14 CFR 89.105 to 89.115

How can you comply with Remote ID?

Part 89 gives three ways to satisfy Remote ID, each with its own conditions. Here is the rule, the exam traps and practice questions, with the FAA source under each answer.

Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.

What are the ways to comply with Remote ID?

There are three: operate a standard Remote ID aircraft (89.110); equip an older aircraft with a Remote ID broadcast module (89.115(a)); or fly with no Remote ID equipment inside an FAA-recognized identification area, a FRIA (89.115(b)). For the module and FRIA options, the person at the controls must see the aircraft at all times.

A module must broadcast directly from the aircraft from takeoff to shutdown, must be checked as working before takeoff, and the aircraft must land as soon as practicable if the broadcast stops.

Sources: 14 CFR 89.110 · 14 CFR 89.115 · AC 107-2A, 5.17.3

What the regulation says

14 CFR 89.115(b)

Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person may operate an unmanned aircraft without remote identification equipment only if all of the following conditions are met:

AC 107-2A, 5.17.3 Small unmanned aircraft without remote identification

Small unmanned aircraft that are not standard remote identification unmanned aircraft may operate in one of two ways: the small unmanned aircraft may be equipped with a remote identification broadcast module, or the small unmanned aircraft may be operated within an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA)

Sources: 14 CFR 89.115(b) · AC 107-2A, 5.17.3 Small unmanned aircraft without remote identification

Exam traps

  • A broadcast module must broadcast its message elements directly from the unmanned aircraft from takeoff to shutdown.
  • Before takeoff, the person manipulating the flight controls must ensure the broadcast module is functioning.
  • If the aircraft stops broadcasting in flight, the person manipulating the flight controls must land it as soon as practicable.
  • The broadcast module's serial number must be on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance, and on the Certificate of Aircraft Registration or in a notice of identification.

Try it: practice questions

Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.

Practice question 1

Which of these is NOT an acceptable way to meet the Part 89 Remote ID requirement?

  1. A Flying with an FAA-accepted Remote ID broadcast module attached.
  2. B Transmitting ADS-B Out from the drone.
  3. C Flying a standard Remote ID drone.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Transmitting ADS-B Out from the drone.

14 CFR 89.125: ADS-B Out cannot be used to comply with Remote ID. Part 107 also prohibits operating with ADS-B Out in transmit mode unless authorized by the Administrator (107.53). The three compliance routes are standard Remote ID (89.110), a broadcast module (89.115(a)), or flying inside a FRIA (89.115(b)).

FAA sources: 14 CFR 89.125 · 14 CFR 107.53 · faa.gov Remote ID: three ways to comply

Practice question 2

When you fly using a Remote ID broadcast module, which additional operating condition applies?

  1. A The person manipulating the flight controls must be able to see the drone at all times.
  2. B The drone must stay within 400 feet of the take-off point.
  3. C A visual observer must be used.
Show the answer
Answer: A. The person manipulating the flight controls must be able to see the drone at all times.

14 CFR 89.115(a)(2)(ii): with a broadcast module, the person manipulating the flight controls must be able to see the unmanned aircraft at all times. Before takeoff they must also make sure the module is working (89.115(a)(3)).

FAA source: 14 CFR 89.115(a)(2)-(3)

Practice question 3

For older drones that are not remote ID compliant, how can a remote pilot comply with part 89?

  1. A Equip the aircraft with a remote ID broadcast module.
  2. B You must purchase a new drone to comply with Part 89.
  3. C Older drones are grandfathered in and don’t need to comply with Part 89.
Show the answer
Answer: A. Equip the aircraft with a remote ID broadcast module.

FAA source: 14 CFR 89.115(a)(1)(i)

Can I fly an older drone that has no Remote ID?

Yes, but only inside an FAA-recognized identification area, with the aircraft and the person at the controls both within its boundaries and the aircraft in sight, unless you add a broadcast module.

Source: 14 CFR 89.115(b)

Can the FAA allow flights with no Remote ID at all?

Only in set cases. 89.105 applies unless the Administrator authorizes otherwise, and 89.120 lets the Administrator authorize flights solely for aeronautical research or to show compliance with regulations.

Sources: 14 CFR 89.105 · 14 CFR 89.120

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