Drone laws in the US explained for beginners

In the US, the drone rules you follow depend on why you're flying: recreational flyers follow the FAA's rules for limited recreational operations, while anyone flying for work, business, or pay must follow Part 107 and hold a remote pilot certificate. On top of the federal rules, states, cities, and land managers like the National Park Service can restrict where you take off and land.

This page explains the general framework in plain English. Rules change, so check the current requirements at faa.gov before you fly.

Am I a recreational flyer or a Part 107 pilot?

You're a recreational flyer only if you fly purely for fun or personal enjoyment. If the flight supports a business in any way, it falls under Part 107. That includes paid photo jobs, real estate photos, roof inspections, and filming for a company's social media, even if you aren't paid for that specific flight.

When in doubt, the FAA's website has a tool and guidance to help you decide which category applies. Getting this wrong is a common beginner mistake, so settle it before your first flight.

Rules for recreational flyers

The FAA's recreational rules include these general requirements. The exact wording and any updates are on faa.gov.

1. Pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), a free online test from FAA-approved providers, and keep proof of completion with you when you fly.
2. Register your drone with the FAA if it weighs 250 grams or more, and mark the registration number on the outside of the drone.
3. Meet the Remote ID requirement if your drone must be registered, either with built-in standard Remote ID or a broadcast module, unless you fly at an FAA-recognized identification area.
4. Keep the drone within your visual line of sight, or that of a visual observer standing next to you.
5. Fly at or below 400 feet above the ground in uncontrolled airspace.
6. Get authorization before flying in controlled airspace, such as near many airports.
7. Give way to and never interfere with manned aircraft.
8. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
9. Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or in a careless or reckless way.

What is Part 107?

Part 107 is the FAA's rule for small drones flown for anything other than recreation. To fly under Part 107, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate, which you earn by passing the FAA's aeronautical knowledge test at an approved testing center. The test covers airspace, weather, reading aeronautical charts, drone performance, emergency procedures, and the regulations themselves. To keep the certificate current, the FAA requires recurrent training at set intervals, which it offers online.

Part 107 pilots also have to register their drones, follow Remote ID rules, and fly within operating limits similar to the recreational ones, such as altitude and visual line of sight limits. Part 107 also has a process for requesting waivers to fly outside some of those limits. Check the FAA's Part 107 pages for the current test fees, registration costs, and limits, since those details change.

We're working on a Part 107 study guide for people preparing for the knowledge test.

Do I need to register my drone?

It depends on the drone's weight and why you fly it. Recreational flyers must register drones that weigh 250 grams or more. Part 107 pilots generally must register their drones regardless of weight. Registration is done through the FAA's DroneZone website at faa.gov. Be careful with third-party sites that charge extra to "help" you register.

If you're still shopping, our beginner drone buying guide explains how weight and Remote ID affect which drone makes sense.

Where can't I fly a drone?

Even when you follow the basic rules, many places are off limits or need permission:

• Controlled airspace near airports, unless you have authorization
• Areas under temporary flight restrictions, which can pop up for events, emergencies, wildfires, and VIP travel
• Many stadiums and large outdoor events around game time
• National parks, where the National Park Service generally prohibits launching and landing drones
• Military bases, prisons, and other restricted sites
• Over or near emergency response efforts, where a drone can ground firefighting aircraft

The FAA lists apps and services under its B4UFLY program that show airspace restrictions for your location. Check one before every flight, not just the first.

Do state and local drone laws apply too?

Yes. The FAA regulates the airspace, but states, counties, and cities can set rules about things like where you can take off and land, privacy, and trespassing. Many local parks have their own drone policies. Look up the rules for your state and the specific park or property, and get permission from landowners before flying from private land.

Privacy and common courtesy

Rules aside, flying over neighbors' yards or filming people who haven't agreed to it is a quick way to get complaints, and in some states it can break privacy laws. Keep your distance from people, avoid hovering over private property, and land if someone asks you to.

Where to get current, official answers

The FAA's drone pages at faa.gov are the official source for recreational rules, Part 107, registration, Remote ID, and airspace authorizations. Read them before your first flight and check back regularly, since requirements are updated over time.