North America
Canada
Transport Canada — Basic/Advanced/Level 1 Complex system
Canada has a very structured framework: multi-level pilot certification and mandatory registration for drones above 250 g. Since November 2025 a new tier has been introduced for low-risk beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
400 feet AGL, standard for Basic and Advanced operations.
Mandatory for drones 250 g-25kg, fee 5 CAD, via the Drone Management Portal, before the first flight.
Basic Pilot Certificate (free online exam, minimum age 14) or Advanced/Level 1 Complex, depending on distance from people, airspace and beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Minimum distance 30 m from people for Basic operations; NAV CANADA authorization required for controlled airspace.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Corrected an error: the Basic exam is free, not 10 CAD (the only cost is the 5 CAD registration fee). Also confirmed the new Level 1 Complex tier for low-risk BVLOS operations, fully in force since 4 November 2025.
Verify officially before flying
Source: Transport Canada
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Canada, the official reference remains Transport Canada, also via NAV Drone / NRC Drone Site Selection Tool. Mandatory for drones 250 g-25kg, fee 5 CAD, via the Drone Management Portal, before the first flight.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by Transport Canada, also via NAV Drone / NRC Drone Site Selection Tool. Basic Pilot Certificate (free online exam, minimum age 14) or Advanced/Level 1 Complex, depending on distance from people, airspace and beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
Other countries in North America
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.