How to get a drone license.
In the U.S., a commercial drone license is the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Here is who can get one, the FAA's steps, what is on the Part 107 test, and how to keep it current, with the FAA source under every answer.
What is a drone license?
It is the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. You need it to fly a drone under 55 pounds for work or business under the FAA's Part 107 rules. Flying purely for fun is different: recreational flyers take the free TRUST test instead.
The FAA puts it plainly: compensation is not what decides whether a flight is recreational. When in doubt, assume Part 107.
Sources: FAA, Certified Remote Pilots · FAA, Recreational Flyers
Who can get a drone license?
You must be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write and understand English, and be in a physical and mental condition to fly a drone safely. Then you pass the FAA's initial knowledge test.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.61 · FAA, Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
How do you get a drone license?
Follow the FAA's seven steps: get an FAA Tracking Number in IACRA, book the knowledge test, pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test, apply on FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA, clear the TSA background check, receive your permanent certificate by mail, and carry it whenever you fly.
- Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN). Create a profile in IACRA (the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) before you register for the test.
- Schedule the knowledge test. Book an appointment at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center, and bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Pass the test. It is called Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG).
- Apply in IACRA. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate, and enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID from your test report.
- Clear the TSA background check. The FAA emails you when it is done, with instructions to print a temporary certificate from IACRA.
- Get your permanent certificate. It comes by mail once FAA processing is complete.
- Carry it. Have your Remote Pilot Certificate available whenever you fly.
Source: FAA, Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
What is on the Part 107 test?
The UAG knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions, each with a single correct answer. You have up to two hours, and you need 70% or better to pass.
The FAA weights the topics like this: regulations 15–25%, airspace and requirements 15–25%, weather 11–16%, loading and performance 7–11%, and operations 35–45%.
New for 2026: beginning October 26, 2026, the UAG test includes image-based questions with up-to-date chart images that are not in the printed testing supplement. Candidates keep access to the testing supplement until the FAA sets a removal date.
Sources: FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix · Remote Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-10B) · FAA Airman Testing Community Advisory, September 2026
What happens if you fail the test?
You can retake it after 14 calendar days. No instructor endorsement is needed to retest.
Source: Remote Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-10B)
How much does a drone license cost?
The FAA's pages don't list the knowledge test fee, so check it with the testing center when you schedule. Registering a drone you fly under Part 107 costs $5 per drone and is valid for three years. Recurrent training to stay current is free.
Sources: FAA, How to Register Your Drone · FAA, Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
Does a drone license expire?
No. The certificate does not expire, but to use it you must stay current: complete the FAA's free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months (Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent, ALC-677). Keep your certificate of completion as proof.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.65 · FAA, Become a Certificated Remote Pilot · FAA FAQ
Already a pilot? Is there a shortcut?
Yes. If you hold a pilot certificate under 14 CFR part 61 and completed a flight review within the previous 24 months, you can take the FAA's free online course Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) instead of the knowledge test, then apply on Form 8710-13 and have your identity validated by a FSDO, a DPE, an ACR or a CFI.
Source: FAA, Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
What do you need with you when you fly?
Your remote pilot certificate and an ID, in your possession and ready to show the FAA, the NTSB, law enforcement or the TSA if they ask. Also carry your drone's registration certificate, on paper or on your phone.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.7 · FAA, How to Register Your Drone
Do you need to register your drone?
Yes. A drone you fly under Part 107 must be registered whatever it weighs (only drones of 0.55 pounds or less flown purely for recreation are exempt). Register at FAADroneZone and choose “Fly sUAS under Part 107.” Registered drones must also comply with Remote ID.
Sources: FAA, How to Register Your Drone · FAA, Certified Remote Pilots
How should you study for the Part 107 test?
Practice with test-style questions until you score well above the 70% passing line, and learn why each answer is right from the FAA source behind it. Start with our free 60-question practice test, then let the UAV Campus AI Flight Instructor retest your weak spots.
Want the rules themselves? Part 107, explained takes each rule one question at a time, with the regulation's own text.