CAA Drone Registration: What should you do?

The requirements for registration and education become law on 30 November 2019. 

Who do the new rules apply to?

The new regulations apply to many who own or fly drones and model aircraft weighing between 250g and 20kg. You’ll be required to register unless either of the following apply:

• The drone or unmanned aircraft won’t be flown, or will only be flown indoors.
• You’re a member of the British Model Flying Association, Scottish Aeromodellers’ Association, Large Model Association or FPV UK. Members of these are exempted because the associations will register them as they renew their membership.

I own or fly a drone or unmanned aircraft – what do I need to do?

If you’re affected by the rules, here’s what you need to do:

• If you own a drone or unmanned aircraft which meets the requirements above, you must get an operator ID. After getting this ID, you must make sure only people with a valid flyer ID use your aircraft. Only those over the age of 18 can register for an operator ID. You can register as an operator on the CAA register drone website– it costs £9.
• If you’re responsible for drones or model aircraft, but won’t fly them, you’ll need to register as a non-flying operator, which also costs £9.
• Anyone who will fly the drone must get a flyer ID. To get this you must pass a free theory test with 20 multiple-choice questions. The rules apply to adults and children. A parent or guardian must register children aged under 13, but the child must take the test. Again you can do this on the CAA register drone website.

You get both registration and test proof by email immediately once you’ve done it online – so after completion, you’re allowed to use your drone straightaway.

If you’re responsible for a drone or model aircraft, you must label it with your operator ID.

How to label your Drone

What if you miss the deadline?

If you miss the Friday deadline, you can still register and apply for an operator or flyer ID afterwards. However, if the unmanned aircraft is flown on or after Saturday 30 November and you haven’t registered as required you will be liable for a £1,000 fine.

If you would like to know more about the new drone laws in more detail then please read our blog:

UK Drone Laws: Everything you need to know