
- Real estate photography and video
- Roof and building inspections
- Mapping and surveying
- Agriculture and crop monitoring
- Wedding and event video
- Search and rescue (in some cases)
- Any flight where you receive payment
To get your Part 107 license, you need to pass a knowledge test at an FAA testing center. The test costs about $175 and covers airspace, weather, regulations, and drone performance. Read the full guide to getting your Part 107 for every step.
Do I need to register my drone?
Yes, in almost all cases. If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams), you must register it with the FAA. This applies to both recreational and commercial pilots. Registration costs $5 per drone and lasts 3 years.
What happens if you fly without a license?
Flying commercially without a Part 107 certificate is a federal violation. The FAA can fine you up to $32,666 per violation. In serious cases, it can lead to criminal charges. Even posting drone video on YouTube with ads could count as commercial use. If you earn money from your drone in any way, get your Part 107 first.
Quick reference: recreational vs commercial
| Rule | Recreational | Commercial (Part 107) |
|---|---|---|
| License needed | TRUST test (free) | Part 107 ($175 test) |
| Registration | Yes ($5/drone) | Yes ($5/drone) |
| Renewal | None | Every 24 months (free online) |
| Max altitude | 400 ft | 400 ft (or higher with waiver) |
| Fly at night | Yes | Yes |
| Fly over people | No | Yes (with conditions) |
| Get paid | No | Yes |
Tip: Once you have your Part 107, use DroneLog107 to track your certificate and registration dates. It sends push reminders before anything expires. Free for one certificate.