Europe
United Kingdom
UK CAA rules (post-Brexit, EASA-like model)
The United Kingdom no longer applies the EU regulation but a very similar system run by the CAA: the Open category with A1/A2/A3 subcategories and the same altitude limit, with registration through the British portal instead of the European one.
An Operator ID (£12.34/year) and a Flyer ID (free online theory exam) are needed for drones ≥250 g, via the CAA register-drones portal. Source: caa.co.uk.
Flyer ID mandatory (free online test); A2 CofC for reduced distances from people.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Central London, royal parks and sites such as Stonehenge are forbidden or heavily restricted; use the Drone Assist app to check airspace.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The Operator ID fee (£12.34/year) is confirmed on caa.co.uk; the exact camera-weight threshold under 250g and no-fly-zone details were not re-confirmed directly in this check.
Verify officially before flying
Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
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 United Kingdom, the official reference remains UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), also via Drone Assist. An Operator ID (£12.34/year) and a Flyer ID (free online theory exam) are needed for drones ≥250 g, via the CAA register-drones portal. Source: caa.co.uk.
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 UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), also via Drone Assist. Flyer ID mandatory (free online test); A2 CofC for reduced distances from people.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.