Change Name on Drone Registration in the UK

When You Need to Update Your Name

Life events such as marriage, civil partnership, divorce, or a legal name change via deed poll all require you to update the name held on your CAA drone registration. The Civil Aviation Authority expects your registration details to reflect your current legal name at all times.

Common reasons for a name change on your drone registration include:

• Marriage or civil partnership — taking a new surname
• Divorce — reverting to a previous surname
• Deed poll — changing your name for any personal reason
• Gender Recognition Certificate — updating your name as part of the legal process
• Correcting a spelling error made during initial registration

Regardless of the reason, the process is straightforward and handled entirely through the CAA online portal.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Name

The CAA manages all drone registrations through its dedicated online system. Here is the process to follow:

1. Go to register-drones.caa.co.uk and log in with your existing credentials
2. Navigate to your profile or account settings section
3. Locate the name fields and enter your updated legal name
4. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation depending on the nature of the change
5. Submit the update and save a copy of the confirmation for your records

The entire process typically takes only a few minutes. Your Operator ID number and Flyer ID number remain unchanged — only the name associated with those IDs is updated.

Supporting Documentation You May Need

Depending on the type of name change, the CAA may request you to verify the change with appropriate documentation. While many simple updates can be made directly through the portal, it helps to have the following ready:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate — for surname changes after marriage
• Deed poll document — if you changed your name by deed poll (enrolled or unenrolled)
• Decree absolute or final order — for reverting to a maiden name after divorce
• Gender Recognition Certificate — if applicable

Keep copies of whatever documentation you submit. If the online portal does not allow you to upload documents directly, the CAA may ask you to email them separately. There is no fee charged for updating your name on either your Flyer ID or Operator ID.

What Else to Update After a Name Change

Changing your name on your CAA drone registration is only one part of the picture. To remain fully compliant and properly covered, you should also update your name on the following:

• Drone insurance policy — contact your insurer to update your policyholder name. Flying with insurance in your old name could create complications during a claim
• Any CAA operational authorisations — if you hold permissions under the Specific category, these should reflect your current name
• GVC or other training certificates — contact the training provider that issued your qualification
• Drone labels — while the Operator ID number stays the same, ensure any labels referencing your name are updated

Updating all records at the same time prevents mismatches that could cause confusion during an inspection or insurance claim.

Business and Organisation Name Changes

If your drone is registered under a business or organisation name rather than a personal name, the process differs slightly. Sole traders who change their trading name can usually update this through the portal. However, if the registration is held by a limited company or other organisation type, you may need to contact the CAA directly to arrange the update.

Situations that typically require direct CAA contact include:

• Company name change registered at Companies House
• Transfer of registration from one organisation to another
• Change from personal registration to business registration (or vice versa)

In all cases, the Operator ID number itself does not change. Only the name associated with it is updated in the CAA system.

Keep a Record of the Change

After completing your name update, take these steps to protect yourself:

• Screenshot your updated registration details showing both your new name and your existing Operator ID and Flyer ID
• Save any confirmation emails from the CAA
• Update the physical or digital label on your drone if it displays your name
• Note the date of the change in your flight log or records

Having a clear paper trail shows that you acted promptly and responsibly. The CAA does not impose a specific deadline for updating your name, but doing so as soon as practicable after the legal change is considered best practice and keeps your registration fully valid.