North America
United States
FAA — Part 107 (professional use) and recreational rules
In the United States, recreational flight requires passing the free TRUST test and FAA registration of the drone; commercial flight requires the Part 107 certificate. Rules change significantly near airports and national parks.
400 feet (≈122 m) above ground, the standard limit for both recreational and Part 107 flight.
FAA registration mandatory (FAADroneZone) for drones between 250 g and 25 kg, with an ID visible on the drone.
Recreational flight: free online TRUST test. Commercial flight: Remote Pilot Part 107 certificate (paid exam).
Not required under federal law, but often demanded for commercial use or on private/BLM land.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: All NPS national parks ban drone takeoff/landing/flight; LAANC authorization is required near airports. Use the B4UFLY app for real-time airspace.
Verify officially before flying
Source: FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
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 States, the official reference remains FAA — Federal Aviation Administration, also via B4UFLY. FAA registration mandatory (FAADroneZone) for drones between 250 g and 25 kg, with an ID visible on the drone.
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 FAA — Federal Aviation Administration, also via B4UFLY. Recreational flight: free online TRUST test. Commercial flight: Remote Pilot Part 107 certificate (paid exam).
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.