Want to fly a drone for money? You need an FAA Part 107 drone pilot license. This is the official certificate the FAA gives to remote pilots who pass the knowledge test. Here is how to get yours in 2026.
What is a Part 107 drone license?
Part 107 is a section of the Federal Aviation Regulations. It covers the rules for flying small drones (under 55 pounds) for commercial use. When people say "drone license" or "drone pilot license," they mean the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
You need this certificate if you fly a drone for any work purpose. That includes real estate photos, roof inspections, mapping, weddings, agriculture, and any job where you get paid to fly.
Step 1: Make sure you qualify
To get a Part 107 license you must be at least 16 years old, able to read and write English, and in a physical and mental condition to fly safely. There is no flight time requirement. You do not need to own a drone first.
Step 2: Study for the test
The FAA knowledge test covers five main areas:
- Airspace rules and how to read sectional charts
- Weather and how it affects drone flights
- Drone loading, performance, and weight limits
- Emergency procedures and crew resource management
- FAA regulations for Part 107 operations
Most people study for 10 to 20 hours. You can use free resources from the FAA or a paid course from providers like Pilot Institute, Drone Pilot Ground School, or The Drone U. A good Part 107 study guide will walk you through every topic with practice questions.
Step 3: Create an IACRA account
IACRA is the FAA system for pilot applications. Go to iacra.faa.gov and create an account. You will use this to apply for your certificate after you pass the test. Set it up before test day so you are ready.
Step 4: Schedule the test
The Part 107 initial knowledge test must be taken in person at an FAA-approved testing center. The two main providers are PSI and CATS. The test costs about $175. Schedule online and pick a location near you.
Step 5: Take and pass the test
The test has 60 questions. You get 2 hours. You need a score of 70% or higher to pass. That means you can miss up to 18 questions and still pass. Bring a government-issued photo ID. No phones or personal items in the testing room.
Step 6: Apply on IACRA
After you pass, log into IACRA and start an application for a Remote Pilot Certificate. Enter your test results. The TSA runs a background check. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks. Once approved, you can download a temporary certificate right away.
Step 7: Register your drone
Before you fly, register every drone you own on the FAA DroneZone website. Registration costs $5 per drone and lasts 3 years. You need a separate registration for each drone. Mark each drone with the registration number.
What to do after you pass
Your Part 107 certificate is good for 24 months. Before it expires, you need to pass a recurrent knowledge test. The FAA does not send reminders. That is why many pilots use an app like DroneLog107 to track their renewal date and get push reminders before the deadline hits.
Tip: As soon as you pass your Part 107, add the date to DroneLog107. The app counts down your 24-month window and sends reminders so you never fly with an expired certificate.
How much does a Part 107 drone license cost?
- Knowledge test: about $175 at a testing center
- IACRA application: free
- Drone registration: $5 per drone (lasts 3 years)
- Study materials: free to $300+ depending on the course
- Recurrent test (every 24 months): free online at faasafety.gov
Total out-of-pocket to get started: about $180 if you use free study materials.