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 a small unmanned aircraft for work or business. If you fly a drone just for fun in your backyard, you do not need a license — you need to register the drone itself, which costs $5 and lasts three years. But if you fly drones to take photos for clients, inspect buildings, film real estate, or do any work that involves payment or business use, the FAA requires you to hold a Part 107 certificate.

The Part 107 certificate is the standard commercial drone license in the United States. It is not a pilot's license — you do not need a pilot's license to get it. It is a separate credential that proves you understand FAA rules, airspace restrictions, and safety procedures specific to small drones under 55 pounds.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Part 107 certificate only if you fly drones for work or business; recreational flying requires drone registration but not a pilot certificate.
  • The path to Part 107 involves studying FAA rules, passing a written test at an FAA-approved testing center, and paying a $175 exam fee.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to read and speak English to hold a Part 107 certificate.
  • The written test covers airspace, weather, regulations, and safety — there is no flight test or practical demonstration required.
  • Your certificate lasts 24 months, after which you renew by passing the test again; there is no separate renewal fee beyond the exam cost.

The basic requirements before you can test

You must be at least 16 years old. You must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or hold a valid visa. You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English well enough to understand FAA regulations and communicate with air traffic control if needed. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior flying experience.

You also need a valid government-issued photo ID to bring to the testing center on exam day. A driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. If you do not have one, you will need to get one before you can sit for the test.

How to study for the Part 107 test

The FAA does not run a training course you must take. Instead, you study on your own using materials the FAA publishes for free. The main study resource is the FAA's Part 107 Study Guide, available on the FAA website. It covers airspace classifications, weather, regulations, safety procedures, and how to read aeronautical charts. Most people spend 20 to 40 hours studying before they feel ready to test.

Many people also use third-party study apps and practice tests, which are not official but can help you get familiar with the question format. These apps cost between $10 and $50 and let you take practice exams on your phone. The official FAA test has 60 questions, and you need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass.

You can study at your own pace — there is no important date or time limit on how long you can take before you sit for the exam. Some people study for a few weeks; others take several months.

Where and how to take the written test

You take the Part 107 test at an FAA-approved testing center, not online and not at home. These centers are run by private companies under contract with the FAA. The largest testing center network is PSI, but other providers like Pearson VUE also administer the exam in many locations.

To find a testing center near you, go to the FAA's website and search their list of approved testing centers by your state and city. Once you find one, you contact the center directly to schedule your exam. You will need to pay the exam fee of $175 at the time you book. Most centers let you schedule online or by phone, and they usually have openings within a week or two.

On exam day, bring your government-issued photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early. The test takes about two hours. You will sit at a computer and answer 60 multiple-choice questions about FAA regulations, airspace, weather, and drone operations. You get your score when ready after you finish.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass, the testing center sends your results to the FAA. Within a few days, the FAA issues your Part 107 certificate, which you can read and print from your FAA account. You do not receive a physical card in the mail — the printed certificate is your official credential. You should carry it with you when you fly commercially.

Your certificate is valid for 24 months from the date the FAA issues it. During that time, you can fly drones for any commercial purpose as long as you follow FAA rules — you cannot fly higher than 400 feet, you must keep the drone in sight at all times, and you cannot fly over people or moving vehicles without special permission.

If you want to do things beyond these standard rules — like fly at night, fly over people, or fly beyond visual line of sight — you need to request a waiver from the FAA. Waivers are separate from your Part 107 certificate and require additional paperwork and review.

Renewing your certificate after 24 months

When your certificate is about to expire, you renew it by taking the Part 107 test again. There is no separate renewal fee — you pay the $175 exam fee just like the first time. You do not need to study as much the second time if you have been flying regularly, but the test is the same 60 questions and you still need a 70 percent score.

You can take the renewal test up to 60 days before your current certificate expires. Many people schedule it a month or two before expiration so they do not have a gap in their credential. If your certificate expires before you renew, you cannot fly commercially until you pass the test and receive a new certificate.

What you cannot do with a Part 107 certificate

A Part 107 certificate lets you fly drones for work, but it does not let you fly beyond the standard rules without asking the FAA first. You cannot fly at night without a waiver. You cannot fly over crowds of people or over moving vehicles. You cannot fly higher than 400 feet above the ground. You cannot fly faster than 100 miles per hour. You cannot fly a drone heavier than 55 pounds.

If your work requires any of these things — for example, if you need to film a concert with a drone flying over the crowd, or inspect a cell tower at night — you must request a waiver from the FAA before you fly. Waivers are reviewed case by case and can take weeks to approve. They are not automatic, and the FAA can deny them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a pilot's license to get a drone license?

No. A Part 107 certificate is completely separate from a pilot's license. You do not need any flying experience to take the Part 107 test. Many commercial drone pilots have never flown a manned aircraft.

Can I take the Part 107 test online from home?

No. You must take the test at an FAA-approved testing center in person. The test is proctored and you must show a government-issued photo ID. Testing centers are located in most cities and towns.

What if I fail the Part 107 test?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you pay the $175 fee each time. Most testing centers let you schedule another exam within days of failing.

Do I need to register my drone if I have a Part 107 certificate?

Yes. Your Part 107 certificate is for you as a pilot. Your drone itself still needs to be registered with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds. Registration costs $5 and lasts three years, and you do it online through the FAA website.

Can I fly drones in any airspace with a Part 107 certificate?

No. You must follow airspace rules even with a certificate. You cannot fly in restricted airspace, near airports, or in Class A, B, or C airspace without permission from air traffic control. You can check airspace restrictions using the FAA's B4UFLY app before you fly.