What a drone license actually is and who needs one

A drone license is a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that permits you to operate an unmanned aircraft for compensation — that is, for money or as part of your job. If you fly drones only for personal recreation, you do not need this license. If you are paid to fly drones, or if your employer requires you to fly them as part of your work, you need the FAA's Part 107 certificate, which is the official name for a commercial drone pilot license.

The Part 107 certificate is not the same as a driver's license. You do not renew it on a schedule. Instead, you take a knowledge test once, pass it, and the certificate is valid for two years. After two years, you must pass the test again to keep flying commercially. The test covers FAA rules, airspace restrictions, weather, and safe flying practices specific to drones.

Some people confuse this with registering a drone. Registration is separate — you register the physical drone itself with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds. A license is about you, the person flying it. You can own a drone without a license (for personal use), but you cannot be paid to fly one without passing the Part 107 test.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an FAA Part 107 certificate only if you fly drones for money or as part of your job; recreational flying does not require a license.
  • The Part 107 test covers FAA regulations, airspace rules, weather, and drone-specific safety and costs between $150 and $300 depending on the testing center.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, hold a valid government ID, and pass a TSA security background check before you can take the test.
  • The test is administered at FAA-approved testing centers, not online, and you receive your certificate by mail within two to four weeks after passing.
  • Your certificate is valid for two years, after which you must retake the test to continue flying commercially.

The three requirements before you can sit for the test

Before you schedule a test appointment, you must meet three conditions. First, you must be at least 16 years old. Second, you must have a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Third, you must pass a TSA security background check, which the testing center runs when you arrive on test day. The background check is free and takes a few minutes; it screens for criminal history and other factors that would disqualify you from holding a certificate.

If you do not pass the background check, you cannot take the test that day. You can reapply after 30 days, but the reasons for denial are specific — they include felony convictions, certain drug offenses, and other serious crimes. If you are unsure whether your history will clear, contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch before you pay for a test appointment.

You do not need to own a drone or have any flying experience to take the test. The test is knowledge-based, not a practical flying exam. Many people study for a few weeks using FAA study materials and practice tests, then sit for the exam without ever having flown a drone.

Finding a testing center and scheduling your appointment

The FAA does not run the Part 107 test itself. Instead, it approves private testing centers — companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, and others — that administer the exam at locations across the country. You find a testing center by visiting the FAA's website and searching for approved centers in your area, or by calling the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch directly.

Once you find a center, you contact them to schedule an appointment. Most centers let you book online or by phone. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and government ID number. The test fee ranges from $150 to $300 depending on the testing center; there is no single federal price. Some centers charge more than others, so if cost matters, call a few centers in your region to compare.

Testing centers typically have appointments available within one to three weeks. Bring your valid government ID and arrive 15 minutes early. The TSA background check happens when you arrive, and if you pass, you sit for the 120-minute exam when ready after.

What the Part 107 test covers and how to study

The test has 60 multiple-choice questions covering four main areas: FAA regulations and rules for commercial drone operations, airspace and weather, drone performance and limitations, and safety and emergency procedures. You have two hours to complete it. A passing score is 70 percent or higher.

The FAA publishes the official study material for free on its website, called the "Part 107 Study Guide." It covers every topic the test can ask about. Many people also use third-party study apps and practice tests — websites and apps that let you take sample exams and see which topics you need to review. These are not official, but they follow the FAA material closely and help you get used to the test format.

Most people study for two to four weeks before taking the test. If you have no aviation background, plan on the longer end. If you already work in aviation or have studied FAA rules before, you may need less time. The key is working through the official study guide and taking practice tests until you consistently score above 80 percent.

What happens after you pass the test

When you pass the exam, the testing center prints a temporary certificate on the spot — a piece of paper that proves you passed and allows you to fly commercially when ready. This temporary certificate is valid for 120 days while the FAA processes your permanent certificate.

Your permanent certificate arrives by mail within two to four weeks. It is a plastic card similar to a driver's license. You do not need to do anything else — the FAA mails it automatically once the testing center submits your results. Keep the temporary certificate until the permanent one arrives.

Once you have your certificate, you can legally fly drones for money. You still must follow all FAA rules: you cannot fly above 400 feet, you must keep the drone in sight at all times, you cannot fly over people, and you must follow airspace restrictions. Breaking these rules can result in fines up to $27,500 and criminal charges. Your certificate does not override these safety rules — it only permits you to be paid for flying.

Renewing your certificate after two years

Your Part 107 certificate expires two years from the date it was issued. To keep flying commercially, you must retake the Part 107 test before the expiration date. There is no renewal process — you straightforward take the test again at an FAA-approved testing center, pay the fee again, and receive a new two-year certificate.

You can retake the test at any point during the two-year period, but most people wait until closer to the expiration date. If your certificate expires and you have not retaken the test, you cannot legally fly drones for money until you pass the test again. There is no grace period.

Some people confuse this with a medical certificate, which pilots of manned aircraft must renew. Drone pilots do not need a medical certificate. You only need to pass the knowledge test every two years.

What to do if you fail the test

If you score below 70 percent, you fail and do not receive a certificate. You can retake the test, but you must wait at least 14 days before scheduling another appointment. You pay the testing fee again each time you take the test.

If you fail, review the topics you struggled with using the official FAA study guide and practice tests. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt after studying the weak areas more carefully. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a drone license if I fly drones as a hobby?

No. The Part 107 certificate is only for commercial flying — when you are paid or flying as part of your job. If you fly drones purely for fun and never receive money for it, you do not need a license. You do still need to register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds.

Can I take the Part 107 test online?

No. The test must be taken in person at an FAA-approved testing center. The testing center administers the TSA background check on the day of the exam, which is why it cannot be done remotely. You can study online using practice tests and the official FAA study guide, but the actual exam is at a physical location.

What if I fail the background check?

If you fail the TSA background check, you cannot take the test that day. You can reapply after 30 days. The reasons for denial are specific criminal convictions and other serious disqualifications. If you are unsure whether you will pass, contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch before paying for a test appointment.

How long does it take to get my permanent certificate after passing?

The FAA mails your permanent certificate within two to four weeks of passing the test. You receive a temporary paper certificate when ready at the testing center, which is valid for 120 days and allows you to fly commercially while you wait for the permanent card.

Can I fly drones commercially with my temporary certificate?

Yes. The temporary certificate the testing center prints on the day you pass is valid for 120 days and allows you to fly commercially. You do not have to wait for the permanent certificate to arrive in the mail.