What a drone license actually is and who needs one

A drone license is a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that says you can operate an unmanned aircraft for money or as part of a job. If you fly a drone just for fun in your backyard, you do not need a license — you need to register the drone itself with the FAA, which costs $5 and takes five minutes online. But if you want to fly drones professionally — for real estate photography, surveying, delivery, inspection work, or any other paid use — you need the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

The certificate is not a state license like a driver's license. It is a federal credential issued by the FAA, and it is the same whether you live in California or Maine. You do not renew it every few years; instead, you take a recurrent training course every 24 calendar months to keep it current. The certificate itself does not expire, but you cannot legally fly for work without that current training.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the FAA's Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to fly drones for any paid work, but not for hobby flying in your own yard.
  • The path is: pass the FAA knowledge test (which covers airspace rules, weather, and safety), pass a practical exam with an FAA inspector, and then you receive your certificate by mail.
  • The knowledge test costs between $100 and $200 depending on the testing center, and you can study using free FAA materials or paid prep courses.
  • You must recertify every 24 calendar months by taking an online recurrent training course, which costs $0 to $50 depending on the provider.
  • The entire process from studying to holding your certificate usually takes four to eight weeks.

Step 1: Create an FAA account and pass the knowledge test

Start by creating an account on the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating process (IACRA) website at iacra.faa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid form of ID. Once your account is set up, you can schedule the knowledge test through an FAA-approved testing center. Testing centers are usually located at flight schools, community colleges, or testing companies like Pearson VUE. The test costs between $100 and $200 depending on which center you use.

The knowledge test has 60 questions and you have two hours to complete it. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. The test covers airspace rules (Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace and what you can and cannot do in each), weather interpretation, drone performance and limitations, regulations about where you can fly, and safety procedures. The FAA publishes the exact test bank of questions online for free, so you can study directly from the source. Many people also use paid prep courses like Drone Pilot Ground School or King Schools, which cost $30 to $100 and walk you through the material in video format.

Step 2: Pass the practical exam with an FAA inspector

After you pass the knowledge test, you schedule a practical exam (called a checkride) with an FAA-designated pilot examiner. This is an in-person test where you show an examiner that you can actually fly a drone safely. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers — flying in a straight line, hovering, flying in a circle, landing precisely — and will ask you questions about what you would do in different scenarios (bad weather approaching, loss of signal, spotting an airplane nearby).

The checkride costs between $300 and $800 depending on the examiner and your location. You will need to bring your own drone to the exam, so if you do not own one yet, you will need to buy or borrow one before scheduling. The exam usually takes one to two hours. After you pass, the examiner submits your results to the FAA, and you receive your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the mail within two to four weeks.

What you need before you can take either test

Before you schedule the knowledge test, you need a valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or military ID). You also need to be at least 16 years old. That is it for the knowledge test.

For the practical exam, you need the same ID, but you also need to own or have access to a drone that you can bring to the test. Most examiners accept any small commercial drone — DJI makes several popular models that cost $300 to $500 — but confirm with your examiner before you buy. You do not need to own a drone to study for the knowledge test, so many people take that test first, then buy a drone, then schedule the checkride.

How to keep your certificate current

Your Part 107 certificate does not have an expiration date printed on it, but you cannot legally fly for work unless you have completed recurrent training within the last 24 calendar months. Recurrent training is a one-time online course that takes about an hour and covers updates to regulations, new safety procedures, and a refresher on the rules you learned for the knowledge test.

You can take recurrent training through the FAA's own online course (free) or through third-party providers like Drone Pilot Ground School or King Schools (usually $20 to $50). After you complete the course, you print a certificate of completion and keep it with your Part 107 certificate. The FAA does not mail you anything or update your account; you are responsible for tracking when your 24 months is up and taking the course before that important date.

What happens if you fail the knowledge test or checkride

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the testing fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the FAA test bank thoroughly.

If you fail the checkride, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule a new exam and pay the examiner fee again. Some examiners allow you to retake within a few weeks; others have longer wait times. If you fail the checkride, ask the examiner what specific skills or knowledge you need to work on before your next attempt.

The difference between Part 107 and other drone certifications

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the only FAA credential you need to fly drones commercially in the United States. Some organizations offer their own drone certifications (like the Commercial Drone Pilot certification from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International), but these are not required by the FAA and do not replace Part 107. If you see a drone school advertising a "drone license" that is not Part 107, it is a private certification that may be useful for employment but is not a legal requirement.

If you want to fly a drone heavier than 55 pounds, or if you want to fly beyond visual line of sight (meaning you cannot see the drone with your own eyes), you will need additional FAA waivers or authorizations on top of your Part 107 certificate. These are separate applications you submit to the FAA after you have your certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Part 107 certificate in other countries?

No. Your Part 107 certificate is only valid in the United States. If you want to fly drones professionally in another country, you will need to check that country's aviation authority for their requirements. Some countries recognize U.S. certificates; many do not.

Do I need a Part 107 certificate to fly a drone for YouTube videos or social media?

If you are not being paid for the videos, no. If you are earning money from the videos (through sponsorships, ad revenue, or direct payment), then yes, you need Part 107. The rule is about whether you are receiving compensation for the flight, not about whether you are making money from the content overall.

How much does the entire process cost?

The knowledge test costs $100 to $200, the checkride costs $300 to $800, and you will need a drone ($300 to $500 or more). Recurrent training every 24 months costs $0 to $50. Total upfront cost is roughly $700 to $1,500, depending on whether you already own a drone and which testing center and examiner you choose.

What if I fail the knowledge test — do I have to wait before retaking it?

No. You can retake the knowledge test when ready if you want, though most people study more between attempts. You will pay the testing fee each time you take it.

Can I fly drones for work while I am waiting for my certificate to arrive in the mail?

No. You are not legally authorized to fly commercially until you physically receive your Part 107 certificate from the FAA. The examiner will tell you when you pass the checkride, but that is not the same as holding the certificate.