Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.
Do you have to register a drone under Part 107, and who checks that it is safe to fly?
Part 107 pilots must comply with 14 CFR 91.203(a)(2), which requires an effective registration certificate, and Part 48 bars flying an eligible small drone unless it is registered and marked (with narrow exceptions). Before each flight, the remote pilot in command must also check that the system is in a condition for safe operation (107.15).
A Certificate of Aircraft Registration expires 3 years after the date of issue unless it is renewed. The holder must update the registry within 14 calendar days of a change in the registration information, or when registration requires cancellation, for example on sale, transfer, destruction or export.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.13 · 14 CFR 91.203(a)(2) · 14 CFR 48.15 · 14 CFR 107.15
What the regulation says
§ 107.13 Registration.
A person operating a civil small unmanned aircraft system for purposes of flight must comply with the provisions of § 91.203(a)(2) of this chapter.
§ 107.15 Condition for safe operation.
(a) No person may operate a civil small unmanned aircraft system unless it is in a condition for safe operation. Prior to each flight, the remote pilot in command must check the small unmanned aircraft system to determine whether it is in a condition for safe operation.
(b) No person may continue flight of the small unmanned aircraft when he or she knows or has reason to know that the small unmanned aircraft system is no longer in a condition for safe operation.
14 CFR 48.15
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft that is eligible for registration under 49 U.S.C. 44101-44103 unless one of the following criteria has been satisfied: (a) The owner has registered and marked the aircraft in accordance with this part;
14 CFR 48.115(b)
(b) The holder of a Certificate of Aircraft Registration must update the information using the web-based small unmanned aircraft registration system within 14 calendar days of the following: (1) A change in the information provided under § 48.110. (2) When aircraft registration requires cancellation for any reason including sale or transfer, destruction, or export.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.13 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21) · 14 CFR 107.15 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21) · 14 CFR 48.15 · 14 CFR 48.115(b)
Exam traps
- Section 107.13 requires compliance with 91.203(a)(2), which calls for an effective U.S. registration certificate or a Certificate of Aircraft registration as provided in part 48.
- A Certificate of Aircraft registration expires 3 years after the date of issue unless it is renewed.
- Registration information must be updated within 14 calendar days of a change, including a sale or transfer.
- The remote pilot in command, not the owner or the manufacturer, must check the system before each flight for a condition for safe operation, and must stop flying if it is no longer safe.
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
According to 14 CFR Part 48, when must a person register a small UA with the Federal Aviation Administration?
- A Only when the operator will be paid for commercial services.
- B All civilian small UAs weighing greater than .55 pounds must be registered regardless of its intended use.
- C When the small UA is used for any purpose other than as a model aircraft.
Show the answer
Answer: B. All civilian small UAs weighing greater than .55 pounds must be registered regardless of its intended use.14 CFR 48.15: a small UA must be registered unless it is flown exclusively under the recreational exception (49 U.S.C. 44809) AND weighs 0.55 lb or less (or belongs to the Armed Forces). So anything over 0.55 lb must be registered no matter why you fly it, which is why this is the best option. Note: under Part 107 even a 0.55 lb-or-less drone must be registered, because the weight exception applies only to recreational flying. Being paid and the old "model aircraft" distinction are not what triggers registration.
FAA source: 14 CFR 48.15(a)-(b)
Practice question 2
You fly a 0.5 lb (227 g) drone to take paid real-estate photos. Must it be registered?
- A Only if you fly it in controlled airspace.
- B Yes. Under Part 107 every small UA must be registered, whatever its weight.
- C No. Drones weighing 0.55 lb or less are exempt from registration.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Yes. Under Part 107 every small UA must be registered, whatever its weight.14 CFR 48.15: registration is required unless the aircraft is flown exclusively under the recreational exception (49 U.S.C. 44809) AND weighs 0.55 lb or less. Paid work is not recreational, so weight doesn't matter.
FAA source: 14 CFR 48.15
Practice question 3
During the preflight inspection who is responsible for determining the aircraft is safe for flight?
- A The Pilot in Command.
- B The certificated mechanic who performed the annual inspection.
- C The owner or operator.
Show the answer
Answer: A. The Pilot in Command.The remote pilot in command. Under 14 CFR 107.15(a), before each flight the remote pilot in command must check the small unmanned aircraft system to determine whether it is in a condition for safe operation; 14 CFR 107.49 adds the other preflight duties, such as assessing the operating environment, briefing everyone taking part and checking the control links.
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.15(a)
When can you renew a drone registration?
The holder renews by verifying the registration information, and the verification may take place at any time within the six months preceding the month in which the certificate expires.
Source: 14 CFR 48.100(c)
What if the drone stops being safe during a flight?
No person may continue the flight when he or she knows or has reason to know that the system is no longer in a condition for safe operation.
Source: 14 CFR 107.15(b)